London on foot: a property walk along the Southbank

It’s not only a popular spot for Londoners; with Waterloo train station on the doorstep it’s also easily accessible for those living in the countryside and seaside villages to the southwest of the capital.

Our walk begins at the south end of Westminster Bridge. From here you can see Big Ben and the historic Houses of Parliament on the other side of the river. To walk towards Southbank you’ll need to turn right along the Thames Path, passing one of London’s most famous, and more recent, landmarks: the London Eye. Next to the observation wheel is Jubilee Gardens, a public park created in 1977 to mark 25 years of the late Queen’s reign.

Set behind Jubilee Gardens is Southbank Place, a mixed-use development across four buildings. With apartments benefitting from fantastic river views, there’s also a variety of places to eat and drink. You could buy a coffee from Gail’s to take with you on your walk or sit down in the sunshine at Joe & The Juice in the new Casson Square piazza. This is the perfect people-watching vantage point to soak in the sense of local community and neighbourhood that the Southbank has to offer.

Carrying on along the river path you’ll reach the first of several arts venues along this stretch of the Thames, the Southbank Centre – Europe’s largest centre for the arts, easily spotted as it’s bright yellow. You’ll then pass Waterloo Bridge and the National Theatre. As you’re heading in that direction you could stop off for some wine or small plates at Forza Wine Bar, taking in some lovely views, or enjoy some modern British cuisine at Lasdun – both a few minutes’ walk from Southbank Place at the National Theatre.

Next you’ll see Gabriel’s Wharf, a former garage site that has been turned into a popular collection of independent restaurants and shops. A little further on is the OXO tower which has shops, galleries and a restaurant with amazing views of the city.

After heading under Blackfriars Bridge you’ll reach Tate Modern, home to the nation’s largest collection of art dating from the 1900s. From here you can see views of St Paul’s Cathedral, as well as the Millennium Bridge, designed to look like it’s twisted.

Beyond the bridge is Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, a reconstruction of the Elizabethan playhouse and the only thatched roof permitted in London since the Great Fire of London in 1666. Audience members have the option of standing in the yard up close and personal with the stage or sitting in the covered galleries. 

A great finishing point for your bankside walk is Borough Market which can be found at London Bridge. This is the largest and oldest food market in London dating back to the 12th century. There’s something for everyone here, from fresh produce and flowers to a sit-down meal. My favourite restaurants are Agora and Oma, both offering modern Mediterranean/Greek cuisine - with the latter recently being awarded a Michelin Star. Whatever you choose you’ll definitely have earned it after your riverside walk.

The Southbank and Waterloo also have a commitment to becoming net-zero neighbourhoods by 2030, forming part of a vision for the area to be more inclusive, greener and healthier through the introduction of 30,000 sq m of new public space, 20 new enhanced station entrances and over 6,000 new jobs.