London is known for being an incredibly picturesque city — and from its imposing skyline to its historic landmarks, it's hard not to have your camera out to capture everything that's going on.
One of the most stunning areas of the city is the South Bank area; perched on the edge of the River Thames, it looks upon some of London's finest, and most recognisable views.
Luckily, South Bank is only a short walk away from London Waterloo station, which you can reach by hopping on a South Western Railway train. Before you know it, you’ll be in the midst of some of London’s best attractions.
To prepare for your big day out, here are nine of our favourite, most Instagrammable, spots...
1. Thames Evening Cruise
Whether you're a native Londoner or a tourist, it's hard to get enough of some of the city's best riverside views, and what better way to enjoy them than with a Thames evening cruise. Marvel at world-famous landmarks, while enjoying a glass of prosecco and canapés, while a live performer sings a range of contemporary tunes, including rock, pop, swing and funk.
You can save 18% on a Thames Evening Cruise — taking the experience down to just £26.10 per person — when you book with City Cruises, and present a valid SWR ticket on arrival.
2. Views over the Golden Jubilee Bridge
If you stroll over the Golden Jubilee Bridge — which links Embankment tube station and the Southbank Centre — you'll get a beautifully Instagrammable shot of the London Eye.
Make sure to come in the evening to catch the sunset as it illuminates the Eye, and the Houses of Parliament, which are directly across the river from the bridge.
3. Royal Festival Hall
Depending on your taste, there are a number of 'Grammable shots to be had around the famous concert venue. There's the brutalist exterior, as well as the spacious and elegant concert hall itself.
Fun fact! The 2,700-seat concert, dance, and talks building is the first post-war building to be made a Grade I listed venue, and we can see why — it's gorgeous!
4. Smith & Wollensky
If you're looking to make your day that bit more special, you can't go wrong with a trip to Smith & Wollensky. The restaurant, which first opened in New York in 1977, serves up some of America’s finest steaks.
Smith and Wollensky launched their London site in the Grade II-listed Adelphi Building — just off the Strand. It’s perfect for date night — or for a classy dinner out with the girls, and you can feast on a selection of signature USDA prime- dry-aged steaks and premium seafood.
South Western Railway is offering 10% off your final food and beverage bill when dining from the à la carte menu. To redeem this offer, please call 02073216007 and quote ‘South Western Railway offer’ when making your reservation.
5. Ernie’s Beach
One of the hidden gems on the South Bank is known as Ernie’s Beach. Yes, there's an actual beach in the heart of London, who would have known?
Two times a day, as the tide recedes, London's only beach becomes accessible to the public. Just climb down, and scoop up some gorgeous, river-level snaps of the Thames, and the city's skyline. If you're visiting this summer, you're even luckier as sand artists often create stunning, temporary installations on the shore.
6. Southbank Skatespace
London's Southbank also has a grittier, urban scene centred around the skatepark — which is directly underneath the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall.
Turn on your strongest people-watching skills, as you can see all manner of skateboarders, and BMX-ers test out their skills.
7. Tate Modern
As you stroll down the South Bank, you'll likely stumble across the iconic brutalist structure that is the Tate Modern. Ensure to snap a picture of this London landmark, but also take some time to soak up its surrounding view. You have the Millennium Bridge — made famous from the Harry Potter movies — as well as the picturesque St Paul's Cathedral right opposite it.
Oh, and you don't need to go inside the Tate Modern to soak up some culture. There's usually art on display by the banks if you're in a rush to make the most of London's most enticing views and don't have time to pop in for a gander.
8. OXO Tower
If you meander down to the OXO Tower — which you won't be able to miss — you'll be treated to a plethora of Instagrammable views. As well as the tower, which is an iconic landmark in London's skyline, you can also spot Blackfriars Bridge with its historic Victorian detailing, and the red pillars that once carried the railway tracks.
The tower itself is pretty picturesque too, with its glittering lights and neon red logo.
9. Clink Street Tunnel
If you continue past Shakespeare's Globe Theatre (of course, make sure to soak in the view of this historic theatre), you'll reach Clink Street Tunnel.
Narrow, dark, and cobbled, it's known as the former location of the notorious Clink Prison. While the prison was burned down in riots during 1970s there is now a small museum and tourist attraction on that site. If you're a movie buff, you'll recognise the tunnel from the Oliver Twist film, An American Werewolf in London, and for rom-com fans, it was used as the exterior of Daniel Cleaver's flat in Bridget Jones' Diary.