Bankside Area Guide

A cultural and creative neighbourhood set in one of the oldest areas of London 

Looking for a vibrant and historic neighbourhood? Bankside is the perfect destination. This riverside area, dating back over 6,000 years to Roman Londinium, lies along the River Thames between London Bridge and the Southbank, offering excellent transport links and a thriving cultural and culinary scene.

Home to some of London’s most famous landmarks, Bankside boasts renowned cultural venues like Shakespeare's Globe and the Tate Modern, along with trendy eateries and picturesque riverside views. Whether you're enjoying bustling food markets, relaxing in green spaces, or indulging in riverside pubs and award-winning restaurants, there's something for everyone. You can also take a scenic walk into the heart of the City of London via the Millennium Bridge or explore the iconic South Bank along the Thames.

Things to do in SE1:

• Borough Market – Just a short walk away, this renowned food market is a must-visit for gourmet delights, fresh produce, and artisanal goods.
• Gabriel's Wharf – A charming collection of independent shops, cafés, and art galleries along the South Bank, offering unique finds and local crafts.
• Southbank Centre Market – A bustling market offering a range of handmade goods, jewellery, and artisan food.
• Bankside Gallery – This gallery offers a selection of contemporary works from the Royal Watercolour Society and the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers for art lovers.

Culture

• Shakespeare's Globe – A world-renowned theatre offering performances of Shakespeare's plays and other classics in an authentic, open-air setting.
• Tate Modern – One of the world's most celebrated modern art galleries, housed in a former power station, offering free entry to a vast collection of contemporary artworks.
• The Tate Exchange – An interactive space within the Tate Modern for engaging with artists and taking part in live art projects and events.
• London Eye - A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering stunning panoramic views of the city.
• Royal Festival Hall - A renowned concert hall famous for its exceptional acoustics and diverse cultural performances.
• National Theatre - A world-class venue known for staging a wide range of innovative and classic theatrical productions.
• BFI Southbank -  a leading organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting British cinema, offering screenings, festivals, and educational programs.
• The Golden Hinde – An historic English galleon, famously used by Sir Francis Drake during his circumnavigation of the globe in the 16th century, now serving as a museum in London.
• Sea Life London Aquarium - A popular marine attraction featuring a wide variety of aquatic species and interactive exhibits.

Green Spaces

• Bankside Gardens – A peaceful, riverside green space perfect for relaxing, with lovely views of the Thames and the surrounding historic buildings.
• Jubilee Gardens – Located just a short stroll away, these well-maintained gardens offer a nice spot to enjoy a picnic with views of the London Eye and the South Bank.
• Southwark Park – A larger park further south, offering green lawns, ponds, sports facilities, and a peaceful escape from the City.

Eating Out

• The Swan at the Globe – Offering British classics with a modern twist, this restaurant has beautiful views of the Thames and is part of the Shakespeare's Globe experience.
• Dishoom – An iconic Indian restaurant serving delicious Bombay-style dishes in a beautifully designed space, not far from Bankside.
• Terry's Cafe London – An award-winning traditional English café located in the heart of Southwark.

Education

Whether seeking primary schools or universities, living in Bankside offers easy access to some of the best educational institutions in London and beyond.  The schools in the area include St. George's Cathedral Catholic School, Southwark Primary School, The Charter School and Globe Primary School.

Transport 

Bankside is well-connected, with several tube and train stations providing easy access to the rest of London. The most convenient stations for both residents and visitors include:
 

• London Bridge – Served by the Jubilee and Northern Lines, London Bridge offers quick and easy connections to the West End, the City, and other areas of London.
• Blackfriars – Just a short walk from Bankside, Blackfriars is served by the Circle, District, and Thameslink lines, making it a great choice for journeys to the City or other parts of London.
• Southwark – Located on the Jubilee Line, Southwark station provides convenient access to the West End and other key areas of London.
• Bankside Pier – A key transport hub offering river bus services along the Thames, making exploring the City from the water easy.

Property

Bankside offers a diverse range of housing options to suit different preferences, from stylish warehouse conversions and charming period properties to modern new-build apartments. Bermondsey Street, in particular, is a lively area with trendy loft-style flats, contemporary apartments, two lovely parks, and a variety of excellent eateries and bars.

New developments like the award-winning NEO Bankside, Bankside Lofts, South Bank Tower, One Blackfriars, and Bankside Yards are attracting both buyers and renters, particularly young professionals and investors, with their high-end amenities and prime locations.

The Roupell Street conservation area is another highlight, offering a "hidden" enclave of charming flat-fronted cottages that evoke the feel of Dickens' London. With its Georgian architecture, cobbled streets, and historic atmosphere, it's a popular spot for period dramas and a sought-after place to live.

Investing in Bankside presents exciting opportunities, given its prime location and strong growth potential.

Upcoming projects

SE1 is undergoing several exciting developments that will enhance its vibrant character and offer new opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Here are some notable projects:

• Bankside Yards: A significant mixed-use development comprising eight new buildings, including residential, office, and retail spaces. The first residential building, Opus, will rejuvenate the area around London Bridge station, St Thomas Street, and Borough High Street, creating new public spaces and connecting retail routes.
• Southwark Tube Station Redevelopment: Plans are underway to transform Southwark Tube Station into a mixed-use development, providing 200,000 sq ft of office space and hospitality and retail areas. This project seeks to enhance the local infrastructure and contribute to the area's growth.

If you're looking to live in this vibrant area of Bankside, contact Circa London Sales & Lettings in SE1 and one of our expert sales team will be delighted to assist.  If you're thinking of selling or letting a property in Bankside SE1, or are just curious, you can book a free no obligation valuation with our team.

Read our Bankside Boom time blog