Like a crowd-pleasing superhero, it’s Southbank Centre to the rescue when you need something to do in London and you’re out of ideas. With an astounding programme of cultural events – from visual art and music to literature workshops and performance – views over the Thames, and slap bang in the centre of London - no wonder it’s so many people’s trump card.
The lively arts and entertainment centre is the UK’s largest, putting on over 5,000 events a year. Expect a well-curated line-up that straddles world-class artists, niche poetry, music festivals and everything in between. The London Literature Festival, for example, brings together the greatest literary minds for 11 days of talks, readings, poetry and performance. Meanwhile the EFG London Jazz Festival invites groundbreaking artists onto the Southbank stages each year.
Events take place in multiple venues perfectly poised on the bank of the Thames. The Grade I listed Royal Festival Hall is at the heart of the complex, where you'll find - among many other things - a 2,700 seater auditorium and the National Poetry Library.
With a full and varied programme of arts events, the Southbank Centre sits right at the cultural heart of London. Alongside the concerts and festivals, there are talks from the likes of Caroline Lucas and plays in every season.
Southbank Centre is not just for the culture vultures and is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat. Food fans circle the food market for their weekly helping of inspired street food, booze, coffee and artisan produce. The Southbank Centre restaurants are incredibly popular too, with big names like Wagamama and Las Iguanas feeding the masses, while off-beat joints like Topolski sling pizzas and prosecco to a smaller, savvy crowd. Head to the Queen Elizabeth Rooftop Garden in the summer months for drinks with views of the river and beyond.
The Southbank Centre is open Monday and Tuesday 10am-6pm; and Wednesday-Sunday 10am-11pm
Tickets for individual events are available via the Southbank Centre website.
The neighbouring Hayward Gallery is a stunning piece of brutalist architecture, and plays host to a range of inspiring and adventurous artists. We say, do both in one day!
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