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Things to do in South Bank

Our most recommended things to do in South Bank

London: River Thames Speed Boat Tour

1. London: River Thames Speed Boat Tour

Experience a wild and fantastic River Thames boat cruise that is fun for all ages. You will climb aboard a high-speed vessel that offers non-traditional views of England's capital at speeds of up to 30 knots. You will be given a full safety briefing and a life jacket - just in case! Named by leading listings magazine Time Out as a "must-do" experience, both visitors and residents of London will be thrilled with this outing. Speed under the capital’s bridges, and marvel at landmarks such as the London Eye, Houses of Parliament and South Bank from an exclusive vantage point. Music floats through the air via the onboard sound system, as you power out toward the Docklands. High-brow banter is provided by an award-winning comedian guide, whose cheery anecdotes include narration about the headquarters of MI5 and the modern skyscrapers of Canary Wharf.

London: River Thames Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise

2. London: River Thames Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise

Explore the River Thames as it weaves through the heart of London and discover fascinating history around every bend. Today, you can experience the splendor of this great city from the relaxed comfort of a modern, all-weather and wheelchair-friendly sightseeing boat. Informative commentary interlaced with colorful tales of the city's past will keep your mind engaged as you cruise down the Thames! Cruises depart frequently from Westminster Pier, Greenwich Pier, London Eye Pier, and Tower Pier, sailing every day of the year except Christmas Day. With a regular timetable, and evening cruises all summer, you can enjoy a full-day on the river in comfort. Hop on and off the boat as many times as you wish to explore sights such as the Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern, Borough Market, South Bank Centre, and the London Eye. Or grab a refreshment from the on-board bar and relax as you sail past Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Bridge, the Royal Festival Hall, Cleopatra's Needle, Somerset House, the Millennium Footbridge, Shakespeare's Globe, Monument, H.M.S.Belfast, and much more. During the festive season from December to January, all boats will be decorated and kids will get Christmas coloring sheet and pencils to keep them entertained while parents relax by sipping on a cup of mulled wine and a mince pie from our fully stocked bar. 'Tis the season to be jolly!

London: Private Photoshoot at London Eye and South Bank

3. London: Private Photoshoot at London Eye and South Bank

Turn your visit into a memory that will last a lifetime with a photoshoot session at London's beautiful South Bank and in front of the London Eye. Let your professional photographer who knows all the best angles take snapshots of you outside this stunning landmark. Meet your photographer for your candid photographs. Bring your smile and follow the instructions of your professional photographer to get some great shots. Enjoy the thrill of taking a private photo shoot in the heart of London City. Get your picture taken alone or with the special people in your life. You will be sent a personal link to your pictures within 24 hours. View and download the high-resolution images on your own device.

London: Vintage Bus Tour and London Eye Ticket

4. London: Vintage Bus Tour and London Eye Ticket

Travel back in time on a 4-hour tour of London. The combined sightseeing tour includes a ride on a vintage double-decker Routemaster bus and a short trip along the River Thames. End your excursion with spectacular views of the city from one of the panoramic pods of the London Eye. Head off for a tour of the city onboard a vintage double-decker bus. Pass historic attractions such as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London. Admire Sir Christopher Wren’s iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral. Swap land for water and take a short trip along the River Thames, looking out for Shakespeare’s Globe, HMS Belfast, London Bridge, and much more. Back on dry land, re-join the bus and head for Buckingham Palace, home to the British royal family. On the morning tour, you'll arrive in time to see the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, as soldiers dressed in their iconic uniforms march to military music. If there is no Changing of the Guard, you'll have a photo stop at the palace instead. Complete your London excursion with spectacular views across London’s rooftops as you enjoy a complete circuit of the London Eye, the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel. Settle into one of the 32 high-tech glass capsules, which take approximately 30 minutes to revolve entirely. See Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey from a unique, elevated perspective.

London: City Center Smartphone Audio Guide

5. London: City Center Smartphone Audio Guide

Explore the beautiful city center of London at your own pace. This self-guided audio tour will take you to all the well-known spots and undiscovered gems of London. The audio guide will tell you all the historical and current ins and outs of each place. London, who does not know this extraordinary city? This is one of the most visited cities in the world and that is more than logical. In London you will find impressive sights, from The Tower of London to Southwark Cathedral. Discover these sights during an audio tour along the most beautiful places, but also along undiscovered gems. You will take a look at St. Paul's Cathedral, admire Tower Bridge and walk along The Queen's Walk. In addition, you will spot the most impressive surviving warships from World War II and find a large glass, steel pickle in the City of London. London has something for everyone and is the ideal city for a city walk. Get out and explore your own part of London! Go on a journey of discovery with your self-guided audio tour and get to know London and its history in a unique way.

Full-Day London Sightseeing Tour – Historic & Modern

6. Full-Day London Sightseeing Tour – Historic & Modern

Compare and contrast medieval and modern London on a full-day sightseeing tour of some of the city’s most iconic attractions. Departing from the Victoria district near Buckingham Palace, you will take a whistle-stop tour of London’s famous monuments, and stop to visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. Have your cameras at the ready as you drive past Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. Gaze across the river at the London Eye and the South Bank. Drive down streets lined with architecture from all eras, from the white Portland stone buildings of Belgravia, to the glass-and-steel skyscrapers of the City of London. Towering high over the City is Sir Christopher Wren’s magnificent St. Paul’s Cathedral, widely considered to be his masterpiece. You will jump off the coach to enter the quire, and marvel at the cathedral’s beautiful mosaics. Another highlight of your tour will be the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, held daily at 11:00 AM. Watch the mounted sentries in their red tunics and bearskins perform one of the oldest of the royals’ ceremonies. Then continue the history theme at the Tower of London. The former royal palace and prison’s 1,000 year history will come to life as you take an exclusive walk with a Yeoman Warder, more fondly known as a “Beefeater.” Hear the story of the peasants’ revolt and the assault on the Tower in 1381, the military cunning used to ensure the safety of the monarch within, and how the Tower’s architecture protects it from attack. Finally, swap land for water and cruise down the River Thames. Enjoy panoramic views of London’s riverside attractions, such as the Globe Theater, Tower Bridge, Houses of Parliament, City Hall, and Big Ben. Your full-day adventure ends at Embankment Pier at around 18:00, putting you close to the heart of London’s theater district, Soho, and Chinatown.

Great British Food Tour: South Bank and Borough Market

7. Great British Food Tour: South Bank and Borough Market

London is known for its diverse and delicious food scene, and that is evident in the markets that can be found all over the city. On this tour, you will taste plenty of delicious treats from Great Britain and discover the landmarks along the South Bank and River Thames. You will begin your tour along the South Bank which follows the River Thames, stopping at renowned landmarks such as Shakespeare’s Globe, The Anchor Pub and eventually arriving at Borough Market. On either a private tour or in a small group you will discover the South Bank and Borough Market. You will nibble, taste and try food all along the route such as British favorites like scones and pies, while also learning unusual facts and stories about this incredible part of town and its famous landmarks. You will also stop at at traditional British pubs to sample unique ales and beers.

London: Westminster Walking Tour & London Dungeon Entry

8. London: Westminster Walking Tour & London Dungeon Entry

Start with a walking tour of the Westminster area, where your tour guide will escort you to 20 different famous sites. Head through Green Park to Buckingham Palace, admiring the well-manicured trees and flowers along the way. At the palace, watch the world-famous Changing of the Guard Ceremony. Afterward, your tour continues as you see 17 other iconic London sights such as Downing Street, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. Then, head into the London Dungeon and prepare to be scared. Explore a uniquely thrilling attraction that will whisk you way back to the capital's perilous past. Walk through London's plague-ridden streets. Witness Guy Fawkes as he attempts to blow up Parliament. See Jack the Ripper's horrific Whitechapel. Explore haunting exhibits and sets in the vast underground vaults of County Hall on the South Bank. Watch talented actors bring history to life as they perform in shows with outrageous special effects. Ride the London Dungeon's 2 exciting thrill rides.  During your tour you will see 20 famous landmarks in 1 day, these include: Buckingham Palace, St James Palace, Changing of the Guard, Queen Victoria Fountain, Green Park (Royal park), St James's Park (Royal Park), Admiralty Arch, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, The Royal Horse Guard, Horse Guard Parade, Downing Street, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Parliament Square, and the London Eye.

London: Private Personalized Tour with a Local Host

9. London: Private Personalized Tour with a Local Host

Prepare to be amazed by London on this totally customized experience of the city. With your host, discover that this city is more than a place but a feeling.  You'll be paired with guides that are passionate about the place they call home and who choose to spend their free time sharing it with like-minded travelers matched to them. Wander through the tangle of streets and alleys to the city center and breathe in the rich aroma of coffee and delicious food wafting up from nearby cafes and street vendors.  At every turn, find pieces of London's rich history as you explore the city's iconic landmarks and attractions. Explore the cultural diversity of Westminster, one of London's super unique neighborhoods with an interesting balance of ancient history and modern living. Think hipsters, goths, and punks walking past Parliament.  Perhaps you see yourself taking a leisurely stroll along Southbank and being in awe of London Bridge. Browse the myriad of contemporary shops and designer boutiques, rock out at independent music venue, or indulge in the city's delicious food culture at one of its street food markets.

London: Classic Highlights Electric Bike Tour

10. London: Classic Highlights Electric Bike Tour

Discover some of the most renowned spots of London on a guided e-bike tour. Explore the city in an environmentally-friendly way and learn about the Westminster and City of London area's history and culture with a guide. Travel all the way from the Houses of Parliament to the Tower of London. Begin in South London, where you will pick up your electric bike and helmet. Head to the political heart of the United Kingdom, Parliament Square. Then, cycle to the home of the British Monarchy, Buckingham Palace, and the King's official London residence. Continue to Trafalgar Square, a must-see for any visitor to London. Hear about the area's history and traditions that make Westminster the epicenter of modern-day London. See Nelson's Column and the 4 lion statues guarding it. From Westminster, cycle east along a cycle highway that runs adjacent to the River Thames, offering spectacular views of the waterfront and other landmarks such as the London Eye. Enjoy several stopping points to take photos, hear stories, and ask questions. In the second half of the tour, you will explore the City of London, the financial and economic hub of the United Kingdom. As you journey by electric bike, pass by sights including St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Guildhall, The Bank of England, and The Tower of London. Uncover stories of London with your guide and end your tour just a short walk from Waterloo Station and the beautiful South Bank, a great spot for lunch or a drink afterward.

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What people are saying about South Bank

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 3,319 reviews

The guy loved the session, he made me super friendly, we moved through different areas and at different angles, he was very friendly, I recommend, they are great professionals and very nice.

Excellent commentary on sites along the river. Entertaining. Sufficient bar set up for our cruising purposes.

Totally worth the time, and an excellent price point!!! We enjoyed our tour, it’s an easy walk.

Everything as stated was correct. No problems and would recommend

Excellent!! Wonderful experience and very exciting