Southwark

London
Southwark showing modern architecture, a city and night scenes
Enjoy some of the best views of the London skyline from this historic borough. One of the city's oldest neighborhoods is home to many of its top attractions. 

During the Tudor and Stuart eras, Southwark was a notorious hub of sordid entertainment and a refuge for criminals. Today it's a popular tourist destination thanks to its many interesting attractions.

Look inside beautiful Southwark Cathedral, one of London’s oldest Gothic churches. The cathedral was built in the 13th century, with numerous additions through the 19th century. Inside, notice several memorials to William Shakespeare, who is believed to have worshipped here. Look for the tomb of Shakespeare's brother, Edmund, as well as a stained-glass window depicting characters from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet and The Tempest.

Visit Borough Market, the region’s most iconic food market, held on the same site since the 13th century. During the week, the market has about a dozen vendors. Numbers swell to more than 100 stalls from Thursday to Saturday. Find vendors selling fantastic cheeses, homemade bread, organically farmed meats, fresh coffees and local produce and food products.

Check out Tate Modern, Britain’s largest modern art gallery. The collection is housed in an imaginatively restored mid-20th-century power station, with exhibits spread across seven floors. The gallery’s impressive permanent collection is arranged thematically into categories including “Still Life” and “Landscape.” Look for works by Picasso, Matisse, Anish Kapoor, Monet and Pollock in the Material Gestures galleries.

Discover the compelling Clink Museum on the site of a 12th-century London jail. See medieval torture instruments and learn about the horrifying conditions once endured by prisoners in these cells.

Tour Shakespeare's Globe, a detailed replica of the original 16th-century theater. Explore the attached museum, which examines Elizabethan theater and includes an interesting collection of historic Bankside entertainment material. From April to October in the Globe, watch performances ranging from Shakespearean productions to modern plays.

Southwark is located on the south bank of the River Thames. Walk here from Central London and the city’s West End. You can also reach the borough by Tube or bus.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Southwark Hotel Deals

ibis London Blackfriars
ibis London Blackfriars
3 out of 5
49 Blackfriars Road, London, England
The price is ¥14,335 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
¥14,335
per night
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Very nice stay
"Practical location and nice room. Small but very comfortable. Clean."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

ibis London Blackfriars
Sea Containers London
Sea Containers London
5 out of 5
20 Upper Ground, London, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥30,761 per night from Apr 7 to Apr 8
¥30,761
per night
Apr 7 - Apr 8
Stay at this 5-star spa hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
Superb
"Super trendy hotel, great location, relaxed atmosphere. Really quiet rooms and great service."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Sea Containers London
citizenM London Bankside
citizenM London Bankside
4 out of 5
20 Lavington Street, Surrey House, London, England
The price is ¥20,829 per night from Apr 4 to Apr 5
¥20,829
per night
Apr 4 - Apr 5
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (973 reviews)
"Everything was modern, clean and the service was outstanding!"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

citizenM London Bankside
The Hoxton Southwark
The Hoxton Southwark
4 out of 5
Blackfriars Road 32- 40, London, England
The price is ¥28,482 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
¥28,482
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 4-star hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (775 reviews)
"Great all around hotel, great area"

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2024

The Hoxton Southwark
The LaLit London - Small Luxury Hotel of the World
The LaLit London - Small Luxury Hotel of the World
5 out of 5
181 Tooley Street, London, England
The price is ¥27,209 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥27,209
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (841 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel felt relaxed and quiet despite being in a busy area of London round the corner from Tower Bridge. Highly recommended. Wish we could have stayed longer. We will return."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

The LaLit London - Small Luxury Hotel of the World
Bermonds Locke
Bermonds Locke
4.5 out of 5
157 Tower Bridge Road, London, England
The price is ¥21,322 per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
¥21,322
per night
Apr 5 - Apr 6
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (338 reviews)
"The staff’s professionalism is excellent. The location is ideal"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Bermonds Locke
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Southwark

Canary Wharf featuring city views, a bridge and a river or creek

Canary Wharf

4/5(168 area reviews)

Museum of London Docklands and Thames River are top sights in Canary Wharf, and you should be sure to explore the fantastic nightlife. Hop aboard the metro at Heron Quays DLR Station or Canary Wharf Underground Station to see more sights in the area.

Canary Wharf
The City of London which includes a skyscraper, heritage architecture and a sunset

The City of London

4.5/5(808 area reviews)

The City of London is highly notable for its stunning cathedral, and you might want to visit top sights like St. Paul's Cathedral and London Guildhall. See more of London by jumping on the metro at Bank Underground Station or St. Paul's Underground Station.

The City of London
Victoria featuring heritage architecture and a city

Westminster

While you're in Westminster, take in top sights like Big Ben and jump on the metro at St. James's Park Underground Station to see more of the city.

Westminster
Admiralty Arch featuring heritage architecture

City of Westminster

4.5/5(4,574 area reviews)

Buckingham Palace and Big Ben are a few top attractions in City of Westminster. Hop around the city on the metro at St. James's Park Underground Station or Victoria Underground Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops, and acclaimed art galleries.

City of Westminster
Big Ben showing heritage architecture, a city and a monument

Victoria

4.5/5(19 area reviews)

The interesting museums and stunning river views are just a few top-rate features of the neighborhood. Make a stop by Victoria Palace Theatre or Apollo Victoria Theatre while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Victoria Underground Station to get around town.

Victoria
Carnaby Street which includes a square or plaza as well as a large group of people

London City Centre

5/5(33 area reviews)

Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus are a few top attractions in London City Centre. Hop around the city on the metro at Charing Cross Underground Station or Leicester Square Underground Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, stunning river views, and acclaimed art galleries.

London City Centre

Southwark