South Bank London

Hello summer!

From summer festivals and riverside pop-up bars to mouthwatering street food and the most magical sunsets – take a stroll by the river, soak up the atmosphere and make it a summer to remember in South Bank.

Summer terraces & rooftops

People sat drinking at an outdoor bar with a shelter, surrounded by plants and flowers.

Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden

Roof Garden Bar & Kitchen at Queen Elizabeth Hall

A casual café-bar in the beautiful garden on the rooftop of the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

diners out of focus in foreground at the oxo tower restaurant with treeline viewed over the river in focus in the background

OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie

This iconic dining destination serves up sophistication and stunning views.

Wahaca

Fresh, vibrant & sustainable street food inspired by the magical markets of Mexico.

La Gamba

A breezy Spanish tapas and wine restaurant that looks onto the Queen’s Walk at Southbank Centre.

Southbank Centre Food Market

This lively street food market is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays behind the Royal Festival Hall.

Limin' South Bank

Colourful Caribbean beach-bar and restaurant serving spicy Trinidadian flavours.

The Garden Museum

Garden Café

Enjoy daily changing seasonal menus at the Garden Museum's award-winning restaurant.

Forza Wine at National Theatre

Enjoy tasty small plates, great wines and fab views at this 'Italian-ish' boutique wine bar.

The Understudy at National Theatre

Enjoy a taste of London’s diverse street food flavours at the National Theatre.

Strada

Riverside restaurant at the Southbank Centre offering a traditional Italian experience with a modern twist.

12th Knot

Rooftop bar with top-notch cocktails and panoramic views looking out over the river.

Las Iguanas

Vibrant Latin American bar and restaurant with a fantastic terrace.

Giraffe

Popular family-friendly chain serving global cuisine right by the river.

Locale

Brilliantly located classic Italian restaurant opening onto a quiet piazza.

Azzuro Italian Kitchen & Bar

All-day Italian restaurant and bar serving pizza and pasta favourites.

The Green Room

Spacious restaurant with a great garden terrace and a tasty menu of handmade pizzas.

Summer pop-ups

South Bank top summer pop-ups

South Bank is famous for its summer pop-ups. Here's a look at who's popping up this summer and where.

Discover More about South Bank top summer pop-ups

What's On

Southbank Centre

Dance Your Way Home

23 Jul 2025 - 29 Aug 2025

Southbank Centre’s summer programme is an ode to dance floors in all shapes and sizes.

Festival

Southbank Centre

Jeppe Hein's Appearing Rooms fountain

31 May 2025 - 25 Aug 2025

Cool down this summer at Southbank Centre's interactive fountains.

Family

Hayward Gallery

Yoshitomo Nara

10 Jun 2025 - 31 Aug 2025

The largest ever European retrospective of one of Japan’s most celebrated artists.

Exhibitions

Nye

03 Jul 2025 - 16 Aug 2025

Michael Sheen plays British welfare state visionary Aneurin "Nye" Bevan in this ‘epic Welsh fantasia’.

Theatre & Shows

Between the Bridges

SoLo Craft Fair Summer Market

07 Sept 2025 - 07 Sept 2025

Shop for fashion and gifts created by 60+ independent designers and makers.

Exhibitions

The Garden Museum

Cecil Beaton’s Garden Party

14 May 2025 - 21 Sept 2025

Explore the influence of flowers in Cecil Beaton's painting, photography and design practice.

Exhibitions

The Old Vic

Girl from the North Country

24 Jun 2025 - 23 Aug 2025

Conor McPherson’s award-winning musical set to the music of Bob Dylan returns for a 9-week run.

Theatre & Shows

Lambeth Palace Library

Lambeth Palace Open Days

25 Jul 2025 - 29 Aug 2025

Don’t miss the unique opportunity to explore the grand halls of the historic Lambeth Palace this summer.

Southbank Centre

Replay: A Limitless Recycled Playground

21 Jan 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Ignite your child's imagination at this ingenious loose-parts play adventure playground.

Family

BFI IMAX

Maximum Kubrick

03 Aug 2025 - 02 Nov 2025

The BFI IMAX celebrates the unforgettable films of the cinematic giant Stanley Kubrick.

Film

Top terraces

40 top terraces for summer

If you want to drink and dine outdoors, South Bank is the place to be this summer!

Discover More about 40 top terraces for summer

Parks, gardens & beaches

A view of the London Eye from Jubilee Gardens on a sunny day

Jubilee Gardens

A glorious green haven at the foot of the London Eye.

Ernie's Beach

Get down on the water at this publically accessible tidal beach.

Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden

Southbank Centre's summer roof garden is a hidden oasis in the heart of the city.

Archbishop's Park

Escape the crowds in this leafy park behind Lambeth Palace.

Bernie Spain Gardens

A riverside oasis of green between Oxo Tower and Gabriel's Wharf.

Family days out

Summer holiday fun for families

Jump into summer with a jam-packed line-up of great events and exciting attractions these school holidays!

Discover More about Summer holiday fun for families

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