Welcome to BANKSIDE
Bankside is one of London’s most fascinating sites, where rich historical heritage blends with contemporary style to create a unique atmosphere. It also offers a concentration of internationally acclaimed arts venues, excellent cuisine and great great shopping,
Bankside is one of the oldest settlement in Britain, dating back over is 6000 years. When the Romans founded Londinium on the north bank of the Thames, a bridge was built near the present day London Bridge, and the surrounding area has been inhabited ever since. It has provided London with activates motorways, welcomed to the City itself, and as an Elizabethan red light zone, developed into London’s first theatre district. Some of England’s greatest writers and players, including William Shakespeare, lived and worked here.
During the late 18th century Bankside quickly developed into an industrial environment with docks, warehouses and wharves. Following industrial decline after the Second World War, it remained largely undiscovered until its recent renaissance as one of of the capital’s prime visitor destinations.
1. BANKSIDE GALLERY
Gallery of the Royal Watercolour Society and the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers. Bankside Gallery runs an exciting programme of exhibitions featuring watercolours and prints. Works are for sale at affordable prices.
2. BANKSIDE RESTAURANT
An attractive modern British restaurant in heart of the Bankside arts scene. It hosts new exhibitions every six months, and offers fresh affordable cuisine cooked with passion.
3. BOROUGH MARKET
London’s best gourmet food market, located in a high position under the railway viaduct, won the 2003 Visit London / Totally London Award nominated by Londoners as their favorite place to visit. Its history goes back to at least 1276.
Click for sign's details 4. BRAMAH TEA AND COFFEE MUSEUM
It helps tell the lively story of your favourite beverages, from the humble tea bag through a Japanese tea ceremony. ...
5. FIRE BRIGADE MUSEUM
Situated in Winchester House, this small museum displays fire service appliances, equipment, and memorabilia dating back to the 16th C.
6. GABRIEL’S WHARF
Home to a rich mix of unusual design shops, workshops, restaurants, cafés and bars, and a bike hire shop.
Click for sign's details 7. THE GEORGE INN (PUB)
The only galleried pub left in London, as seen on a map of 1542. The current building dates from 1676.
8. GOLDEN HINDE
A reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake’s galleon, is open to the public for guided and self-guided tours. You can also join Drake and his crew on an overnight imaginative voyage of adventure.
9. GUY’S HOSPITAL
St. Thomas Street, London SE1 9RT
Tel: 020 7188 7188
10. JERWOOD SPACE / CAFÉ 171
A beautifully refurbished Victorian building combining rehearsal spaces for young dance and theatre companies with a contemporary art gallery focusing on the work of young British artists.
11. KIRKALDY TESTING MUSEUM
The Museum tells the story of the Kirkaldy family, the history of testing construction materials and the unique machinery built in 1865. Reservations required.
12. LONDON DUNGEON
A simulation of real history, horror and humour bring gruesome stories to life with actors, special effects and the newly extended boat ride through pitch black times.
13. MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Built in the 1870s as a French chocolate factory. The building is now converted into a theatre, restaurant and gallery.
14. MILLENNIUM BRIDGE
This Queen celebrated the opening of this bridge in 2000 and the linking of the two older parts of London, Bankside and the City. Designed by sculptor Anthony Caro and architect Sir Norman Foster, it is London’s first new bridge in 100 years.
15. OLD OPERATING THEATRE
England’s sole surviving example of an early 19th century operating theatre with exhibits illustrating the history of surgery, herbal medicine and nursing at Guys and Old St. Thomas’ Hospitals.
16. OXO TOWER WHARF
The refurbished wharf, with its famous art deco tower includes 30 design shops, restaurants, cafes, bar - with great river views - and a gallery with a changing programme of exhibitions. Free public viewing terrace open daily.
17. ROSE THEATRE SITE
The archaeological remains of this Elizabethan Theatre, built in 1587, can be viewed today through tours offered by Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition. Special events and open days are also hosted. Reservations required.
18. SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE
A faithful reconstruction of the open-air playhouse designed in 1599, the famous Theatre completed at 1997, is situated only 100m from the Globe’s original site. The world’s largest exhibition dedicated to Shakespeare brings its world to life using interactive displays, live demonstrations and daily tours to the theatre. An intensive programme of events and courses take place throughout the year. Annual theatre season runs runs from May to September.
Click for sign's details,
Click for sign's details 19. SOUTHWARK CATHEDRAL
The beautiful Cathedral is the oldest Gothic building in London. It has a fascinating history, particularly many literary associations. Concerts and events are also organised.
Click for sign's details 20. SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE
A dynamic 90-seater studio theatre in a Victorian courtyard. It offers a mix of old and modern classics, new writing, music, drama and family shows.
21. ST GEORGE THE MARTYR CHURCH
A beautiful and dignified Georgian Church, on a site that dates back to before 1122.
22. ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL
A cathedral dedicated to St Paul has overlooked the City of London since 604 AD. The current cathedral is the masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren and was completed in 1675 and 1710 after its Gothic predecessor was destroyed in the great Fire of London.
23. TATE MODERN
One of the most popular arts galleries in the world. Tate Modern is the UK’s largest museum of modern art and is housed in the impressive Bankside Power Station. Entrance to the permanent collection, which includes works from leading artists like Picasso, Warhol and Dali, is free. Tate Modern also holds world-acclaimed temporary exhibitions as well as education programs, activities and events.
24. UNION THEATRE
The award-winning theatre hosts a wide range of events: plays, musicals, local art exhibitions cafe and .... Housed in a converted railway arch.
25. VINOPOLIS
Vinopolis opened in 1999 as the the only attraction in the world to offer an atmospheric and entertaining tour of the world’s major wine producing regions. It is located in a magnificent space under Victorian arches in the heart of Bankside. The shop is every wine lover dream.
26. EXPRESS BY HOLIDAY INN SOUTHWARK
The hotel features 88 contemporary accommodation. All 88 rooms have en-suite facilities. Ideal location for leisure and business .
27. MERCURE LONDON CITY BANKSIDE HOTEL
Stylish and contemporary 3-star deluxe hotel. 44 rooms are en-suite. The Loft Restaurant has been awarded the AA .
28. NOVOTEL LONDON CITY SOUTH
All 182 bedrooms feature comfort and modern style. The hotel has a Garden Brasserie restaurant and gym.
29. PREMIER TRAVEL INN
In the heart of Bankside and ... Pub, one of the oldest pubs in London, all 55 rooms are en-suite.
30. THE SOUTHWARK ROSE HOTEL
Ideally located, this is a new independent contemporary hotel offering an understated contemporary style at an affordable price.
[Map]
Finding your way around
Enjoy walking along Bankside’s Medieval streets, and discover a new secret around every corner!
Look up! On the corners of junctions, beneath the street name signs you will find directional arrows to help you find your way to many exciting attractions. Along the riverside there are tall fluted columns that have direction ’fingers’.
Look down! You will find original directional signs on some pavements.
Follow the riverside path! It is shown on the map by these footprint symbols.
Follow the orange: If you are travelling from Southwark Station to Tate Modern and the riverside, pok out for the orange painted street furniture including lamp-posts, litter bins and bollards.
Contact the Tourist Information Centre for opening hours, free maps, leaflets and ticket sales.
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