Southbank Centre

The Southbank Centre is a world-famous arts centre on the South Bank of the Thames. Created in 1951 for the Festival of Britain, Southbank Centre draws on its heritage as a festival site with theatre, music, film, art and activities inside and outside. The area is always buzzing with activity, thanks to the many cafés, bars, restaurants, shops, stalls, buskers and events.

Southbank Centre occupies a 21-acre site in the midst of London’s vibrant cultural quarter on the south bank of the River Thames. The Southbank Centre includes the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, the Hayward Gallery and the National Poetry Library.

Visitor information:

Regular events: 

• Theatre tours
• Workshops
• Activities for kids
• Winter Market
• Underbelly Festival in the summer

Website: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/

Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX

Nearest pier: Festival (Pink Route)

Nearest tube: Embankment

• Northern Line (Charing Cross branch)
• District Line
• Circle Line
• Bakerloo Line

Useful to know: 

• You don’t have to be a culture vulture to enjoy the South Bank. There’s so much going on, it’s great to simply walk along the river and enjoy the atmosphere.
• If budget is an issue, search for the many free events and workshops offered by the venues that make up the Southbank Centre. Use the ‘free events’ filter on the What’s On search facility.