Southbank Centre
Overview
Location
- Address
-
Belvedere RoadLondonSE1 8XX
- Telephone:
- +44 (0)8448 479 910
- [email protected]
- Public transport:
- Underground Stations Waterloo, Embankment Main Line Rail Stations Waterloo, Waterloo Eas, Charing Cross Buses stop on Waterloo Bridge, in York Road, in Belvedere Road and in Stamford Street.
About
The Southbank Centre is the largest arts centre in the UK and a top ten UK attraction, and has been the beating heart of London’s cultural life since 1951.
The Southbank Centre’s vision is to be the world's most exciting centre for the arts. It has an 11-acre site on the River Thames located in the heart of London, with venues including the Royal Festival Hall, the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room, the Hayward Gallery and the National Poetry Library.
The venue works with the world’s most exciting artists, from household names to fresh new talent. The Southbank Centre runs over 4,000 events and receives over 11 million visitors per year, and is a welcoming space for all.
What’s on at the Southbank Centre?
The Southbank Centre puts on thousands of events every year, including annual festivals such as Imagine, Meltdown and London Literature Festival; outstanding contemporary visual art exhibitions at the Hayward Gallery; classical music concerts and gigs; performance, dance and comedy shows and literature and poetry talks.
There are fun family events throughout the year, and during every school holiday. Each summer visitors can enjoy free events on the Riverside Terrace, panoramic views from the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden and families love to splash in the Appearing Rooms fountain. Each winter, visitors can experience the popular Winter Market, view the free Winter Light exhibition and see a variety of festive shows and concerts.
The Southbank Centre welcomes visitors to make a day or night of it. From family-friendly favourites to date-night destinations, there are restaurants, cafes, bars and food and drink pop-ups to cater for all palates. Plus, the Southbank Centre Food Market is a must-visit, providing delicious street food from around the world. Visitors can also browse a host of inspiring products at the three shops onsite.
Is the Southbank Centre free to visit?
The Southbank Centre is free to enter and more than 50% of its events are completely free.
While many concerts, exhibitions and performance require tickets, visitors can freely explore much of the riverside site, enjoy public art installations, visit the shops for fantastic souvenirs and browse seasonal markets. Everyone is welcome at the Southbank Centre and the venue is dedicated to ensuring its buildings and spaces are available to all.
Where is the Southbank Centre?
The Southbank Centre is located on the South Bank of the river Thames, next to the London Eye and within walking distance of many of London's most popular attractions, including the National Theatre, Tate Modern and SEA LIFE London Aquarium.
How to get there:
- Tube - The nearest stations are Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City lines), Embankment (Bakerloo, Circle, District and Northern lines), Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines) and Westminster (Circle, District and Jubilee lines).
- Bus - Numerous bus routes stop nearby, including 76, 77, 211, 341 and 381.
- Train - Waterloo and Charing Cross are both within easy walking distance.
- Biking - Hire a Santander Cycles bike and ride along the Thames. There are several docking stations nearby including Belvedere Road and Concert Hall Approach.
When is the Southbank Centre open?
Opening times at Southbank Centre vary depending on what you'd like to visit:
- Royal Festival Hall: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–11pm
- Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room: Open 90 minutes before events and remain open until the event finishes. They are closed outside of event times.
- Hayward Gallery (during exhibitions): Tuesday to Friday: 10am–6pm, Saturday: 10am–8pm, Sunday: 10am–6pm
- Southbank Centre Food Market: Friday, 12pm–9pm, Saturday: 11am–6pm, Sunday: 12pm–6pm
Southbank Centre FAQs
What can you do at the Southbank Centre?
Visitors can enjoy concerts, comedy, dance performances, talks, exhibitions and family activities throughout the year. The site is also home to the Hayward Gallery, the National Poetry Library, riverside restaurants, bars and the popular Southbank Centre Food Market.How long should I spend at the Southbank Centre?
A visit can take anywhere from one hour to a full day, depending on what you'd like to see. Visitors attending a performance or exhibition may spend a few hours on site, while those exploring the riverside, food market and public spaces can easily make a day of it.
Is the Southbank Centre suitable for families?
Yes. The Southbank Centre hosts family-friendly events throughout the year, including school holiday activities, performances and workshops. During the summer months, children can enjoy the Appearing Rooms fountain, while seasonal festivals often feature activities designed specifically for younger audiences.What festivals take place at the Southbank Centre?
The Southbank Centre hosts several major annual festivals, including Imagine Festival, Meltdown and the London Literature Festival. Seasonal celebrations, outdoor performances and free cultural events also take place throughout the year.What food and drink is available at the Southbank Centre?
The Southbank Centre is home to a variety of cafés, bars, restaurants and seasonal food pop-ups. The Southbank Centre food market is particularly popular, offering street food from around the world every weekend.
What attractions are near the Southbank Centre?
The Southbank Centre is close to many of London's top attractions, including the London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Tate Modern, the National Theatre and Westminster Bridge. Its riverside location also makes it a great starting point for a walk along the Thames.Facilities & Accessibility
See detailed accessibility information for this venue on AccessAble
- Access Inside Building Facilities
- Accessible lift
- Effective lighting throughout for visually impaired users
- Lift buttons with raised numbers or letters
- Lift with spoken announcements on arrival at each floor
- Ramps with handrail within building
- Ramps within building
- Some routes suitable for wheelchair users
- Some routes with tactile features for visually impaired users
- Steps with handrail within building
- Steps within building
- Access into the Building
- Assisted wheelchair access
- Automatic doors
- Flat routes from parking area to entrance
- Full, non-assisted wheelchair access
- Ramps from parking area to entrance
- Accessible Bathroom Facilities
- Designated wheelchair accessible public toilet
- Some toilets with handrails
- Accessible Communication Facilities
- Audible alarm system
- Clear signage (colour contrast, large letters or pictograms)
- Hearing loop system
- Information available in audio format
- Information available in braille
- Information available in large print
- Visual alarm system
- Accessible Parking Facilities
- Blue badge parking available
- Designated disabled parking available within fifty metres of main entrance
- Drop-off point for guests available outside main entrance
- Public car park available within two hundred metres of main entrance
- Accessible Venue Facilities
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Emergency evacuation procedures for guests with disabilities
- Level access, ramp or lift to dining area
- Level access, ramp or lift to restaurant or cafe
- Level access, ramp or lift to the bar
- Level access, ramp or lift to the lounge
- Level access, ramp or lift to the shop
- Staff available to assist
- Staff disability awareness trained
- Wheelchairs available free of charge
- Additional Accessible Facilities
- Accessible baby changing rooms
- Level access, ramp or lift from entrance to reception
- Level access, ramp or lift to garden
- Level access, ramp or lift to information point
- Level access, ramp or lift to ticket issuing point
- Low payment counters
- Low reception or information counters
- Attraction Facilities
- Gift shop
- Patron toilets
- Public toilets
- Booking Facilities
- Coach parties accepted
- Group bookings accepted
- Catering Facilities
- Bar
- Cafe
- Event catering
- Food shop
- Halal options on menu
- Kosher options on menu
- Nut-free option on menu
- Outdoor dining / Beer garden
- Private Dining
- Restaurant
- Set price menu
- Theatre menu
- Vegetarian options on menu
- Event Facilities
- Available for wedding receptions
- Breakout Rooms
- Civil Partnership licence held
- Conference rooms / Meeting rooms
- In house AV available
- Licenced for civil marriages
- Raked or tiered seating offered
- Trade vehicle access
- Wedding service
- General Facilities
- Lifts
- On site parking
- Payment Facilities
- Free entry
- Group rates available
