Summer Holidays in Southwark

The school gates have closed for the summer, and if you are wondering how you’re going to occupy the kids for the next 6 weeks, we have some of the attractions covered!

We are incredibly lucky to live in or near the London Borough of Southwark, which is packed with fantastic, budget-friendly spots to keep the kids entertained all through August.

From hidden green oases to world-class culture right on our doorstep, here is a list of some of the places, many being free,  to visit for a memorable Southwark summer.

Dulwich Park

If you’re longing for fresh air and green expanses, then a trip to Dulwich Park will fit the bill. Situated on College Road it takes in 29 hectares and packed with historic features, facilities and superb picnic spots, the recently refurbished park is a Green Flag Award winner. There’s a children’s playground, café, boating lake and bikes for hire, including the family banana bikes!  You’ll also find a program of activities all designed to ensure a fun day out for all the family.

Southwark Park & The Centre for Wildlife Gardening

Southwark Park offers wide-open spaces, a boating lake and a café. For more than 150 years, the local community has used it as a space to relax, experience nature, and participate in sports and physical activities.  Located on Marsden Road, the London Wildlife Trust’s Centre for Wildlife Gardening frequently hosts free family workshops during the summer holidays, including nature walks and bug hunting.

Burgess Park

Burgess Park is Southwark’s largest park, at 56 hectares. It stretches from Camberwell and Walworth in the west to Peckham and the Old Kent Road in the east (and just a few minutes’ walk from Albany Road to  Arments Pie & Mash 😊).  It boasts a world-class BMX track, a gorgeous lake and a giant adventure playground, plus water play jets at Chumleigh Gardens in summer…a great way to keep cool in the hot weather!).

The Clink Prison Museum

Located on Clink Street, SE1 The Clink Prison has been voted ‘most notorious medieval prison’, its name thought to originate from the closing of irons around the wrists or ankles of the prisoners. Today you can expect a hands-on educational experience, and view archaeological artefacts including gruesome torture devices. The very brave can opt to spend the night locked inside what’s said to be one of the UKs most haunted locations!

The Golden Hind

Located in Bankside, on the southern bank of the River Thames the Golden Hind II is a full-sized reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake’s famous ship (the one in which he circumnavigated the globe). You’re invited to travel back in time via interactive tours, and find out what life was like aboard the historical galleon, as well as meet colourful characters from the Elizabethan era along the way.

The Shard

If you’ve a head for heights, take a trip to the top of Western Europe’s tallest building, The Shard,  for stunning panoramic city views that stretch for up to 40 miles. You’ll need to buy a ticket to access Level 69 and the open air Skydeck on Level 72, but the price includes an audio and visual guide as well as access to interactive Tell: scopes which tells you all about London’s past, present and future. For those of you who want to push the boat out opt for a ‘champagne experience’ and toast London from on high.

Tower Bridge

The Tower Bridge experience includes spectacular new glass walkways that offer stunning views over the city as well as give visitors an insight into the bridge’s iconic structure. In the Victorian Engine rooms, you can find out, up close, how the most famous bridge in the world works.  In addition to this, there is a new interactive trail:  ‘The Tower Bridge Cat’, Bella,  and the characters from the award-winning books. Families are invited to complete the Trail as they make their way through Tower Bridge.  Experiences include  relaxed opening designed for neurodivergent individuals and deaf-led guided tours.

Southwark Cathedral

Southwark Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedral churches in London, dating back to the 7^th century. The cathedral takes pride of place at the oldest crossing point of the tidal Thames, once the only gateway to the city, the building having provided refuge for princes, paupers, pirates and prostitutes over the years. Take a guided tour of the cathedral as well as an escorted walk of the nearby area, including a new Shakespeare Anniversary Walk.

Old Operating Theatre Museum

Featuring a host of exhibits illustrating the history of medicine this is one of the city’s most unusual museums. Visitors can view the oldest operating theatre in Europe – built in 1822 and housed in a roof space in the south wing of St Thomas’ hospital. It’s a ‘highlight of any trip to London’ says Tripadvisor, plus there’s also the option to catch exhibitions and talks here.

Shakespeare’s Globe

The Globe Theatre was a theatre in London associated with William Shakespeare. It was built in 1599 at Southwark, close to the south bank of the Thames, by Shakespeare’s playing company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. It was destroyed by fire on 29 June 1613. A modern reconstruction of the Globe, named “Shakespeare’s Globe“, opened in 1997 approximately 750 feet (230 m) from the site of the original theatre. Situated on the bank of the River Thames at New Globe Walk, SE1.

Travel back in time and imagine what life was like in Shakespeare’s day on a Guided Tour of the Globe Theatre. Join a Sword-Fighting Demonstration and watch their expert Globe Fight Team battle it out!

Jump into Shakespeare’s stories with the gloriously inventive new show, A World Elsewhere, it’s for everyone aged 5 – 105. Or join one of the fun workshops and become the storyteller yourself. Suitable for all ages, including workshops for the deaf and BSL users.

Southwark Council’s Love Southwark Summer

Southwark Council’s campaign features an extensive selection of free activities and structured camps for children of all ages.

A borough wide campaign celebrating the huge range of free and low-cost activities available to residents across all Southwark neighbourhoods this summer.

From festivals and community events to sport, libraries, parks and youth programmes, the campaign brings together everything happening in the borough between now and the end of August, with most of the offer completely free to attend.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our post of Summer Holidays in Southwark and get the time to visit some of them. If you’re out and about in the area, why not take a break from sightseeing and experience some authentic London fare, Arment’s-style. Arment’s Pie and Mash shop has been making delicious traditional dishes to the same recipe for over 112 years. Pop into our friendly shop on Westmoreland Road, SE17 – or you can even order pies to be delivered direct to your door.