London Bridge is one of our favourite places to explore in the city. Offering such an eclectic mix of things...
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So you’ve landed in Edinburgh, dropped your bag at the hostel, and you’re ready for a pr...
London Bridge is one of our favourite places to explore in the city. Offering such an eclectic mix of things to do, we've rounded up the top 10 things not to be missed. From the hustle and bustle of Borough Market to the magnificent Tower Bridge, the area is packed with some of the most quintessentially London things to see and do. If you’re looking for jaw-dropping views, tasty local food or a walk through history, we have your itinerary sorted to explore London Bridge in a day, the right way…
Everything in this list is walking distance from our London Bridge hostel,
Check out our London Bridge video guide to see all these things to do and more…
1. Get breathtaking views of Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP
One of London's most famous bridges and a must-see landmark while you're in the capital. Walk towards the Thames to Tower Bridge, which is just a 10 minute walk from London Bridge station. This landmark, built between 1886 and 1894, is an absolute must when visiting London. It’s iconic! Walk across the bridge for great river views with the Shard, the Gherkin and the Tower of London in sight. But if you want the perfect snap, standing on the London Bridge side of the river in front of the City Hall is idyllic.
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2. All aboard the Thames Clipper
It’s easy to get anywhere in London from London Bridge, but why go underground when you could set sail? The Thames Clipper runs all the way from Putney in West London to Woolwich (past Greenwich) in the east. Hop on using your Oyster card from London Bridge Pier and while it’s a slightly pricier mode of transport, it’s definitely way more fun.
3. Head up the Shard
32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG
The Shard is the tallest building in the UK, distinguished by its sharp and, you guessed it, shard-like shape. This beautiful skyscraper is pretty impressive to look at from the ground up – and definitely worth taking a picture of! Like the look of it on the outside and fancy seeing the views from inside? Whilst you can book to get to The View from The Shard, you can get views that are just as good from the bars and restaurants inside. Just head up, buy a drink and take in some London views to die for.
4. The London Bridge Experience
2-4 Tooley St, London SE1 2SY
Feeling brave? Check out the London Bridge Experience to delve into the history of London Bridge with a little scare here and there. Open everyday, learn more about London’s history with this guided tour of the past. Travel through time and meet Jack The Ripper or even participate in the Revolution. However, beware of the things that happen whilst you travel back in time. History can be gruesome. Still feeling brave even after hearing all about what happened in London Bridge throughout the ages? Then I recommend carrying on the tour and exploring the London tombs, also known as the scariest attraction in London! Here, you will have to travel through the haunted maze where you will come face to face with some of the most terrific horrors you could possibly think of and even worse…
Not feeling so brave? Don’t worry some of us are just born chickens! Head to the Mug House just opposite the London Bridge Experience where you can enjoy some typical English Ale and relax whilst your family/friends are facing the terror of London Tombs.
5. Explore the Golden Hinde
1, Pickfords Wharf, Clink St, London SE1 9DG
Whilst you’re exploring around London Bridge and all it’s little nooks and crannies, you might stumble across The Golden Hinde. It’s a life-size reconstruction of the ship once captained by explorer Sir Francis Drake who sailed around the world during the 16th century. It sits on the River Thames, and you can simply admire this ship’s exterior for free, or, if you fancy exploring the inside of the ship and experience the life of Sir Francis Drake, you can book a guided tour where costumed actors take you back to the 16th century to learn all kinds of Tudor history.
6. Visit the stunning Southwark Cathedral
London Bridge, London SE1 9DA
If you’re a fan of history and architecture, then you simply must pay a visit the Southwark Cathedral. It’s the oldest Cathedral in the whole of London, and it’s truly beautiful inside and out. Located right next to the Golden Hinde, Borough Market and The London Experience, Southwark Cathedral offers drop in tours every Friday at 11am and 1pm and every Sunday at 1pm for just £3. However, if you come on a day where the tours are not available, it’s possible for you to receive an informal tour from one of the cathedral guides.
7. Experience HMS Belfast
The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2JH
HMS Belfast is one of the most fascinating historical landmarks in London, moored up right by London Bridge Pier and well worth paying a visit. The warship was one of the only three surviving ships in the bombardment fleet on D-Day, meaning there’s a real wealth of historic stories from HMS Belfast’s lifetime during the Second World War. Climb up and down the ladders as they would have during the war, see the guns that fired during D-Day and hear stories from people whose ‘home’ it once was. If you’re into your wartime history, HMS Belfast is a must.
8. Eat your way around Borough Market
8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL
Borough Market is one to tick off the bucket list when in London. The oldest and most famous of London’s markets, it’s also the best and it’s just a couple of minutes walk from London Bridge station – the perfect place to go if you fancy a bite to eat.
The smell coming from this market will direct you to all the amazing stalls so let your nose lead the way. Walk around the different stalls and see what takes your fancy, from freshly cooked risotto to oozy, cheesy toasties to the freshest oysters in London. The market has locally grown fruit and veg, bakeries, fine wines, olives, bread, cheese and even spices from all over the world! Anything to satisfy your taste buds. Be sure to grab a doughnut from Bread Ahead, one of the tastiest treats in the whole market.
Watch our Guide to Borough Market, it’s a feast for your eyes!
9. Have riverside drinks at the Anchor
34 Park St, London SE1 9EF
As you weave your way through the little cobbled alleyways from Borough Market, you might stumble across one of the
. The Anchor is a proper old school, British pub, and a great spot for a drink on the river with views of St Paul’s and London Bridge. The second it becomes an acceptable hour for a drink in the sun, The Anchor is buzzing with tourists and locals making the most of its awesome location, but with so much space out the front to stand with a drink, it never seems to feel too busy. Whether it’s a local cask ale, a cocktail, a glass of wine or a G&T you fancy, the Anchor is a winner for everyone.
10. Tuck into a burger at Belushi's
161-165 Borough High St, London SE1 1HR
After a day of sightseeing around London Bridge, you’ve definitely worked up an appetite, am I right? Head over to Belushi’s on Borough High Street, just a couple of minutes walk from both London Bridge and Borough stations for the best burger in the area. Whether you’re after a juicy classic or a fully loaded special, you can’t go wrong with a badass Belushi’s burger! Plus, the nights out in this London Bridge bar always hits the spot. Insane drinks deals along with live music and DJs, you’re guaranteed a great BNO.
