Activities in South Bank and Waterloo

Leake Street Arches is a long tunnel covered in graffiti, tucked under Waterloo Station, usually packed with people adding fresh artwork. It feels more like an open studio than a formal attraction, and you can walk through in a few minutes or end up staying much longer if you stop to take a closIf you want to try spray painting for yourself, no one will stop you. There are also nearby bars, food spots and the occasional workshop or performance.

The Vaults Theatre sits underneath Waterloo Station and focuses on immersive and alternative productions rather than fancy West End shows. The space is a maze of graffiti-covered passages that lead to small stages, bars and rooms used for everything from experimental plays to seasonal pop-ups. It has a scrappy, creative feel, and the programming changes often, so you might see something bold or slightly chaotic depending on the night. The bar and rotating kitchen add to the relaxed, anything-goes atmosphere.

The Southbank Centre is one of the busiest cultural spots in the area, with a mix of talks, gigs, workshops and festivals happening throughout the year. You can drop in for a free exhibition, catch a reading or wander into a smaller music event without planning much ahead. The spaces feel open and casual so you can explore at your own pace. It sits right on the river, which makes it easy to combine with a walk or a visit to one of the nearby food markets when you need a break.

The National Poetry Library sits inside the Southbank Centre and offers a quiet break from the crowds outside. The collection covers everything from classic writers to modern zines and kids' poetry. The staff are used to helping people who are new to poetry, and there are regular workshops and readings that make it feel welcoming rather than academic. It is a good spot to sit, read and recharge if you want something calm in the middle of a busy area.

The Garden Museum in Lambeth is set in a former church and focuses on British gardening through exhibitions, talks and a peaceful courtyard garden. It is a relaxing place to explore if you like plants or design, and the mix of indoor galleries and outdoor spaces makes it feel quieter than many nearby museums. You can look at historic tools, learn about different garden styles or just sit with a coffee in the café.

Lower Marsh Market sits behind Waterloo Station and has the feel of a proper neighbourhood market rather than a big tourist trap. It has been around in some form since the 1800s and now mixes vintage stalls with street food, baked goods and small craft sellers. Lunchtime is the busiest time, thanks to people from nearby offices, and the food options change often. There are pop-ups, deck chairs in summer and the occasional live performance, which makes it an easy place to wander through on your way to something else.

The South Bank Book Market sits under Waterloo Bridge and feels like one of those places you stumble across rather than plan to visit. It started with a few booksellers and has grown into a stretch of long tables covered in second-hand books on everything from art to old travel guides. You'll need to rummage a bit because nothing is organised in a neat, shop-like way, but that's part of the fun.

Archbishop's Park sits behind Lambeth Palace and feels a lot more low-key than the busy riverfront nearby. It used to be part of the palace grounds and now functions as a neighbourhood park with tennis courts, AstroTurf pitches, cricket nets and an outdoor gym. There are quiet paths and seating areas if you just want a breather, and it attracts a mix of locals rather than big crowds.

The Southbank Centre Food Market runs every weekend and brings together a mix of global street food stalls, so you can wander through and pick from things like katsu bowls, pad Thai, shawarma wraps, bruschetta and plenty of pastries. It gets busy at peak times, but it's easy enough to grab something and head towards the river for a picnic. If the weather turns, you can duck inside the Southbank Centre, where there are often small exhibitions, talks or live music happening.

Gabriel's Wharf sits just off the river and is a small cluster of independent shops that feels quieter than the rest of the South Bank. You'll find things like handmade jewellery, ceramics, prints and small design studios, so it's an easy place to wander if you want something different from the big chain stores nearby. The area has a slightly scruffy, creative feel, and you can dip in and out of the shops without needing much time. It's a nice stop if you're already walking along the river and fancy a little browse.