About Bankside
Bankside is one of London’s most important cultural riverside areas, located along the south bank of the Thames between London Bridge, Southwark and Blackfriars. It is known for Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, riverside walks, historic lanes, restaurants, hotels and views across to St Paul’s Cathedral and the City. The area has a long history as a place of entertainment, theatre, industry and riverside activity. Today, Bankside combines historic character with major cultural attractions. Tate Modern is one of the world’s leading modern art galleries, while Shakespeare’s Globe connects the area with Elizabethan theatre and literary history. The Millennium Bridge links Bankside directly with St Paul’s Cathedral, creating one of London’s most famous walking routes. Bankside is popular with tourists, office workers, students, families and culture lovers. The Thames Path is especially attractive, offering scenic routes toward Borough Market, London Bridge, South Bank and Waterloo. Restaurants, pubs, cafés and hotels make the area active throughout the day. Bankside is cultural, historic and highly walkable. It is ideal for art, theatre, photography, riverside dining and sightseeing, offering one of the most memorable visitor experiences in Southwark.