London/Southwark
Southwark is an historic part of central London, located immediately opposite the City of London on the River Thames. Southwark is traditionally referred to as "the Borough" in order to distinguish it from the "Square Mile" of the City.
The eastern part of the district, downstream of London Bridge, is generally referred to (and marketed heavily) as "the Pool of London", referring to the old docks and wharves of the area that have been reconverted into housing and retail areas.
In its western portions, traditionally known as "Bankside", Southwark overlaps significantly with the South Bank district that continues westward along the river - a number of attractions could be viewed as belonging to both districts equally.
Understand
History
One of the earliest extensions of settlement in London beyond the walls of the Square Mile and across the river, beginning back in the Roman period.
Get in
By Tube
- Southwark
- London Bridge
- Borough
By train
- London Bridge
See
Landmarks
- Southwark Cathedral => - The small churchyard on the south side of the Cathedral is a small oasis of peace and is a favourite lunch-time resting place for local office workers and visitors.
- HMS Belfast =>
- London City Hall (the new GLA Building) =>, near Tower Bridge, open Mo-Fr 8am-8pm - the brand new headquarters for London's Mayor and Assembly, a radically-designed glass fronted and rounded building
Museums and Galleries
- the Fashion and Textile Museum =>, 83 Bermondsey Street - founded by veteran designer Zandra Rhodes
- the Design Museum =>, Shad Thames - in a stunning riverside location on the Bermondsey side of the Borough
Other destinations
- the London Dungeon =>, Tooley Street
- the Britain at War Experience =>, 64-66 Tooley Street, tel 020 7403 3171, open daily except 24-26 December, October-March 10am-5pm, April-September 10am-6pm, admission adults £8.50, child 5-15 £4.50, family (2a + 2c) £20, student with ID and seniors £5.50, under 5s free - attempts to recreate the experience of the Blitz for visitors
Do
Nightclubs
- the Ministry of Sound =>, Gaunt Street - A consistently good nightclub with a reputation for strong DJ's and breaking through music
Buy
- Borough Market =>, off Borough High Street, market open Fr 12noon-6pm, Sa 9am-4pm - one of London’s favourite wholesale working food markets, on Fridays and Saturdays Borough Market offers a general retail market with specialties sold directly from the producers, organic products, delicatessen, cheese, wines, fish and imported continental fare. Around the market are other excellent food shops, for a total food experience!
- Hay's Galleria =>
Get out
Southwark makes a good starting point for explorations further along the river Thames, whether upstream or downstream. Upstream (to the west) leads to the virbant and artsy South Bank district. Downstream (to the east) leads on to Bermondsey.
External links
- the Pool of London