Posted on August 9th, 2024
Things to see and do in Southwark
The school holidays are in full swing now and you may be wondering what to do with the kids, or even fancy a day trip up to town yourself whilst we have this lovely weather. Southwark has many diverse attractions and varied budgets, some attractions are lesser known than others, but there is something for everyone.
We’ve put together s few places in Southwark that you might like to consider visiting, and of course, they are all located near our shop so you can stop off for your favourite pie and mash and eat in, or take it away, maybe even buy a little extra to pop into your freezer for those just got to have pie and mash moments!
Where to Visit
Menier Chocolate Factory
Chocoholics prepare to be disappointed because this Factory doesn’t produce chocolate, it’s actually a theatre, considered by the Daily Telegraph to be ‘one of London’s great theatre hopes. The building did actually start life in 1870 as a chocolate factory, but today comprises a 150-seat theatre, restaurant, bar and rehearsal room. Its historical interior is a unique and atmospheric environment in which to enjoy high quality theatrical productions.
Fashion Textile Museum
Decades ago, zany fashion designer Zandra Rhodes opened her very own museum dedicated to fashion design in Bermondsey Street. It’s striking exterior – a vibrant clash of yellow and pink – gives you a clue as to what’s waiting within. Now run by Newham College who also operate an academy here, the museum hosts a series of changing fashion exhibitions and a small permanent display.
Old Operating Theatre Museum
The Old Operating Theatre Museum features 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.
Dulwich Park (Free Entry)
If you’re longing for fresh air and green expanses, then a trip to Dulwich Park will fit the bill. Taking 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, as well as a program of activities all designed to ensure a fun day out for all the family.
The Shard
The Shard is located 800ft above the ground, The View from The Shard is the highest viewing platform in London and is the only place to see the entire city all at once. The viewing galleries on Level 69 and the open-air Skydeck on Level 72 provide spectacular 360° views of London and beyond. In fact, on a clear day, visitors can see for 40 miles. Friendly and knowledgeable guest ambassadors are on hand to answer questions about this iconic building and the breath-taking views.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
The Globe is located on Bankside, a faithful reconstruction of the Elizabethan playhouse. Take a fascinating guided tour and learn about this unique building and its famous playwright.
London Bridge
London Bridge was the earliest bridge built over the Thames by the Romans, a wooden structure which was repaired many times before being replaced with a stone bridge in the 12th century. In 1825 the new bridge designed by John Rennie was opened to deal with the increasing traffic – the steps leading to the west side of the bridge were immortalised in Oliver Twist as the place poor Nancy fell to her death. In 1970 the bridge was sold to Lake Havasu City, Arizona and the bridge we see today was opened in 1973.
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is a Grade I listed combined bascule, suspension, and, until 1960, cantilever bridge in London, built between 1886 and 1894, designed by Horace Jones and engineered by John Wolfe Barry with the help of Henry Marc Brunel. Tower Bridge will transport you to Victorian times, telling the story of London’s defining landmark from the very beginning.
Immersive Gamebox – London Southbank
Play together at Immersive Gamebox. Simply select your game and prepare to enjoy a truly unique immersive experience with your group. With motion tracking, projection mapping, touch screens and surround sound, Immersive Gamebox is like nothing you have experienced before! Perfect for adult groups, and families with children aged 3+.
The Golden Hinde
The Golden Hinde is a living-history museum and find out what it was like to sail the mighty seas aboard an Elizabethan galleon during the adventurous days of the 16th century.
Escape Rooms
Escape Rooms – Live escape game in London! Solve uniquely designed puzzles and get out of the locked room before your 60 minutes runs out!
The London Bridge Experience
The London Bridge Experience is Crowned ‘Best Guided Tour’ & London Tombs, crowned ‘Top Horror Attraction in the World!’ is a two-part immersive show, bringing together history and horror, education and fun. Guests laugh, scream and cheer their way through 2,000 years of history during the London Bridge Experience, then enter the vaults of the bridge known as London Tombs, which is a psychological scare-maze themed upon everyone’s worse fears!
Southwark Cathedral
The Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Saviour and St Mary Overie stands at the oldest crossing-point of the River Thames at what was for many centuries the only entrance to the City of London situated across the river. A verbal tradition passed on to the Elizabethan historian John Stow suggests that the first Christian establishment was a community of nuns in the 7th century, but the first written reference is the mention of a ‘minster’ in the Domesday Book of 1086.
Borough Market
Borough Market has been in existence since 1756 making it the oldest fruit and vegetable wholesale market in central London. In Victorian times thousands of tons of produce arrived from the wharves of London Bridge and Tooley Street. Nowadays you can still buy fresh fruit and veg here along with gourmet foods, fish, meat and cheese direct from farmers.
The Clink Prison
The Clink Prison dates back to 1144 making it one of England’s oldest and most notorious prisons. Positioned in the heart of modern-day Southwark and built on the original site, The Clink Prison Museum presents the scandalous truth of Old Bankside through a hands-on educational experience. There are opportunities to view archaeological artefacts, experience the sights, sounds and smells of the prison, handle torture devices, and to view and hear all about the tales of torment and many misfortunes of the inmates of the infamous Clink Prison.
Winchester Palace (Free Entry)
Winchester Palace was built in the 12th century as the London townhouse of the Bishops of Winchester and at the time it was one of the most important buildings in medieval London. Much of the building was destroyed by fire in 1814, and nowadays there’s just the ruins to view, as well as a recently planted medieval-style garden situated in the remains of the Great Hall.
Arments Pie & Mash
Arments Pie & Mash situated in Westmoreland Road, Walworth, has been a top Southwark landmark since 1914. If you’re looking for a true taste of Southwark Arment’s is the place to head for, for delicious pie and mash, jellied eels and liquor, and more – all cooked to the same high standards as when it first opened over a century ago. Open Tuesdays to Saturdays.
However you choose to spend the summer days, we hope you have a wonderful time!
