@TylerHart

Without the hordes of tourists and living statues – two words guaranteed to strike fear into the heart of any Londoner – South Bank is actually a fantastic place for a stroll. If anything, it’s more atmospheric in the evening, and definitely more spacious and relaxed – it’s also fully illuminated and patrolled for safety – meaning you’ll be free to appreciate just how many great sights are crammed into such a short stretch (about one-and-a-half miles tracing the Thames, or two square miles as a whole area). Meander past eye-catching cultural powerhouses such as the National Theatre and Royal Festival Hall; spy Somerset House across the Thames; and drink in those never-tiring views of Big Ben and Westminster, best seen from Waterloo Bridge. As for a route, we suggest starting at Southwark Bridge and leisurely heading south to Lambeth Bridge. Purists may argue this strays a little outside of South Bank’s hazily defined borders, but as walkers will be able to lap up more London landmarks – specifically Shakespeare’s Globe and Tate Modern – who cares?