Discover
The Southbank Centre
The UK's biggest arts centre can be found in the heart of South Bank - made up of five unique venues.
There’s always something to see and do at Southbank Centre, the bustling arts centre by the river Thames. See shows and exhibitions, take part in vibrant festivals, and look out for free music and events. Enjoy a drink or a meal in one of the many bars and restaurants or soak up the atmosphere at the iconic Royal Festival Hall.
In addition to the Royal Festival Hall, the expansive site includes Hayward Gallery (scheduled to reopen in 2018), Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Rooms and the Poetry Library.
The arts centre hosts a festival programme of over 5000 events every year across the genres of art, theatre, dance, classical and contemporary music, literature and debate. For 2017, Southbank Centre places a focus Nordic art and culture - find out more about sustainable food and communal singing, hygge and saunas, paternity leave and the struggle for gender equality.
did you know?
- Southbank Centre was built in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain, an idea put forward by the Labour Government as a ‘Tonic to the Nation’ following the ravages of the Second World War.
- Royal Festival Hall was the first post-war building to become Grade 1 listed and the only building to survive from the Festival of Britain.
- Their packed programme promotes over 5000 events every year, taking place across their 85,000m2 site.
- A beautiful garden sits on the roof of the Queen Elizabeth Hall, filled with wild flowers, vegetable patches...and a bar.
where
is it?
southbank centre
Belvedere Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 8XX
We Think You'll like
Morley College
A free gallery space and a host of exciting events and talks all year round.
Zip World London
Soar through the London skyline from a height of 35 meters experiencing never-before-seen views of London!
G11
Discover this new gallery gem in Oxo Tower Wharf.
Riverside Walkway
Take a stroll along South Bank's leafy riverside.
The Green Room
A new dining destination located behind the National Theatre.
gallery@oxo
gallery@oxo showcases a varied programme of photography, contemporary design, architecture and issue-based exhibitions.
City Cruises
The No.1 sightseeing tour on the Thames - choose from afternoon tea, sundowner and even Elvis cruises.
MBNA Thames Clippers
Stylish river fleet, running every 20 minutes between key London piers.
Art of the Brick
New to South Bank is Art of the Brick - the world's largest collection of super-hero LEGO sculptures.
Jubilee Gardens
Jubilee Gardens is a beautifully landscaped park situated in the heart of South Bank, behind the London Eye.
Gillray's Steakhouse & Bar
South Bank's premier steak restaurant and cocktail bar.
Drawing Room
Secret bar in the BFI Southbank (behind the bookcase!)
Caffe Vergnano 1882
Classic Italian cooking, piping hot coffee and more to be found in this cafe and restaurant
Kitchen National Theatre
Kitchen is National Theatre's all-day cafe.
Mondrian London
Seductive and striking, Mondrian London brings a bold new energy to London's South Bank, blending the style and sophistication of the boutique brand with South Bank’s artistic vibe.
National Theatre
The internationally-renowned venue presents new writing, classics, comedies and musicals.
BFI Southbank
A four-screen cinema venue showing a huge selection of classic and contemporary films.
IWM London
IWM London tells the stories of those whose lives have been shaped by war through the depth, breadth and impact of their Galleries, displays and events.