Hotels in South Bank

Top reasons to visit South Bank

• Cultural Hub: South Bank is home to the renowned Southbank Centre, offering a variety of artistic experiences and performances.
• Scenic River Thames: Enjoy stunning views along the iconic River Thames, perfect for leisurely strolls and picturesque photo opportunities.
• Family-Friendly Activities: The area features diverse attractions suitable for all ages, making it ideal for family outings.
• Lively Market Scene: Explore vibrant public markets and shopping areas, offering unique finds and local delicacies.
• Diverse Accommodation: South Bank boasts a range of welcoming hotels and guesthouses, ensuring a comfortable stay for every traveller.

Find great hotels near South Bank

Discover a range of exceptional accommodation options in South Bank, London, perfectly suited for both leisure and business travellers. From stylish hotels to charming guesthouses, this vibrant area offers welcoming environments for all, including LGBTQIA-friendly experiences. Explore the best of Bankside and beyond, with top hotels providing easy access to shopping, cultural attractions, and the Thames, ensuring a memorable stay in the heart of the capital.

• Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge: Situated a mere 644m from South Bank, the Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge offers a refined 4-star experience tailored for both business and leisure travellers. This eco-certified hotel features a serene spa, complete with treatment rooms for facials and body treatments, ensuring a relaxing escape amid the city bustle. Guests can also unwind by the pool after a day of exploring London’s iconic sights. With a guest rating of 9.0, it is highly regarded for its commitment to sustainability and guest satisfaction.
• The Tower Hotel, by Thistle: Located approximately 3.2km from South Bank, The Tower Hotel offers a modern 4-star stay with stunning views over the River Thames and Tower Bridge. This eco-friendly property is known for its contemporary design and commitment to sustainability. With a guest rating of 8.4, it provides a comfortable base for those wishing to explore London while enjoying a range of amenities. Its proximity to historic landmarks makes it an attractive choice for eco-conscious travellers seeking adventure.
• Strand Palace Hotel: Only 483m from South Bank, the Strand Palace Hotel combines traditional charm with modern comforts in a 4-star setting. With a guest rating of 9.0, this eco-certified hotel is perfect for those seeking a sustainable stay in the heart of London. The hotel boasts stylish rooms and a prime location for easy access to theatres, dining, and cultural attractions. Guests appreciate its blend of historic elegance and contemporary amenities, making it a popular choice for visitors.

Where to stay near South Bank

South Bank offers a vibrant blend of culture and history, perfect for family and city-themed vacations. Explore the iconic River Thames, enjoy stunning views, and immerse yourself in the artistic atmosphere. Nearby, Bermondsey boasts a friendly vibe with its historic charm and budget-friendly options. Whether you're wandering along the riverbank or discovering local gems, South Bank promises a memorable experience filled with urban excitement and scenic beauty.

• London: As a vibrant metropolis, London is a hub of history, culture, and excitement. South Bank, situated on the River Thames, is a key area within this bustling city. Visitors flock to London year-round, particularly during the summer months of July and August, and in October when cultural events abound. The city offers an array of experiences, from shopping in renowned districts to enjoying world-class theatre productions. Notable landmarks like the London Eye and urban parks enhance the visitor experience, making it a must-visit destination for family trips, cultural explorations, and city-themed adventures.
• London City Centre: Located a mere 966m from South Bank, London City Centre serves as the heart of the capital. This vibrant neighbourhood attracts visitors consistently, with peak arrivals noted in January and during the autumn months. The area is perfect for those seeking family-friendly activities, cultural experiences, and city exploration. The City Centre boasts an exciting mix of shopping areas, theatres, and amusement rides, ensuring there is something for everyone. Iconic streets and symbolic landmarks provide a picturesque backdrop, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls and sightseeing.
• Covent Garden: Just 805m from South Bank, Covent Garden is a lively neighbourhood renowned for its shopping, entertainment, and cultural offerings. With visitor numbers peaking in March and December, this area is ideal for those looking for a bustling atmosphere and family-oriented fun. Covent Garden is home to a charming market, theatres, and an array of shops, making it a delightful place to explore. The central square and nearby streets are perfect for soaking up the local atmosphere while enjoying street performances and artisanal food stalls.

Things to do near South Bank

Shopping

A short stroll from the Thames, you'll discover the bustling Southbank Centre, offering a variety of unique gifts and art pieces. For a more traditional market experience, visit the nearby Borough Market, where you can find artisanal products and local crafts to take home as souvenirs.

Recreation

At the Yoga and Wellness Centre, you can enjoy calming yoga sessions and mindfulness workshops, set against the backdrop of the Thames. Nearby, the Southbank Centre offers various art and music events, creating a vibrant atmosphere for relaxation and inspiration.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud Cable Car, offering stunning views as you glide over the Thames, located 8.0km from South Bank. For motorsport enthusiasts, Arena Essex Raceway, 27.4km away, delivers adrenaline-pumping racing action. Alternatively, explore the Stubbers Activity Centre, also 27.4km away, featuring exciting zipline and ropes courses.

Nightlife

South Bank buzzes with energy at night, featuring venues like the National Theatre, where you can catch innovative performances, and the Southbank Centre, offering vibrant live music. For a more relaxed vibe, enjoy riverside bars like The Anchor, where the views complement the lively atmosphere.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for South Bank

To save money on your trip to South Bank, consider visiting between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Booking a hotel about a month in advance can yield the best rates, while last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia may also offer savings. Sundays tend to be the cheapest days to stay. Utilise Expedia's search tools to compare prices, refine options by hotel type, and combine your hotel with flights for additional discounts. Don't forget to take advantage of free activities along the South Bank, such as walking along the river and enjoying various cultural attractions.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around South Bank are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around South Bank is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around South Bank is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around South Bank is Wednesday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organise your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase hotels that are sustainable and environmentally friendly, ready for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your South Bank hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions near South Bank

South Bank is ideal for culture-themed, family, and city vacations, featuring a vibrant mix of attractions such as the Southbank Centre, London Bridge, and various streets and piazzas. Visitors can immerse themselves in cultural experiences while exploring the area's churches and lively atmosphere. Whether you're seeking family-friendly activities or a taste of urban life, South Bank offers a delightful blend of experiences for every traveller.

• Buckingham Palace: As the official residence of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace offers a glimpse into royal life. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a vibrant display of British pageantry, and explore the stunning gardens that surround this historic landmark located 1.6km from South Bank.
• Big Ben: This iconic clock tower, part of the Palace of Westminster, stands proudly just 966m from South Bank. Its impressive Gothic architecture and the rhythmic chimes create a quintessential London atmosphere, making it a must-see for visitors.
• Piccadilly Circus: Just 1.3km from South Bank, this bustling street is famous for its neon lights and lively atmosphere. Enjoy the vibrant energy, street performers, and nearby theatres, making it a central hub of London’s nightlife and culture.

Best time to go to South Bank

The best time to visit South Bank can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around South Bank falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around South Bank falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

The nearest major airports for your trip to South Bank

Flying into South Bank, London, is convenient with three major airports nearby. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is 24.1km away, with excellent hotels like the Sofitel London Heathrow, 3.2km from the airport, and Great Fosters, 9.7km away. London Gatwick Airport (LGW), located 38.6km from South Bank, offers luxurious options such as Alexander House And Utopia Spa, 8.0km away, and Windfalls Boutique Hotel, 4.8km away. Finally, London Stansted Airport (STN) is 49.9km away, with the Radisson Blu Hotel just 322m from the airport. Each airport provides various transport services, ensuring easy access to South Bank and its attractions.