Top reasons to visit Waterloo
- Cultural Vibrancy: Waterloo is a hub for culture lovers, featuring theatres, galleries, and events that showcase the local arts scene.
- Iconic Attractions: Enjoy stunning views from the London Eye and explore the bustling South Bank, packed with exciting activities.
- Family-Friendly Activities: From the iconic Ferris wheel to riverside experiences, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
- Diverse Accommodations: Choose from a range of hotels and guesthouses that cater to all travellers and preferences.
- Rich Local Charm: Experience the blend of history and modernity, with picturesque streets, churches, and piazzas to explore.
Find great hotels near Waterloo
Discover a diverse selection of accommodations in Waterloo, London, perfect for every type of traveller. Whether you prefer the comfort of established hotels or the charm of guesthouses, this area offers options tailored for business and leisure alike. With notable establishments like H10 London Waterloo and Park Plaza London Waterloo, you’ll find welcoming environments that cater to all, including the LGBTQIA community, ensuring a memorable stay in this vibrant part of the city.
- Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge: Located a mere 483m from Waterloo, Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge is a stylish 4-star hotel rated 9.0 out of 10 by its guests. This hotel stands out for its contemporary design and commitment to sustainability, offering an eco-friendly experience for travellers. The property is well-suited for business travellers and is pet-friendly, accommodating dogs with amenities such as food and water bowls, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your furry companion. The hotel also features a fitness centre, on-site dining options, and meeting facilities, making it an excellent choice for both leisure and business visitors.
- The Tower Hotel, by Thistle: Set 3.2km away from Waterloo, The Tower Hotel, by Thistle boasts a guest rating of 8.4 out of 10 and offers stunning views of the iconic Tower Bridge and the Thames. This eco-certified hotel is dedicated to sustainability, making it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious travellers. Guests can enjoy comfortable accommodations and convenient access to major attractions, as well as on-site facilities including a restaurant and bar. The hotel's prime location allows for easy exploration of London’s vibrant cultural scene.
- Strand Palace Hotel: Just 966m from Waterloo, the Strand Palace Hotel is another 4-star gem, also rated 9.0 out of 10. Known for its rich history and elegant design, this eco-certified property provides a sophisticated atmosphere for your stay. Offering a blend of traditional charm and modern amenities, the hotel features a variety of dining options and a well-equipped fitness centre. Its prime location in the heart of London allows guests to easily access theatres, shops, and cultural landmarks, ensuring a delightful stay in the city.
Where to stay near Waterloo
Waterloo, a vibrant neighbourhood in South London, offers a rich cultural experience for all types of travellers. Enjoy the central location, perfect for exploring the iconic sights of London, including the remarkable views from the London Eye. Stroll along the bustling South Bank, where friendly locals and a diverse atmosphere await. With its blend of history and modernity, Waterloo is an ideal base for family adventures, urban exploration, and discovering the heart of the capital.
- London: As a bustling metropolis, London offers an unparalleled blend of history and modernity. Located in the heart of the city, Waterloo provides easy access to a myriad of attractions, including iconic shopping areas, vibrant theatres, and dynamic entertainment venues. With visitor numbers peaking during the summer months and in October, this area is perfect for travellers seeking a family-friendly, culture-rich experience. Notable landmarks nearby include the symbolic London Eye and lush urban parks that invite leisurely strolls amidst the hustle and bustle.
- London City Centre: Just 1.3km from Waterloo, London City Centre is a vibrant neighbourhood that pulsates with life. It is famed for its shopping districts, captivating theatres, and exhilarating amusement rides that cater to families and culture enthusiasts alike. Although visitor numbers peak in January and from October to November, the area remains lively year-round. Explore charming streets and visit iconic landmarks, making it an ideal base for your London adventure, with a wealth of tourist precincts to discover.
- Covent Garden: This delightful neighbourhood lies a mere 1.1km from Waterloo and is a haven for those seeking a mix of culture and entertainment. Covent Garden is renowned for its bustling market, eclectic shopping areas, and renowned theatres, appealing to families and culture lovers. The visitor numbers tend to peak in March to April and December, drawing in crowds eager to experience its festive charm. The picturesque square and vibrant streets offer a delightful atmosphere, making it an essential stop on your London itinerary.
Things to do near Waterloo
Shopping
Visit the iconic Southbank Centre, a vibrant complex featuring shops, markets, and eateries along the Thames. Nearby, the bustling Waterloo Market offers a variety of local crafts and unique souvenirs, perfect for capturing the essence of London.
Recreation
Explore the tranquil atmosphere of the Aqua London Spa, where you can indulge in rejuvenating treatments and soothing massages. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the South Bank, enjoying riverside views and vibrant street performances that enhance your relaxation experience.
Adventure
Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud cable car, offering stunning views as you glide over the Thames. For motorsport fans, Arena Essex Raceway provides exhilarating motor racing experiences. Alternatively, tackle the zipline and ropes course at Stubbers Activity and Adventure Centre for a day full of excitement and outdoor fun.
Nightlife
In Waterloo, the Southbank Centre hosts vibrant events and performances, while the nearby Ministry of Sound offers an electrifying clubbing experience with top DJs. For a more relaxed evening, enjoy cocktails at The Arch and take in views of the Thames along the riverside.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Waterloo
To save money during your visit to Waterloo, consider travelling between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Book about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia, particularly on Sundays for the best rates. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter hotels by budget and eco-friendly options, and consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for further savings. Lastly, explore free attractions in the area to make your visit enjoyable without breaking the bank.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Waterloo 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: Booking a hotel around Waterloo about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Waterloo is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Waterloo is Wednesday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Waterloo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions near Waterloo
Waterloo is an excellent choice for culture-themed, family, and city vacations. Within and around the area, you'll find popular attractions such as streets, churches, and piazzas, all catering to those seeking enriching cultural experiences. Be sure to explore various London attractions that enhance your visit, ensuring a delightful time for every traveller.
- Buckingham Palace: A symbol of the British monarchy, this historic palace, located 1.6km from Waterloo, offers a glimpse into royal life. Its opulent architecture and beautiful gardens create a cultural atmosphere, especially during the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which captivates visitors with its pageantry.
- Big Ben: Officially known as the Elizabeth Tower, this iconic clock tower, situated 966m away, stands as a remarkable landmark of London. The intricate Gothic design and the rhythmic chimes provide a quintessential city vibe, making it a must-see for any visitor.
- Tower Bridge: Spanning the River Thames, this historic bridge, located 3.2km from Waterloo, features a stunning Victorian design. Visitors can explore its glass-floored walkway and exhibitions, enjoying panoramic views of the city’s skyline while absorbing the rich history of this engineering marvel.
Best time to go to Waterloo
The best time to visit Waterloo is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Waterloo
Accessing Waterloo from the major airports in London is quite convenient. London Heathrow (LHR) is approximately 24.1km away, with nearby hotels like the 5-star Sofitel London Heathrow, located 3.2km from the airport, and the 5-star Great Fosters, 9.7km away. London Gatwick (LGW) is about 38.6km from Waterloo, featuring excellent options such as the 5-star Alexander House And Utopia Spa, 8.0km away, and Windfalls Boutique Hotel, 4.8km from the airport. Lastly, London Stansted (STN) sits 49.9km from Waterloo, with the Radisson Blu Hotel just 322m from the airport, and Novotel London Stansted Airport, 3.2km away.