Things to do Near London Bridge

With plenty to do in the area, you’ll love staying at the London Bridge Hotel.

See our suggestions of things to do in and around London Bridge below or use the handy interactive map above. If you have any queries about any of our suggestions, please speak with our concierge team, and they would be more than happy to help. 

Borough Market

Borough Market is one of London’s biggest and oldest markets – its history dates back 1,000 years! It has developed into a thriving centre of trade and business over the years, with traders offering everything from produce to livestock to clothing.

Along with the food stands, there are many cafés and restaurants in the market that serve a variety of international foods. The London Bridge Hotel is near Borough Market, so pop over and take a look for yourself!

The Shard

The Shard, a 95-story skyscraper, is the highest structure in the UK at the moment and is one of the most recognisable buildings in London.

A variety of uses are mixed together in The Shard, including offices, homes, restaurants and bars. On the 68th, 69th, and 72nd floors, there is an observation deck called The View from The Shard that offers 360-degree views of the city

Make sure you take a look at our offers page which has a View from the Shard deal which includes a trip up the Shard when you book your hotel room.

You can also enjoy a glass of champagne with your afternoon tea at the London Bridge Hotel with our Shard Champagne Afternoon Tea offer.

Tower Bridge

Take in the panoramic views of the city from the Glass Floors and high-level Walkways, 42 meters (138 feet) above the river. If you visit during a Bridge Lift, you will be able to see the roadway rise beneath your feet.

Explore the magnificent Engine Rooms for a glimpse into the lives of those who kept the bridge running. Bringing their stories to life with photographs, films, and interactive displays, this exhibit is one not to be missed!

Tower of London

The Tower of London was initially constructed in the 11th century by William the Conqueror as a royal palace and fortress. Over the ages, it has played a variety of roles, including a prison, a royal mint, and even a zoo! It is now a well-liked tourism destination and a World Heritage Site.

The renowned Yeomen Warders, also known as “Beefeaters,” still reside in the Tower of London. These ceremonial guards give tours and impart historical knowledge about the Tower whilst donning traditional Tudor garb.

HMS Belfast

HMS Belfast is a museum ship that served in the Royal Navy during WWII and the Korean War. The ship has become a popular tourism destination and is currently permanently moored on the River Thames near London Bridge.

The ship has nine decks that you can investigate, including the crew quarters, gun turrets, and the engine room. The history of the ship’s time in the Royal Navy and the stories of the sailors who served on her are also told through interactive exhibits and displays.

The London Bridge Experience

This spooky attraction takes visitors on a theatrical, interactive journey through the illustrious history of the London Bridge. The attraction is situated inside the real London Bridge’s arches, which span the Thames.

Visitors of all ages (although very little ones might find it a bit too much) will find The London Bridge Experience to be an immersive and interesting experience. It provides an exciting and memorable way to learn about one of the city’s most well-known landmarks and gives a unique perspective on the history of London.

Old Operating Theatre Museum

The quirky museum showcases the history of medicine, surgery, and anaesthesia. The operating theatre is located in the attic of St Thomas’ Church, which was built in 1703 making it one of the oldest surviving operating theatres in the world.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is a demonstration of surgical procedures with the help of a live actor and model tools. Visitors to this interactive exhibit can experience what surgery was like in the past and learn more about the difficulties doctors had to deal with at the time.

Southwark Cathedral

Southwark Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in London, with a history dating back over 1,000 years. Its history dates back to the 7th century when a church was first built on the site. The church has undergone numerous reconstructions and additions over the years, and the present structure dates to the 13th century.

The cathedral boasts impressive stained-glass windows, which date back to the 19th century. It also features many monuments and murals. One of these is a monument to William Shakespeare, who is believed to have worshipped here when he lived in London. 

The cathedral is a popular tourist destination and is still used today for regular services, concerts or events. 

The Golden Hinde

The Golden Hinde is a full-scale replica of Sir Francis Drake’s famous English galleon, the Golden Hind, which sailed around the world between 1577 and 1580.

The ship is open for tours to the public, and you can explore the various decks, including the captain’s quarters, crew quarters, galley, and the hold. The ship is also outfitted with interactive exhibits and displays that provide insight into the lives of Elizabethan sailors.

Clink Prison Museum

The Clink Prison Museum is an interactive museum that showcases the history of the notorious Clink Prison, which operated from the 12th century until the late 18th century.

Clink Prison Museum shows visitors the harsh conditions that prisoners had to endure in the past during the darkest days of London’s criminal justice system. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of crime and punishment in England.

Shakespeare’s Globe

Shakespeare’s Globe is a replica of the original Globe Theatre, which opened in 1599. The Globe was a famous Elizabethan theatre that served as the primary venue for William Shakespeare’s plays.

The modern Globe was completed in 1997 and opened to the public in 1999. Except for a few modern safety features, it was built using the same materials and techniques as the original. The new Globe Theatre is an open-air theatre with a thatched roof and three levels of seating encircling an open stage.

The Globe hosts many plays and shows including some Shakespeare classics. This is a must-see for fans of theatre and Shakespeare. 

Tate Modern

The Tate Modern is a modern and contemporary art museum located on the South Bank of the Thames. The museum is housed in a former power station building designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and constructed in the 1950s. In 2000, the building was converted into a museum, and it has since become one of London’s most popular tourist attractions.

Many of the most important artists of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries are represented in the Tate Modern’s collection, including Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and many others. Throughout the year, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions featuring works by contemporary artists from around the world.

Aside from art exhibitions, the Tate Modern offers a variety of educational programmes and events, such as talks, workshops, and guided tours. There are several dining options on the premises, including a café with views of the Thames and a rooftop restaurant.

The Young Vic

It was founded in 1970 by director Frank Dunlop to showcase emerging actors, directors, and designers. The theatre has quickly established a reputation for producing innovative and socially conscious productions, and it has since continued to push boundaries and experiment with new theatrical forms.

The Young Vic has produced a diverse range of plays over the years, from Shakespeare and Chekhov classics to new works by emerging playwrights. Some notable productions include Arthur Miller’s “A View from the Bridge” and Tony Kushner’s “Angels in America”.

The theatre has a varied programme so be sure to visit their what’s on page to take a look at what’s playing and book your tickets.

The Old Vic

The Old Vic was originally built in 1818 as the Royal Coburg Theatre, and was later renamed the Royal Victoria Theatre in honour of Queen Victoria. In 1912, it was In was taken over by new management and was renamed The Old Vic, where it soon became one of the most important theatres in London, staging both classic and modern plays.

The Old Vic is still a popular theatre venue today and has hosted many famous actors over the years, including Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, Ralph Richardson, Maggie Smith, and Judi Dench.

If you are a theatre lover then take a look at the Old Vic website to see what’s on. 

BFI IMAX

For all those cinephiles out there, this is a venue not to miss! 

The BFI IMAX is home to the largest cinema screen in the UK, which measures in at a whopping 26 metres wide and 20 metres high!

The BFI IMAX shows a range of films, including blockbuster releases and documentaries, as well as special events such as live broadcasts of opera and theatre performances. Book your tickets, grab some popcorn and get ready for a cinema experience like no other!

The National Theatre

The National Theatre was founded in 1963 and officially opened its doors in 1976, and it has since grown to become one of the UK’s most important and prestigious cultural institutions.

It is home to three main theatres: the Olivier Theatre, the Lyttelton Theatre, and the Dorfman Theatre, as well as several smaller spaces. 

The National Theatre is well-known for its dedication to producing high-quality theatre, having staged numerous award-winning productions over the years, including works by William Shakespeare, George Bernard Shaw, Harold Pinter, and other notable playwrights.

Hayward Gallery

Throughout the year, the Hayward Gallery hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions showcasing contemporary art from around the globe. Painting, sculpture, photography, video, and installations are among the forms featured in the exhibitions. 

The gallery is well-known for its ground-breaking exhibitions, which have featured the works of many important artists such as Antony Gormley, Tracey Emin, Anish Kapoor, and Martin Creed.

The Hayward Gallery, in addition to exhibitions, provides educational programmes and activities for visitors of all ages, such as talks, tours, and workshops. So take a look to see what’s on and make sure you fit in a visit during your London stay.

Royal Festival Hall

The Royal Festival Hall is one of the city’s main cultural venues, renowned for its impressive architecture and excellent acoustics.

Many of the world’s most renowned performers, including orchestras, soloists, and bands, have performed at the Royal Festival Hall. It has also hosted a variety of other cultural activities, such as art exhibitions, film screenings, and literary festivals.

London Eye

The London Eye opened in March 2000 and has since become a must-see attraction for visitors. 

During a complete rotation of the London Eye, passengers can see landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and the River Thames. The London Eye is open year-round, though opening hours and ticket prices vary according to season.

Book online and be sure to take a look at any offers or special ticket deals that are available to help make your trip as cost-effective as possible.

London Dungeon

The London Dungeon is an immersive and interactive experience that takes visitors on a voyage through some of London’s darkest eras.

The attraction consists of a series of themed rooms, each of which is intended to recreate a different period of London’s history. Costumed actors lead visitors through the rooms, performing interactive shows, telling stories, and interacting with the audience to create a completely immersive experience.

The shows cover subjects such as the Great Fire of London, the Black Death, Jack the Ripper, and the Gunpowder Plot. Each performance is intended to be both entertaining and educational, providing visitors with a glimpse into the city’s often gruesome and macabre past. Be warned: this is not suitable for young children!

London Aquarium

If you are looking for something to do with the little ones, the London Aquarium is a must! 

The London Aquarium, also known as the Sea Life Centre London Aquarium, is one of the largest aquariums in Europe and features over 600 species of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, and penguins.

Make sure you visit the Ocean Tunnel, a 40-metre-long glass tunnel that runs through the middle of a large tank filled with sharks, rays, and other fish species!