London’s South Bank offers what is arguably the finest free riverside walk in Europe — a continuous Thames-side path connecting Tower Bridge to Westminster Bridge, lined with world-class museums, street food markets, and unbroken views of the river. This post is a companion to the YouTube walking video “VISIT LONDON! A London Walk from Tower Bridge to Big Ben along South Bank by the River Thames,” which covers this iconic route in detail. It is an ideal reference for anyone planning this london walking tour or wanting to understand what the walk passes.
About This Walking Tour
The walk begins at Tower Bridge, the Victorian bascule bridge that has spanned the Thames since 1894, with the Tower of London — a Norman fortress begun in 1078 — visible on the opposite north bank. The route then follows the South Bank westward, passing Borough Market (one of London’s oldest food markets, with records stretching back to 1014), and Southwark Cathedral (founded as a priory church in 1106, making it the oldest Gothic church building in London). The walk continues past Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre — the 1997 faithful reconstruction of the 1599 original — and the Tate Modern gallery housed in the former Bankside Power Station.
The South Bank promenade then passes the National Theatre and the BFI Southbank cinema before arriving at the South Bank’s outdoor book market under Waterloo Bridge. The walk concludes at Westminster Bridge, with direct views of the Houses of Parliament and the Elizabeth Tower (commonly known as Big Ben) on the opposite bank — one of the most photographed views in the world.
Highlights of the South Bank
The Tower of London on the north bank is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Norman fortresses in Europe. It has served as a royal palace, treasury, armoury, and prison; today it houses the Crown Jewels. Tower Bridge was completed in 1894 and its two bascules can still be raised to allow tall ships through; the glass walkway 42 metres above the river offers dramatic views. Borough Market under the railway arches of London Bridge station is one of the finest food markets in Britain, particularly strong on cheeses, charcuterie, and street food. Shakespeare’s Globe stages outdoor performances from April through October in a replica of the theatre where Shakespeare’s company performed his plays. The Tate Modern, which opened in 2000, is one of the most visited modern art galleries in the world; admission to the permanent collection is free. The Millennium Bridge connecting Tate Modern to the north bank gained unwanted fame when it oscillated under the weight of pedestrians on opening day in 2000 — it was closed for two years while damping systems were installed.
A Brief History of London’s South Bank
The South Bank was outside the City of London’s jurisdiction for most of its early history, which made it the natural location for activities the city authorities wished to keep at arm’s length: bear-baiting arenas, theatres (including Shakespeare’s first Globe, opened 1599), and prisons. The area was heavily industrialised in the 19th century. The Festival of Britain in 1951 transformed a bombed stretch of the South Bank into a cultural showcase; the Royal Festival Hall that opened for that event is still in use. The regeneration of the area in the 1990s and 2000s — culminating in the opening of Tate Modern and the Millennium Bridge — created the continuous pedestrian riverside route that exists today.
Practical Tips
London is in the GMT time zone (UTC+0, summer UTC+1). The currency is pound sterling; English is the language. The South Bank walk is entirely flat and paved, making it accessible for all fitness levels and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Start at Tower Hill station (Circle and District lines); the walk ends at Westminster station (Circle, District, and Jubilee lines). The entire route is approximately 4.5 kilometres and takes 1.5 to 2 hours at a leisurely pace. Borough Market is open Thursday through Saturday. Most South Bank attractions are free to enter.
Best Time to Visit
May through September offers the most reliable weather for this outdoor walk, with long daylight hours and outdoor cafés at their busiest. December brings Christmas markets and festive lights to the South Bank. Weekends can be very busy around Borough Market and the Tate Modern; a weekday morning walk is considerably calmer.
Watch & Explore More
The video above walks every step of this route — watch it before you go for the best orientation. For more city walks, follow @walkingtoursvideoscom. You might also enjoy Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and Amsterdam’s Canal Ring.