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10 Best Things to do in Southwark

At Hastings International, we love Southwark. From the historic Globe Theatre to the futuristic Shard skyscraper, the area is full of attractions. Our home for over 15 years, there are so many things to do in Southwark. In our latest blog post, we explore what makes the area so special, listing the top things to do in Southwark.

Here are the ten best things to do in Southwark.

10 Best Things to do in Southwark

  1. Tate Modern
  2. Shakespeare’s Globe
  3. Borough Market
  4. Tower Bridge
  5. The Shard
  6. Southwark Cathedral
  7. Imperial War Museum
  8. The Old Operating Theatre Museum
  9. HMS Belfast
  10. Menier Chocolate Factory

 

10 Best Things to do in Southwark

  1. Tate Modern

    A trip to Tate Modern is one of the top things to do in Southwark. Opened in 2000 inside a former power station, the museum holds one of the world’s most important collections of modern and contemporary art in the world. Some of the biggest names here include Kandinsky, Yves Klein, Damien Hirst and Matisse. Tate’s collection of modern art is on show in themed galleries, which looks at art in a social and political context, or materials and objects, which explores unusual methods and mediums.

  2. Shakespeare’s Globe

    If you want to experience Shakespeare as it was performed back in 1600s, then the Globe Theatre is the place for you. Shakespeare’s Globe is a replica of the original open-air theatre that Shakespeare built in 1599. Built in 1997, the Globe is made from oak and stands close to where the original theatre stood. Today, you can attend performances throughout the year, with many special performances featuring big names. As well as the main theatre, the nearby Sam Wanamaker Playhouse recreates the atmosphere of a Jacobean indoor theatre.

  3. Borough Market

    If you’re a foodie, one of the best things to do in Southwark is visit Borough Market. Borough Market is London’s top destination for foodies – a permanent food market that has been trading on the same site since the 13th century. Today, the market sits under a beautiful glass canopy built in the Victorian era, making a pleasant shopping experience year-round. The market is known for its speciality and artisanal products, however there are also many stalls offering street food, as well as pubs and taverns on the margins.

  4. Tower Bridge

    Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic structures. Built in the late Victorian era, Tower Bridge is a river crossing designed in the Gothic style. Today, the bridge forms a grand spectacle, linking the Tower of London on the north bank to Southwark’s modern attractions in the south. Tower Bridge is open to foot and road traffic year-round, and river traffic around 1,000 times a year.

    Linking the two towers are two high-level walkways. These were once open to foot traffic but now form a highlight of the bridge’s museum, providing incredible views across London.

  5. The Shard

    The London skyline is one of the world’s most beautiful and its tallest structure is The Shard. The Shard opened in 2012 and for many years was the tallest building in Western Europe. The design, by architect Renzo Piano, is made to resemble a church spire and is one of London’s most iconic structures. Today you can go to the top of the tower on “The View from The Shard”, providing panoramic views stretching across more than 40 miles of London.

  6. Southwark Cathedral

    Southwark Cathedral is one of the most overlooked attractions in Southwark. Southwark Cathedral is less famous than St Paul’s Cathedral, however its history is just as interesting. Founded in the 12th century, for hundreds of years the church belonged to an Augustian priory. Following the dissolution of the monasteries, it was kept on as a parish church and in 1905 was declared a cathedral. Today, the church remains largely as it did back in the 15th century, with many ancient historic monuments, including a rare wooden effigy dating to 1280.

  7. Imperial War Museum

    A trip to the Imperial War Museum is another top thing to do in Southwark. The museum is housed in a beautiful building, with landscaped grounds and period structures. The museum opened here in the 1930s and has three permanent displays. These include the Lord Ashcroft Gallery (focusing on the Victoria Cross Award); Turning Points: 1934-1945 (focusing on the Second World War) and the First World War Galleries (focusing on the first world war). There’s so much to do that it’s impossible to cover it all in one trip, making return visits almost inevitable.

  8. The Old Operating Theatre Museum

    Tucked away in the attic of St Thomas’ Church is the oldest surviving operating theatre in Europe. The Old Operating Theatre Museum dates to 1703 and explores the techniques and practices of yesteryear - a time before anaesthetics and antiseptics. The exhibition looks at the grisly operations that would be carried out here and on weekends, the museum holds regular talks and surgical demonstrations. A trip to this little known treasure is one of the best things to do in Southwark.

  9. HMS Belfast

    HMS Belfast is the most important surviving Royal Navy warship from the Second World War. The ship has a long and illustrious history, including firing some of the first shots during the Normandy Landings in 1944. Moored between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, today you can explore all of the ship’s nine decks via ladders, while personal accounts along the tour add extra atmosphere and realism to life on a war ship. It really is a great day for all the family, making it one of the best things to do in Southwark.

  10. Menier Chocolate Factory

    The Menier Chocolate Factory is a theatre and a leading arts centre located a stone’s throw from Borough Market. Once a chocolate factory, the theatre opened in 2004 and is one of London’s most dynamic venues to catch plays, musicals, stand-up comedy and live music. The building dates back to 1870 and includes a restaurant with timber beams and exposed brickwork. The venue is one of Southwark’s most overlooked attractions but a real asset to the area.

 

Buying Southwark Property

Thanks to its convenient location and great attractions, Southwark is one of the best places to buy property in London. If you’re interested in buying property in Southwark, contact Hastings International. We can help you find the right investment property. Contact a member of our team today or browse our popular pages below.