9 Free Things to Do in Southbank, London
From relaxed walks along the Thames to free exhibitions and family activities, there are countless affordable things to do in and around Southbank.
1.) Walk the Thames Path
The Southbank is home to the Thames Path, one of the most scenic and accessible ways to explore central London.
Strolling east takes you towards Millennium Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate Modern before reaching the iconic Tower Bridge. You can also head west while staying in the Southbank area, passing the National Theatre, Southbank Centre and the London Eye.
Cross the river for a different perspective and explore the north bank where you’ll come across landmarks such as Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London up close.
Whether it’s a morning walk or a weekend stroll, the Thames Path offers ever-changing views.
2.) Visit Tate Modern
Just moments from Southbank, the famous Tate Modern offers free access to its permanent collections. Housed in a striking former power station, it’s an architectural landmark and world-renowned gallery.
Whether visiting for a quick stop or spending a relaxed afternoon exploring the exhibitions and Turbine Hall, it remains one of the area’s standout cultural attractions.
3.) Browse around at local markets
The Southbank is home to some of London’s more popular markets. The Southbank Centre Food Market is a lively weekend spot for street food and sweet treats, while the Southbank book market, beneath Waterloo Bridge, offers rows of second-hand and vintage books.
A little further east, Borough Market is one of London’s culinary hotspots, offering a diverse selection of delicacies.
4.) Discover free events at the Southbank Centre
From outdoor performances to exhibitions and live music, the Southbank Centre regularly hosts free events, giving residents an ever-changing programme of events to enjoy throughout the year, including live music and artistic workshops.
5.) Explore the National Theatre and BFI Southbank
Two of London’s leading cultural institutions sit within easy reach of Southbank and Bankside Yards. The National Theatre offers open public spaces, riverside terraces and occasional free exhibitions, while BFI Southbank’s Reuben Library is a welcoming space to explore film culture.
Free things to do in Southbank for families
6.) Enjoy the outdoors at Jubilee Gardens
Perfect for a lovely day out with the family, the Jubilee Gardens offers open green space, seating areas and a popular children’s playground. Set beside the scenic London Eye, it’s a popular spot for spending time alongside the city’s most famous landmark.
7.) Picnic at local green spaces
Southbank’s mix of riverside seating and green spaces makes it easy to enjoy a relaxed picnic outdoors. Jubilee Gardens is a favourite, while smaller spots along the Thames provide quieter places to sit and take in the views.
It’s a perfect way to enjoy the atmosphere of the area, particularly on warmer days.
8.) Family activities at the Southbank Centre
The Southbank Centre regularly hosts creative workshops, performances and free events for all the family. These are often designed with younger children in mind, making it a valuable resource for families living locally.
9.) River Walk treasure hunt
The Thames Path naturally provides endless things to do and see. Turn a relaxed wander into a family activity by spotting bridges, boats and Southbank landmarks or by discovering street performers along the route.
It’s an easy and entertaining way to explore the area together.
Enjoy London from Bankside Yards
Living at our new Bankside Yards development places you at the heart of one of London’s most dynamic neighbourhoods. From riverside walks to famous markets and family-friendly spaces, there are many free things to do in and around Southbank – a truly exciting part of London.
Join The Community
Follow Us @banksideyards
Opus is set to complete in early 2027, the 50-storey building will provide 249 next-generation residences, which will include access to four floors of world class amenities from a Padel court to a hydrotherapy pool, screening room and co-working spaces.
To book an appointment at the Opus
Sales Gallery and to find out more,
please visit the link in our bio.
@nativeland_ltd @nativelandlifestyle
@plparchitecture @odanewyork
@enealandscapearchitecture
@multiplexconstruction_uk
@jllresidential @knightfrank
#opusbanksideyards #exclusivelaunch
#londonresidential #primecentrallondon
Opus is set to complete in early 2027, the 50-storey building will provide 249 next-generation residences, which will include access to four floors of world class amenities from a Padel court to a hydrotherapy pool, screening room and co-working spaces.
To book an appointment at the Opus
Sales Gallery and to find out more,
please visit the link in our bio.
@nativeland_ltd @nativelandlifestyle
@plparchitecture @odanewyork
@enealandscapearchitecture
@multiplexconstruction_uk
@jllresidential @knightfrank
#opusbanksideyards #exclusivelaunch
#londonresidential #primecentrallondon
Discover seasonal British ingredients and Nordic flavours, cooked over open flames at Michelin-recommended Ekstedt at The Yard, with the option of immersive chef’s table dining – just a 20-minute walk from Bankside Yards.
Find out more about Bankside Yards via the link in our bio.
@ekstedtldn
@gsy_london
#michelinguide #londonfoodguide #visitlondon #londonrestaurant
Discover seasonal British ingredients and Nordic flavours, cooked over open flames at Michelin-recommended Ekstedt at The Yard, with the option of immersive chef’s table dining – just a 20-minute walk from Bankside Yards.
Find out more about Bankside Yards via the link in our bio.
@ekstedtldn
@gsy_london
#michelinguide #londonfoodguide #visitlondon #londonrestaurant
The Mandarin Oriental at Bankside Yards, London is due to open in early 2029. This globally renowned hotel will feature 171 guest rooms alongside world-class amenities, including refined restaurants and bars, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, spa and a 25-metre swimming pool.
To find out more about Bankside Yards, please visit the link in our bio.
@nativeland_ltd
@nativelandlifestyle
@plparchitecture
@multiplexconstruction_uk
#primecentrallondon #riversideliving
#londonlifestyle #banksideyards
The Mandarin Oriental at Bankside Yards, London is due to open in early 2029. This globally renowned hotel will feature 171 guest rooms alongside world-class amenities, including refined restaurants and bars, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, spa and a 25-metre swimming pool.
To find out more about Bankside Yards, please visit the link in our bio.
@nativeland_ltd
@nativelandlifestyle
@plparchitecture
@multiplexconstruction_uk
#primecentrallondon #riversideliving
#londonlifestyle #banksideyards
Celebrate Pride in London’s city centre, just moments from Bankside Yards, where the capital comes together to celebrate culture, diversity and community.
4th July
Find out more about Bankside Yards via the link in our bio.
@prideinlondon
#PrideInLondon #LoveIsLove #thisislondon #londonwhatson
Celebrate Pride in London’s city centre, just moments from Bankside Yards, where the capital comes together to celebrate culture, diversity and community.
4th July
Find out more about Bankside Yards via the link in our bio.
@prideinlondon
#PrideInLondon #LoveIsLove #thisislondon #londonwhatson
Native Land has brought its vision to life at Level 11 of Arbor with a future-focused workspace defined by cutting-edge design and meticulous attention to detail. Spanning 13,777 sq ft of versatile fully fitted space, the light-filled interiors are designed to inspire big thinking.
Find out more about Arbor at Bankside
Yards via the link in our bio.
@plparchitecture
@multiplexconstruction_uk
@nativeland_ltd
@nativelandlifestyle
#banksideyards #architecture #sustainability #workspace #londonoffice
Native Land has brought its vision to life at Level 11 of Arbor with a future-focused workspace defined by cutting-edge design and meticulous attention to detail. Spanning 13,777 sq ft of versatile fully fitted space, the light-filled interiors are designed to inspire big thinking.
Find out more about Arbor at Bankside
Yards via the link in our bio.
@plparchitecture
@multiplexconstruction_uk
@nativeland_ltd
@nativelandlifestyle
#banksideyards #architecture #sustainability #workspace #londonoffice
Enjoy Somerset House Summer Series this July. Secure your tickets for eleven nights of live music in the iconic courtyard featuring a line-up of breakthrough artists and global acts, only 20 minutes’ walk from Bankside Yards.
16th – 26th July
Find out more about Bankside Yards via the link in our bio.
@somersethouse
#somersethouse #londonculture #thisislondon #whatsonlondon
Enjoy Somerset House Summer Series this July. Secure your tickets for eleven nights of live music in the iconic courtyard featuring a line-up of breakthrough artists and global acts, only 20 minutes’ walk from Bankside Yards.
16th – 26th July
Find out more about Bankside Yards via the link in our bio.
@somersethouse
#somersethouse #londonculture #thisislondon #whatsonlondon
Another spectacular view across the city skyline from Opus — the 50-storey icon set to redefine living on the South Bank of the River Thames. With The Shard and Tate Modern moments from your doorstep, Opus places London’s most vibrant cultural landmarks at the centre of everyday living.
To book an appointment at the Opus
Sales Gallery and to find out more,
please visit the link in our bio.
@nativeland_ltd @nativelandlifestyle
@plparchitecture @odanewyork
@enealandscapearchitecture
@multiplexconstruction_uk
@jllresidential @knightfrank
#opusbanksideyards #exclusivelaunch
#londonresidential #primecentrallondon
Another spectacular view across the city skyline from Opus — the 50-storey icon set to redefine living on the South Bank of the River Thames. With The Shard and Tate Modern moments from your doorstep, Opus places London’s most vibrant cultural landmarks at the centre of everyday living.
To book an appointment at the Opus
Sales Gallery and to find out more,
please visit the link in our bio.
@nativeland_ltd @nativelandlifestyle
@plparchitecture @odanewyork
@enealandscapearchitecture
@multiplexconstruction_uk
@jllresidential @knightfrank
#opusbanksideyards #exclusivelaunch
#londonresidential #primecentrallondon
Savour Bedales of Borough – set within Borough Market and just a 10-minute walk from Bankside Yards. This acclaimed wine bar pairs seasonal, market-fresh dishes with exceptional wines inspired by Europe and beyond.
Find out more about Bankside Yards via the link in our bio.
@bedaleswines
@boroughmarket
#eatout #londonfoodguide #londonontheinside #londonrestaurant
Savour Bedales of Borough – set within Borough Market and just a 10-minute walk from Bankside Yards. This acclaimed wine bar pairs seasonal, market-fresh dishes with exceptional wines inspired by Europe and beyond.
Find out more about Bankside Yards via the link in our bio.
@bedaleswines
@boroughmarket
#eatout #londonfoodguide #londonontheinside #londonrestaurant
The Southern Entrance and drop-off lobby at Opus ensures a seamless arrival and departure experience. A refined porte cochère creates a discreet sense of exclusivity, while an automated multiparking stacker system, EV charging points, secure bicycle storage and dedicated residents’ storage offers optimal security, innovation and effortless ease.
To book an appointment at the Opus Sales Gallery and to find out more, please visit the link in our bio.
@nativeland_ltd @nativelandlifestyle
@plparchitecture @odanewyork
@enealandscapearchitecture
@multiplexconstruction_uk
@jllresidential @knightfrank
#opusbanksideyards #exclusivelaunch
#londonresidential #primecentrallondon
The Southern Entrance and drop-off lobby at Opus ensures a seamless arrival and departure experience. A refined porte cochère creates a discreet sense of exclusivity, while an automated multiparking stacker system, EV charging points, secure bicycle storage and dedicated residents’ storage offers optimal security, innovation and effortless ease.
To book an appointment at the Opus Sales Gallery and to find out more, please visit the link in our bio.
@nativeland_ltd @nativelandlifestyle
@plparchitecture @odanewyork
@enealandscapearchitecture
@multiplexconstruction_uk
@jllresidential @knightfrank
#opusbanksideyards #exclusivelaunch
#londonresidential #primecentrallondon
Explore Julio Le Parc at Tate Modern, an immersive celebration of Argentinian-born artist Julio Le Parc’s visionary work, from kinetic light-based sculptures to large-scale paintings – right next door to Bankside Yards.
11th June – 3rd May 2027
Find out more about Bankside Yards via the link in our bio.
@tate
Photo credits: © Museum of Art Pudong, Zheni Yaneva
#tate #londonculture #thisislondon #whatsonlondon
Explore Julio Le Parc at Tate Modern, an immersive celebration of Argentinian-born artist Julio Le Parc’s visionary work, from kinetic light-based sculptures to large-scale paintings – right next door to Bankside Yards.
11th June – 3rd May 2027
Find out more about Bankside Yards via the link in our bio.
@tate
Photo credits: © Museum of Art Pudong, Zheni Yaneva
#tate #londonculture #thisislondon #whatsonlondon
Indulge in exceptional burgers and drinks at Heard, where Michelin-starred chef Jordan Bailey reimagines everyday comfort food using the finest British ingredients and regenerative farm-sourced beef – just a 10-minute walk from Bankside Yards.
Find out more about Bankside Yards via the link in our bio.
@heard.burger
#eatout #londonfoodguide #visitlondon #londonrestaurant
Indulge in exceptional burgers and drinks at Heard, where Michelin-starred chef Jordan Bailey reimagines everyday comfort food using the finest British ingredients and regenerative farm-sourced beef – just a 10-minute walk from Bankside Yards.
Find out more about Bankside Yards via the link in our bio.
@heard.burger
#eatout #londonfoodguide #visitlondon #londonrestaurant
The Podium Garden at Opus will offer a calm retreat from the pace of central London living. Designed as a quiet, green sanctuary, it is the perfect place to unwind, socialise and enjoy moments of stillness above the city.
To book an appointment at the Opus
Sales Gallery and to find out more,
please visit the link in our bio.
@nativeland_ltd @nativelandlifestyle
@plparchitecture @odanewyork
@enealandscapearchitecture
@multiplexconstruction_uk
@jllresidential @knightfrank
#opusbanksideyards #exclusivelaunch
#londonresidential #primecentrallondon
The Podium Garden at Opus will offer a calm retreat from the pace of central London living. Designed as a quiet, green sanctuary, it is the perfect place to unwind, socialise and enjoy moments of stillness above the city.
To book an appointment at the Opus
Sales Gallery and to find out more,
please visit the link in our bio.
@nativeland_ltd @nativelandlifestyle
@plparchitecture @odanewyork
@enealandscapearchitecture
@multiplexconstruction_uk
@jllresidential @knightfrank
#opusbanksideyards #exclusivelaunch
#londonresidential #primecentrallondon