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London Bridge Station – 35 Things To Do Nearby (2024)

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Arriving to see the bright lights and city sights of the capital via London Bridge Station?  Whether you are planning a day-trip to the area immediately around London Bridge or just have some time to spare waiting for a train, there are plenty of things to do near London Bridge Station.

Beer fans will love the Bermondsey Beer Mile, whilst culture vultures can visit galleries galore plus there is so much street food to savour at Borough Market – there is something for all tastes and budgets at London Bridge.

From the country’s only pub run by the National Trust to a culture fix at The Scoop or White Cube Gallery, here are the top things to do in and around London Bridge station in 2024:


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Things to do near London Bridge Station

1. The Bermondsey Beer Mile

Comprising around 20 brewery taprooms all within easy walking distance of each other, the Bermondsey Beer Mile is a geographic-ale challenge like no other.

Hiver bar, Bermondsey Bear Mile near London Briddge Station. Copyright CK Travels

If you are walking directly from London Bridge Station, you are best to start at Southwark Brewing Company, approx a 10 minute walk away from the station (although we aren’t suggesting you try all of the Bermondsey Beer Mile in one session – drink responsibly like).

We completed the Bermondsey Beer Mile over several weekends so here is our rundown of all the breweries that you can visit.

Fourpure bar, Bermondsey Bear Mile near London Briddge Station. Copyright CK Travels

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2. Bermondsey High Street

South London at its finest, Bermondsey High Street is a quirky and independent cavalcade of coffee shops, pubs and art galleries, all within the shadow of the Shard and a stunning cityscape view.

Bermondsey High Street London Bridge

Pop along at the weekend and you’ll see the area come alive with buzzing bars, throngs of people coming out of the fresh food shops and people having picnics in Tanner Street Park.

A great place to start your day with a quick caffeine fix or bite to eat, Bermondsey High Street is a bohemian delight and one of our favourite things to do near London Bridge.


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3. Maltby Street Market

For our money (and palette), the Maltby Street Market near London Bridge station is one of the best food and drink markets in London.

Maltby Street Market near London Bridge station

Not only is the street food selection spot on and varied at Maltby Street Market but the setting itself is also quite different from most other other food markets. It is tucked away in an industrial alleyway that gets transformed into a foodie gem at the weekend.

Read our full guide to Maltby Street Market here >

Maltby Street Market near London Bridge station
Maltby Street Market near London Bridge station


4. Borough Market London

One of the finest foodie (if not ubiquitous) experiences in London and a lot busier than Maltby Street Market. Whilst some may say this is a tourist trap, they are missing the point as it is so popular because it is a culinary gem; delicious dishes abound.

Borough Market near London Briddge Station. Copyright CK Travels

Half the fun is the hustle and bustle of London’s Borough Market, ducking and diving amongst the food stalls to try some tasty treats or sweet samples before deciding where to splash your cash.

All tastes are catered for at London and the sheer range of food stalls to choose from is superb – make a day of it and explore the London Bridge area afterwards.

Borough Market is also an excellent place to do Christmas shopping in London with a splendid Christmas produce market and longer opening hours in the winter months.

Read our full guide to Borough Market here >

Borough Market near London Briddge Station. Copyright CK Travels

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5. Tower of London

Built in the 11th century, the Tower of London is the secure location of the Crown Jewels, the famous Beefeaters and once home to the Royal Mint and Royal Armouries. Legend has it that if the ravens fly away, the Tower of London will crumble.

Tower of London, London. Copyright CK Travels

A bit like the tower itself, the Tower of London admission prices are quite steep – £33.60 per adult and £16.80 for children as at January 2024 when booked in advance.

If you become a Historic Royal Palaces Member (costs apply), admission to The Tower of London is ‘free’.

BOOK IT: Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket >


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6. River Thames / South Bank walk

Take a walk along the South Bank and River Thames, approximately 5 minutes away on foot from London Bridge Station.

One of the best walks in London (if not the UK), it is wonderful to take a South Bank walk set against a backdrop of new skyscrapers and apartment blocks juxtaposed against such historic and significantly important buildings like Tower Bridge or the infamous Tower of London.

If you have time, continue your stroll all the way along the Thames towards the city via South Bank – read our South Bank walking guide here >


7. Hays Galleria

A former shipping warehouse dating back 400 years, we’d suggest you duck into Hays Galleria (sort of a riverside shopping centre) to see the steampunk-esque ship sculpture The Navigators (designed by David Kemp) and possibly grab a bite to eat or drink.

Hays Galleria ship London. Copyright CK Travels
Hays Galleria

Hay’s Galleria restaurants include Cote Brasserie (with riverside views) and The Alexander Hay – we think might be the only London Bridge dining establishment with its own petanque pitch.

The Horniman at Hays pub at Hay’s Galleria too serves good fish and chips, with an alfresco seating area directly overlooking the River Thames.


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8. The Bridge Theatre

If you have time and you aren’t just in London Bridge to catch a train, see a show at the Bridge Theatre (in the shadow of Tower Bridge) – their foyer is warm and welcoming with more light-bulbs than a hardware store.

The Bridge Theatre London

Even if you haven’t got show tickets, the opulent Bridge Theatre interiors are home to their St. JOHN bar and you can pop in for a drink.

Spending Christmas in London? The Bridge Theatre often has special Christmas productions like A Christmas Carol.


9. Vinegar Yard

One of the most recent additions to the London pop-up bar and food market scene, Vinegar Yard launched in a disused lot in Spring 2019 and consists of a boutique, bijou market and several bars and food outlets with ample outdoor seating.

Vinegar Yard near London Bridge station. Copyright ck travels

We’ve visited Vinegar Yard in both the summer and winter and whilst obviously more popular in the hotter, sunnier months (check out that postcard perfect Shard background!), there are lots of outdoor heaters and indoor spaces here so it can be visited year-round and is an ideal activity close to London Bridge station.

Please note that as at early 2024, the future of the Vinegar Yard near London Bridge looks uncertain as it is likely to make way for new housing developments and mixed use later this year. Check the Vinegar Yard website before visiting.

Vinegar Yard near London Bridge station. Copyright ck travels

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10. View from the Shard

One of London’s best views albeit at a price, no trip to London Bridge is complete without visiting The Shard, the UK’s tallest building.

Loved and loathed by locals in equal parts (it dominates the capital’s skyline), there are several ways to visit the Shard including the viewing gallery at the top.

They regularly host events which include admission which make it slightly better value, heck we even went to a Silent Disco atop the Shard once (fun!).

Shard viewing platform prices start from £28.50 per person as at 2024.

BOOK IT: The View from The Shard: Direct Entry Ticket >

How do you fancy seeing the views from the Shard for a fraction of the admission price? Read on…


11. The Shard Restaurants & Bars

Most of our visits to the Shard have actually been to the restaurants and bars here, so we can enjoy the stunning views plus enjoy nice wine or meals.

On our last visit to London Bridge, we decided to save ourselves the (rather expensive) viewing Shard viewing platform admission fee and went for a drink in Aquashard, located on the 32nd floor.

Hutong cocktail view Shard

We hadn’t booked Aquashard in advance, but luckily managed to find a table near to the bar (but not directly next to a window).

 With glasses of wine available for less than £10 a glass, this makes it much better value and you also get a drink – result!

Other notable restaurants in the Shard include classic Chinese at Hutong and Oblix for oh so fine dining and cocktails with ‘altitude’.

Aquashard bar in the Shard London. Copyright CK Travels
Aquashard

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12. Play Crazy Golf at Plonk!

Crazy golf, a colourful course with some of London’s best loved landmarks as holes and a fully loaded bar?! ‘Fore’ real – we are in! 

This superb subterranean 9-hole course is just a stone’s throw away (or should that be petite putt?) from Borough Market and Southwark Cathedral, making good use of the railway arches beneath London Bridge and Borough High Street.

Crazy Golf at Plonk Borough Market London

The Plonk Golf peeps have really gone to (London) town with this course, a neon nirvana of some of the capital’s most famous spots like Thames Barrier, HMS Belfast (a surprisingly serpentine and struggle of a shot to complete on par) and the London Eye.

Upon entry, you are given your putters, balls and all important score-card as well as access to bar (the only time it is cool to ‘drink and drive’).

Crazy Golf at Plonk Borough Market London

The attention to detail at Plonk Borough Market is superb and the illustrations and designs make this London’s best looking urban golf-course – and remember, the loser buys the drinks at the end!

As of early 2024, Plonk Golf London Borough Market prices start from £12.50 per adult for off-peak slots (weekdays before 5pm) which includes all equipment and from £16 per adult on weekdays after 5pm and all weekend.

Under 18 prices at Plonk Golf Borough Market start from £10.

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13. HMS Belfast

Found your sea legs and feeling ‘ship’-shape? Then head aboard HMS Belfast, a former naval ship that is no longer in operation.

The permanently moored vessel is a surviving Second World War Royal Navy warship that was originally launched in 1938 and saw service and conflict all over the globe before being decommissioned in the 1960s.

HMS Belfast London. Copyright CK Travels

As at January 2024, the HMS Belfast admission price is £25.45 for adults and £12.70 for children (both without donations).

Like IWM’s HMS Belfast? Also visit IWM London, a free war museum in Elephant and Castle >


14. Flat Iron Square

Similar to the previously mentioned Vinegar Yard but on a slightly smaller scale, Flat Iron Square is a street food court style affair, with several cheap (ish) eats and a huge outdoor beer garden.

Flat Iron Square London

They regularly host events at Flat Iron Square (we attended a Mexican beer festival here once but can’t remember too much so it must have been good) and whilst busier in the summer months, this is an all year round street food and bar venue.

During Christmas, Flat Iron Square also put on regular winter themed events like Alpine themed bars.


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15. Tower Bridge

If you don’t know Tower Bridge, you don’t really know London. Likely London’s most well known landmark (well, with the possible exception of Primark on Oxford Circus), the iconic Tower Bridge was built over 120 years ago  and is the jewel of the River Thames (Mary Poppins is quite the fan too!)

Tower Bridge still opens up occasionally when the tall ships come through, and you can visit the inner workings via the Tower Bridge Experience (£12.30 admission per adult as at early 2024).


16. Potter’s Field

A prime, picnic spot overlooking the Thames with Tower Bridge looming lushly over the London landscape, Potter’s Field is one of the most popular sitting spots along the Thames and it often hosts food festivals or pop-up events.

Potter’s Field London. Copyright CK Travels

You can grab food from the nearby food outlets like Five Guys burgers or if you are on a budget, grab some cold cans and snacks from the nearby Tesco or Marks and Spencer and enjoy them on the grass. You’re welcome.


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17. Shad Thames

In the shadow of the Tower Bridge, this historic shipping and dock yard area has been transformed into a multi-million, mainly residential area with several nice bars and restaurants overlooking the River Thames.

Most of the establishments in Shad Thames have outdoor terraces with incredible views and this is a perfect place for a sundown session. Note the Design Museum which this area used to be famous for has now relocated to High Street Kensington.


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18. Crossbones Graveyard and Garden of Remembrance

Not so much an attraction as a moving memorial shrine and an important piece of London’s history, this is a burial ground dedicated to the medieval paupers that is tucked away in the back streets, close to Borough Market.

Crossbones Graveyard London. Copyright CK Travels

Reminiscent of the torii gates and ribbons found in Japan, by the time it shut in the 1850s, it held the remains of over 15,000 paupers and it was once one of the poorest and most violent areas of London – a timely reminder of how much London has changed.

Crossbones Graveyard and Garden of Remembrance is around a 8 minute walk from London Bridge Station.

Crossbones Graveyard London. Copyright CK Travels

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19. The Scoop / City Hall

City Hall on the River Thames is currently home to the Mayor of London and whilst it cannot be visited normally by the general public, they occasionally do guided tours for special events or Open House weekends.

During the summer, the next-door Scoop area is a performing arts space that sometimes hold free outdoor stage productions or live performances, surrounded by pop-up bars and food trucks.

The Scoop and Tower Bridge London. Copyright CK Travels
The Scoop near London Bridge

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20. White Cube Gallery

One of London’s foremost art museums, the White Cube has a smaller outpost on Bermondsey Street with free admission and a rotation of temporary installations and exhibitions.

White Cube Gallery Bermondsey London. Copyright CK Travels

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21. Southwark Cathedral

Dating back to the early 12th century (1106) but largely rebuilt and reconstructed over the last several centuries, Southwark Cathedral is a beautiful place of worship with incredible stained glass windows.

Southwark Cathedral is free admission but donations are appreciated. Breadahead run a cute little coffee-shop inside Southwark Cathedral too.

Southwark Cathedral London. Copyright CK Travels

22. Shakespeare’s Globe

Will Shakespeare once said that ‘All the world’s a stage’ and none more so than at the Globe on the River Thames, a short walk from London Bridge Station.

Shakespeare’s Globe is actually an accurate remodelling of the original 16th century Globe Theatre (alas destroyed) which (re)opened at the current site in 1997.

Staged in the round, most plays here are Shakespearian (naturally) and you can often get cheap standing seats if you book in advance. If you don’t have a ticket, you are still allowed to visit the gift shop and info centre for free, as well as use the public toilets, or book onto a guided tour.


23. Tate Modern

Housed in a former power station, the Tate Modern has transformed into a modern art powerhouse, with permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions.

The Tate Modern is free admission although some of the exhibitions charge entrance fees. However, the Tate’s Turbine Hall is free to visit and often has large scale displays and immersive soundscapes that are unique to the space it inhabits.

Check out the upper balconies of the Tate Modern for incredible views – the Terrace Bar is one of our favourites (with reasonably priced beer and wine).

The top floor of the Tate’s Blavatnik Building has recently reopened – it closed temporarily due to complaints raised by nearby apartment owners. It has incredible (and free) 360 degree views of London and the River Thames.

Tate Modern
Tate Modern

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24. Padella

Time to get your pasta fix at Padella restaurant in London!

Every time we visit London Bridge we generally always spot a long line of people snaking around the outside of Padella, London’s most popular pasta place (try saying that several times after a negroni).

Named after the Italian word for ‘Pan’, Padella pasta restaurant is a fixture of the Borough Market dining scene.

Padella restaurant is proud of its relatively simple yet delicious menu and inexpensive prices (for London) – you can easily see Padella’s ‘recipe‘ for success.

Read our guide to Padella pasta near London Bridge station >


25. London Bridge Experience

Although the use of ‘immersive’ often fills us with fear, the London Bridge Experience promises an immersive theatrical maze of local London characters detailing over 2000 years of history in this area.

Located between the Shard and London Bridge Station, this subterranean journey beneath the streets of London shows how the Great Fire of London took hold and other dark moments such as the infamous Jack The Ripper, as told by a tour guide.


26. St Paul’s Cathedral

The most glorious building in the whole of London with its iconic dome and Golden Gallery, St Paul’s Cathedral was designed by Sir Christoper Wren and built over a 35 year period, fully opening in 1710.

Over the years, it has presided over Royal Weddings, landmark events and state funerals such as those of Churchill and Thatcher.

St Paul’s Cathedral London

The St Paul’s admission fee is £25 per person if you book advance online, as at January 2024).

If you are on a tight budget, the best free views of St Paul’s can be found by going to the nearby One New Change shopping centre, and getting the lift to Madison rooftop bar on the top floor, to enjoy the viewing platform there.


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27. St Dunstan in the East Church and Garden

A little slice of solitude and utterly peaceful place the church of St. Dunstan in the East church garden, offers respite, tranquillity and a place to worship.

Amazingly is right in the heart of London’s hustle and bustle and city traders, located in the Square Mile.

Looking like no other church in central London, St Dunstan in the East Church and Garden survived severe damage caused by both the Great Fire of London in 1666 plus bombing in 1941 – it is mainly ruins but the gardens are all the more beautiful for it.

Read our dedicated guide to St Dunstan in the East >


28. Millennium Bridge

Although the grand opening in 2000 was a ‘shaky’ start (literally -they closed it soon after to make repairs) the ‘wobbly bridge’ has become one of London’s most famous, free attractions; it even has a starring role in films like Harry Potter and Guardians of the Galaxy.

Millennium Bridge London. Copyright CK Travels

If you so desire, do a detour across and visit St Paul’s Cathedral. Whilst walking along the bridge, check out the tiny illustrations by Ben Wikson scattered along the metal walkway; he uses people’s discarded chewing gum as his canvas and repurposes it into street art. Smart!


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29. Borough Yards and Dirty Lane

A new annex off Borough Market, Borough Yards is a new shopping centre and cultural hub located in restored railway arches – from pop-up events to the Everyman Cinema, fine fashion stores to live performances, Borough Yards is a great thing to do near London Bridge.

Borough Yards and Dirty Lane

Here you will also find the new Dirty Lane development, an awesome alleyway of new shops and food kiosks that have been installed under the railway line (it starts at Borough Yards and exits onto the Thames Path right next to the Clink prison).

London’s new shopping area along the River Thames, Dirty Lane is a treasure trove of design stores, shoe shops and sweet treats like Amorino Ice-cream or the After School Cookie Club.

Borough Yards and Dirty Lane

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30. Mondo Beer and Pizza

London Bridges newest brewery pub is Mondo Beer and Pizza, a new pub set up in Borough Yards.

Battersea based Mondo Beer’s Borough Market pub has an incredible beer range from Dennis Hopp’r IPA through to Phantasm of the Hopera (we love a good beer pun).

Cocktails are also available – as this is a pizza joint, just make sure you ask for the right kind of ‘margarita’.

Fresh takeaway pints are also available from Mondo Beer Brewery in Borough Market – we’ll raise a (beer) glass to that.


Historic pubs near London Bridge Station

When ‘Inn’ London and based around London Bridge Station, take some time out to sup a few pints in some of the capital’s most historic and best preserved pubs.

31. The George Inn

One of the closest and best old pubs to London Bridge Station is The George Inn, Britain’s only pub managed by the National Trust and the last remaining galleried inn in the capital.

The George Inn London Bridge

Dating from the 17th century, Charles Dickens visited here when it was a coffee house and it also features in his novel Little Dorrit.

The best way to imbibe at the George Inn is wandering around (with a pint in hand of course) all the various old rooms and walkways spread around the several floors of this former coaching house.

32. The Anchor Bankside

A short 5 minute stroll from Shakespeare’s Globe is the historic Anchor Bankside pub (there has been some form of pub on this site for over 800 years).

Depending on your outlook Anchor Bankside is either most famous as the pub where Samuel Pepys watched the Great Fire of London from in 1666, or where Tom Cruise had a pint in the closing scenes of Mission Impossible.

Either way, the Anchor Bankside is one of London’s best riverside pubs and bars, a traditional inn (rebuilt in the 19th century) that is cosy in winter (warm fireplaces) or resplendent in summer with its outdoor beer garden (Pimms o clock!). They also do fantastic fish and chips, plus some rather good pub pies too.

33. The Founder’s Arms pub, South Bank

Near to Blackfriars Bridge, you’ll see the (very) busy Founder’s Arms pub, one of the best riverside inns in London – and very popular with the pigeons too. Bide your time and try to bag an outdoor table, and enjoy brunch or fish and chips with fantastic views of the Thames.

Popular with tourists given its incredible views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s Square Mile, The Founder’s Arms also does well with the after work crowd; city bankers galore (not Cockney Rhyming slang either).


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34. The Old Thameside Inn / Golden Hinde

Like Shakespeare’s Globe, this London landmark is actually a replica of the original ship, built in 1973 and docked here in 1996 after travelling the world (the original Golden Hinde, captained by Sir Francis Drake  was launched in 1577 and best known for sailing around the world in the 1570s).

If all this history or walking is making you thirsty, the Old Thameside Inn next to the Golden Hinde has stunning views of the River Thames and the city, with ample outdoor beer garden space.

Pre pub days, the Old Thameside Inn bar was a former spice warehouse on Pickford’s Wharf docks, dating back to the 16th century – the original Clink Prison was also located just behind the pub.

35. The Market Porter

One of the most well known and best pubs in Borough Market is The Market Porter, a glorious Victorian boozer that feels like you are stepping back in time as you enter.

Often bedecked with flowers outside during the summer months (as well as drinkers), film fans will also be pleased to hear the Market Porter featured in a Harry Potter movie (The Prisoner of Azkaban), as the Third Hand Book Emporium.

Everytime we visit the London Bridge area, we spy lots of people drinking outside the Market Porter and it is easily one of Borough Market’s best pubs. Inside, it is a little on the dark side and we usually opt to drink outside on the beer barrels.

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