The best things to do in London Bridge
London Bridge is an area bursting with history and landmarks. It’s the perfect destination to see London’s famed skyline with friends in tow.
On the southern bank of the River Thames, London Bridge offers an eclectic mix of cultural hotspots, celebrated attractions, global cuisine to suit every budget, markets and independent treasures aplenty.
Here’s the best things to see and do in London Bridge:
The best food and drink at Borough Market
Feeling peckish? For cheap independent eats head to Borough Market, London’s oldest and most famous market.
Weave in and out the numerous stalls and sample whatever takes your fancy. Discover international street food alongside fresh produce galore. Pick up fruit and vegetables, sweet treats and pastries, homemade bread and artisanal cheese.
Once you are done meandering this foodie heaven, enjoy a drink or two in the area and soak up the atmosphere.
Cocktails with a panoramic view at Aqua Shard, London
Take to the sky in The Shard, the UK’s tallest building at 310 metres. If you are looking for breathtaking views with a more affordable price tag, head up to Aqua Shard on the 32nd floor in 15 seconds.
Try to get a seat before sunset for incredible cityscape views with a cocktail in hand. The restaurant and bar is more than a third of the way up the skyscraper and doesn’t require a reservation.
If you’d like to pay a visit to the 72nd floor, you can see up to 40 miles from The View from The Shard.
Step back in time with The London Bridge Experience and Tombs
Looking for a unique history lesson and some scares? Head to The London Bridge Experience and Tombs. This interactive and immersive guided tour is for the brave among us. You will discover over 2,000 years of (often gruesome) London and London Bridge history on route.
Once you head into the London Tombs, expect to confuse the senses with a live-action maze. These historic tombs and vaults have been voted the scariest attraction in London.
Play explorer on The Golden Hinde
Step on board The Golden Hinde, a full scale replica of Sir Francis Drake’s 16th century global exploration vessel. This celebrated ship is brought to life alongside costumed actors detailing its history.
The Golden Hinde entry – £5
Feel on trend at the Fashion and Textile Museum
The Fashion and Textile Museum is one for creative types. Just up from London Bridge station on Bermondsey Street, step inside to discover their latest fashion and textile exhibition.
The Zandra Rhodes exhibition is currently on till January 2020, detailing the fashion designers extensive portfolio. Expect high fashion, textiles, theatrical costumes and original artwork. Explore 50 years of work at the museum she founded.
The colourful museum only hosts one exhibition space at a time. Once done, be sure to swing by the shop when exiting for beautiful and unique gifts.
Fashion and Textile Museum entry – £9.90
Enjoy the beauty of Southwark Cathedral
A stone’s throw away from London Bridge station you will find Southwark Cathedral. The oldest cathedral in London, this stunning place of worship is a must visit.
Enjoy a guided tour or service inside the Gothic cathedral and take a moment to soak up it’s beautiful architecture from its gardens outside.
See where the elite used to party at the Winchester Palace Ruins
Admire the 12th century ruins of Winchester Palace. These tucked away Medieval ruins once housed one of the most grand and opulent buildings in Britain.
It was a place of comfort and celebration for the religious officials, royalty and the elite of London for over 500 years.
Unwind at Potters Field Park
Take a moment to pause with a coffee or lunch at Potters Field Park. This open green space allows for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with some wonderful views of Tower Bridge.
See how London moves at the Tower Bridge and Engine Room Tour
Often mistaken for London Bridge, Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic and photographed landmarks. However, most people do not know that you can in fact go up the bridge, built between 1886 and 1894.
You will start with a short history lesson before making your way along the first of two partially covered glass walkways. The second walkway has a partially mirrored ceiling offering the perfect snap of the River Thames and oncoming traffic below. It also allows you incredible views of the Shard and Gherkin.
Once down, it’s a short walk to the engine rooms which continue to lift the bridge to this day. Learn about how these engines work and their maintenance.
Tower Bridge and Engine Room Tour entry – £9.80
Enjoy British naval history on board HMS Belfast
To experience a monumental part of Britain’s naval past, step aboard HMS Belfast. The World War 1 ship is one of London’s most unique historical attractions. Moored near London Bridge Pier, this wartime ship is sensational.
Once aboard, make your way up and down ladders as you explore the interior and exterior of each deck, discovering the museum ship’s vast history. Expect waxwork figures ‘in action’, access to the gun turrets and hear many stories of life on board at each level.
On deck, you can take a moment to appreciate the London skyline from the River Thames.
HMS Belfast entry – £16.20 online and £18 on the day
See how medicine has progressed at The Old Operating Theatre
Make your way up a spiral 52-step staircase and enjoy a glimpse of how far modern medicine has come. The Old Operating Theatre brings you back to the 19th century where medicinal technique was still in its infancy.
The procedures were often gruesome and herbal remedies took precedence. The highlight of the museum? The opportunity to stand inside Europe’s oldest operating theatre.
The Old Operating Theatre entry – £6.50
Hunt for quirky fashion and other finds at Vinegar Yard
For vintage and retro finds, head to Vinegar Yard. This bustling flea market is brimming with antique treasures, arts and crafts and global cuisine to suit all tastes and preferences.
Be entertained at The Scoop
Next to City Hall, the Scoop offers free theatrical performances, sporting and movie screenings at select times in the year.
800 people can enjoy events including Christmas by the River and Summer by the River within this impressive outdoor amphitheatre.
London Bridge will keep you busy for the entire weekend. To make the most of your time in the area, enjoy a London Bridge hotel stay.
Have you explored the London Bridge area? What would be your go to attraction?
Stephanie xox
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The spending money was gifted by Hotels.com, but all views are my own
