Thames River Guide: Westminster to Blackfriars

Cabinet War Room's - London's Wartime Nerve Centre

During the Blitz, Winston Churchill refused to leave London. Instead he ate, drank, slept and directed his Defence Committee in a warren of corridors and rooms underneath Whitehall. Little has been touched in the Cabinet War Rooms since they were closed down on 16 August 1945. As a result, it's easy to get a real feel for what went on there during the Second World War.

Somerset House

Somerset House is a magnificent 18th century building which houses the celebrated art works of the Courtauld Institute of Art, the Embankment Galleries and the Hermitage Rooms. It also hosts a lively programme of events and activities. You'll also find gift shops, cafés, a fine restaurant and the spectacular Edmond J Safra Fountain Court at Somerset House

A Life Aquatic

You don't need to visit exotic climes to see sharks, rays and piranha. Instead simply go to the SEA LIFE London Aquarium on the banks of the river Thames. This underwater galaxy was recently refurbished and will take you on an interactive underwater journey, displaying fish from the chilly habitat of the Atlantic Ocean to the tropical coral reefs.

Bird's Eye View

Take a ride on the London Eye for amazing views of the city.

At 135 metres above the river, you'll get an astounding 360˚ panorama. On a clear day you'll be able to see up to 40km (25 miles) in each direction.

Cultural Life

Hosting film festivals, world-class theatre, classical concerts, jazz and cutting-edge music, the South Bank is one of London's main cultural centres. This is where you'll find the National Theatre, the Southbank Centre, BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX.

The area around Royal Festival Hall is home to range of eateries and shops, including a Wagamama restaurant, Foyles bookshop and the up-market Skylon restaurant.

Not far from Waterloo is the renowned Old Vic Theatre. Under the artistic direction of Kevin Spacey, it presents a varied mix of work - from Shakespeare to pantomime. The Young Vic is also nearby, offering a range of innovative productions, often with community involvement.

Art lovers should pop into the Bargehouse and the gallery@Oxo, both housed within the iconic Oxo Tower.

Da Vinci Code in London

The area known as Temple is an ancient grouping of historic buildings, courtyards and gardens. It includes the Temple Church, which features heavily in Dan Brown's bestseller The Da Vinci Code.

In the 12th century, Temple was the London base of the Knights Templar, whose job it was to protect pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. The Knights disbanded in 1312, and the lawyers moved in. Today Temple contains two Inns of Court: Inner Temple and Middle Temple.

The Temple is best accessed on foot from Tudor Street or from Temple Avenue. You can visit the church, but check in advance, as visiting hours vary.

Eating, Drinking and Sleeping

The South Bank acts like a magnet to visitors and Londoners alike. So it's no surprise that there are plenty of waterside watering holes and eateries to choose from. Gabriel's Wharf is a good place to start. And the nearby Oxo Tower offers top-notch food with fantastic panoramic views of the city.

If you'd prefer to have a drink on the water, try Tattershall Castle, a pub on a boat, moored on the north bank.

But if you're after luxury, look no further than the London Marriott Hotel County Hall or the Park Plaza County Hall. These hotels are conveniently located next to the London Eye.

Getting There

The nearest Tube stations are Westminster, Waterloo and Blackfriars. And with four bridges - Westminster, Hungerford, Waterloo and Blackfriars - it's very easy to cross from north to south and back again. See our travel section for more information.

Explore this Area Further 

• Look around Westminster to Blackfriars with London Explorer
• Look around Westminster with London Explorer
• Look around Blackfriars with London Explorer