9 Amazing Things To Do in London Bridge
There are plenty of things to do in London Bridge, but while I was working as a receptionist at The Shard, I have to say I did not even take the time to walk around that much. It was only when I stopped working at one of the most famous restaurants by London Bridge that I really took the time to rest. And when you stop, you see. Long after I wasn’t working at The Shard anymore, I came across the best London Bridge attractions and amazing things to do in the area. And, most importantly, I came across some of the best coffee shops London Bridge. You probably know by now that I’m a huge foodie.
9 Best Things To Do in London Bridge
There’s so much more than just Borough Market and the Shard around London Bridge. From ancient ruins to a towering cathedral, from trendy coffee shops to free museums, London Bridge just has it all. I love this area of London, especially due to the long Southbank walks I’ve taken time and again. Today, I want to show you the very best of London Bridge so you can, in turn, spend some really relaxing moments in Central London!
Discover ancient ruins in London Bridge: St Dunstan in the East and Winchester Palace
One of the coolest things to do around London Bridge is taking a stroll around both Winchester Palace and St Dunstan in the East. You might already know that I spend half my time in London and half my time in Rome, Italy. There are so many ruins in Rome that I love spending quiet moments at. Not many people know, however, that some of the best London Bridge attractions don’t involve spending any kind of money!
St Dunstan in the East is a 12th Century English church that got destroyed in two important events of English History: the Great Fire of London, and World War II. I feel like this is one of the best gardens in London Bridge because of its heavy tradition and beauty. Today, you can see flowers, plants, and trees growing around the ruins. Saint Dunstan in the East has since long been turned into a hidden garden in London, and it’s really a magical place to take a date before dinner in the most romantic restaurants in London.
Winchester Palace is also a ruin that dates back from the 12th Century. When you’re taking a walk along the Thames River from Borough Market on Clink Street, you inevitably come across the Winchester Palace ruins. Once the most important London building, the palace hosted many a feast in its hall. Today, the ruin is still very well-preserved, and one of the coolest things to see around London Bridge.
Get a Fancy Afternoon Tea at The Shard
There are quite a few amazing places to get afternoon tea in London, and I’m working on a few guides for you on that matter. If you’d like, you can start with the best vegan breakfast in London, the best halal breakfast in London, and the best vegan brunches in London.
As a true Londoner at heart, I love both Full English Breakfast and a good old Afternoon Tea. One of the best things to do in London Bridge is to take the elevator up to the 31st, 32nd, and 33rd floors of the Shard building. There, you can find three amazing restaurants by London Bridge:
- Hutong
- Aquashard
- Oblix
I used to work at Oblix, one of the best restaurants London Bridge, and I’ve tried their afternoon tea more times than I can count. I still remember the slices of cheesecake – the best thing you’ll ever taste in your life. Aquashard and Hutong both have very different vibes, with the former offering British food, and the second focusing on high end Asian dishes in the heart of London. I’d suggest checking out their websites to decide which atmosphere you’d like to go for!
The Shard Afternoon Tea Address: 31 St. Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY
Visit The Free White Cube Gallery
I love finding new free galleries in London – some really are among the best non touristy things to do in London because of their almost secret nature. Free museums, free things to do – I’ve always been of the opinion that we shouldn’t have to pay for culture. It’s a tricky matter. Still, when I’ve been introduced to the White Cube Gallery near London Bridge, I was astonished. How could a gallery be so… white? So empty-looking, with so many thought-provoking sculptures? Their bookshop is also a sight – I’ve found so many books there that are worth buying for any art lover!
Although White Cube Gallery is one of the best London Bridge attractions, there are quite a few museums around. The Fashion and Textile Museum, the Tate Modern, the Shakespeare Globe, the Bankside Gallery… There’s always more art in London than one would expect.
Best Things to do London Bridge: Visit Vinegar Yard
Visiting Vinegar Yard is definitely one of the coolest things to do around London Bridge. It’s located in the same street as The Shard, and White Cube is higher up on a street on the right. If you like places that look a bit like a flea market in London while having a few different drinks and places to eat mixed with art, Vinegar Yard is the way to go.
It’s mostly open during the weekend, and when you just want to chill with friends, that’s definitely one of the best “eclectic” venues you can think of. Now that Covid has come, you need to book in advance so you’re sure to have a spot. There are some burgers there that really are worth a try and a comeback, so if you’re looking for lowkey restaurants in London Bridge, you know you’ll have something to put under your teeth at Vinegar Yard!
What to eat in London Bridge?
If you’re looking for the best restaurants in London Bridge, you can definitely check out Oblix for grilled meats, Aquashard, and Hutong that I’ve mentioned higher up. They also offer some of the best brunches and afternoon teas in London Bridge, while offering the view of the City, Tower Bridge, and a great overall view of London.
Borough Market is an area full of coffee shops in London Bridge too, and you can get a decadent donut from Crosstown Doughnuts and Bread Ahead Bakery. Street food is big around Borough Market, and you can treat yourself to delicious Asian cuisine. On Bermondsey Street, you’ll find some of the cheapest pizza in London in Franco Manca, great pho at Caphe House, and the White Cube Gallery as well!
Visit a Free London Monument: Southwark Cathedral
Southwark Cathedral is one of the most historical London Bridge. The amazing Gothic architecture is something that reminds me of the North of France, where I come from. The first time I actually visited this cathedral in London was just a few weeks ago, after a quick visit to Borough Market. I did not know this was a completely free London Bridge attraction, and it tops any experience you could have in the area.
Inside, it is a religious spot where people actually come to pray. As such, it’s better to be really quiet when visiting the cathedral. However, you can take pictures if you’d like. I’ve found a few statues of Shakespeare there and even snapped a few shots in the really stunning Southwark cathedral. The great thing is that there are some cool coffee shops in London Bridge close by, and you can even get an amazing Bread Ahead donut on the way!
Walk Along the Thames and Southbank
Of course, walking down Southbank has got to be one of the most magical London Bridge experiences. In the evening, it’s packed with people walking around, enjoying the sunset on St Paul’s Cathedral and the lights piercing the sky around Tower Bridge. It’s one of the London Bridge attractions that costs absolutely nothing. You can simply walk around and spot the tiny Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the skatepark always full of people, and the very English pubs.
You can see singers, musicians, and lift your head up to study the huge London Eye. There are many coffee shops in London Bridge and many restaurants, but Southbank is definitely an area that I just love to enjoy on foot. There’s even a small used book market where you can get some famous titles for just one or two pounds!
Go Shopping at Hay’s Galleria
The Hay’s Galleria near London Bridge is one of the sights you know and recognize when you walk along the river Thames without really knowing its name. It’s located on Battle Bridge and was used back in the 17th Century as part of a London brewery. It’s really beautiful to see around Christmas time, all decorated and full of lights.
In general, I absolutely love the London Bridge area for its proximity to Borough Market, the London Eye, and all the most famous London Bridge attractions and restaurants. The Hay’s Galleria has a huge sculpture of a ship in the middle, and quite a few cool shops to laze around in. The fun thing to learn is that the Hay’s Galleria was modeled after the Piazza del Duomo in Milan – that’s why bot hare so alike, and the architecture looks so Italian renaissance!
If you’re looking for things to do in London Bridge, a moment around Hay’s Galleria is pretty chill. It’s an open space so it’s a bit cold there, but it’s one of the most instagrammable places in London.
Visit The Brand Academy Shop
One of the cool things to do in London Bridge is visiting the Brand Academy Store. I always pass by the designer shop when I take a walk on Southbank, and I always find super cool stuff. If you don’t know where to go shopping in London Bridge for cool gifts to bring back home, that’s where you need to go.
From designer maps to colorful socks, and from smart toys to trendy kitchen tools, you’ll find everything there. With a collection of the world’s greatest brands and emerging new talent, you’re bound to find amazing decoration and homeware. Some of the coolest cafes at London Bridge are nestled nearby. I remember taking a break at the Caffè Nero, and there’s also a window shop where you can buy Crosstown Doughnuts. Just sayin’.
Brand Academy Store London Address: G3 Riverside Walkway, Oxo Tower Wharf, South Bank SE1 9PH
9 Best Things To Do In London Bridge
There’s so much more to see in London than the London Eye, the Tate, and other amazing London Bridge attractions. I try to always provide you with my own favorite landmarks in London, with some cute hidden gems like Kyoto Garden, or amazing budget shops like Poundland.
Having previously lived in both Paris and Rome as a fashion makeup artist, she enjoys the freedom that freelancing offers and loves to spend her time seeking out new and exciting spots in London.