South Bank and Waterloo offer tenants vibrant riverfront living, combining top arts, scenic views, and unmatched transport, making this area ideal for an exciting lifestyle and stress-free commutes.
With RoomReview, explore flats in South Bank or rooms near Waterloo, including period conversions near theatres and galleries, spacious houses, and modern apartments to experience the full energy of this urban setting.
Why South Bank and Waterloo Stand Out
Iconic skyline views and renowned arts define this area. Residents are conveniently located near top venues, including the National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall, and Hayward Gallery.
Film lovers enjoy BFI Southbank screenings. The Old Vic and The Young Vic present new works and revivals. See Witness for the Prosecution at County Hall for memorable drama.
The Queen’s Walk, from Lambeth to Tower Bridge, is lined with cafés, bookstalls, performers, and key attractions like the London Eye and SEA LIFE London Aquarium.
Food and drink options abound. Start at Southbank Centre Food Market, sip cocktails at Lyaness, dine at OXO Tower Restaurant, or enjoy casual fare at Gabriel’s Wharf.
Free and Affordable Things to Enjoy
For affordable days out, browse Southbank Centre Book Market, see Leake Street Arches street art, or unwind in Jubilee Gardens and Bernie Spain Gardens.
Local museums give variety. The Garden Museum tells the story of British gardening history within a historic church. The Florence Nightingale Museum is dedicated to the history of nursing. Lambeth Palace Library hosts exhibitions on the history of the Church and the Royal Family. In the summer, the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden offers stunning views and a variety of events.
For free cultural experiences, check Southbank Centre’s events listings for free live gigs and creative workshops. Visitors can also view archived films on-site at the BFI Mediatheque
Christmas in South Bank and Waterloo
During the holidays, South Bank and Waterloo are captivating riverside destinations. Explore markets and events as the Thames sparkles with lights.
The Southbank Centre Winter Festival brings chalets, handcrafted gifts, mulled wine, artisan stalls, and live music to The Queen’s Walk. Royal Festival Hall carol concerts, while the London Eye offers festive city views.
Nearby, SoLo Craft Fair Christmas Market features 60 South London makers at The Pier, Sundays from November 16 to December 14. Enjoy bars, mulled wine, street food, and hot chocolate. Last date: December 14.
Tenants can celebrate at playful, sociable venues across South Bank.
Try Passyunk Avenue for games and Philly food, BrewDog Waterloo for bowling and beer, Lucky Voice Waterloo (luckyvoice.com/bars/waterloo) for karaoke, or Draughts Waterloo for board games and snacks.
Food lovers enjoy an international festive scene. LIMIN Southbank serves Caribbean small plates and rum cocktails. Mamuśka! offers Polish comfort food under railway arches. The Strings features Spanish and Italian plates with live guitar. Locale Southbank has traditional Italian in an inviting setting.
Experience live comedy at The Big Belly Comedy Club, festive workshops at County Hall Pottery Studio, or dine underwater at SEA LIFE London Aquarium. Try the London Eye pods for city views or visit the Paddington Bear Experience.
For larger events, consider OXO Tower Restaurant, Sea Containers Events or Seventy5th Balcony Bar (new addition for 2025), offering expansive terrace views across the Thames and a modern setting perfect for festive gatherings. Other options include the Buffini Chao Deck, 12th Knot, or Southbank Centre Roof Pavilions (up to 300 guests).
26 Leake Street, under Waterloo’s graffiti tunnel, hosts creative parties. Bankside Hotel is ideal for boutique events. Park Plaza Westminster Bridge offers a pillar-free ballroom for grand affairs. OXO2 features views and flexible packages.
Every season, especially Christmas, South Bank and Waterloo showcase community spirit, rich culture, and celebration, offering tenants an ideal environment in which to thrive.
Living Here: What Tenants Can Expect
Living here offers stunning river views and easy access to central London. Tenants can choose from new-build apartments, heritage warehouse conversions, period homes, or modern riverside flats. Amenities nearby include supermarkets, gyms, co-working spaces, and cafes.
Evenings are relaxed or lively, from street food to theatre. Waterloo is in Lambeth; South Bank is in Southwark. This overlap lets tenants benefit from both councils’ events, parks, and services, adding value for anyone renting in SE1.
Use RoomReview to compare SE1 flats, including apartments near Waterloo Station and rooms in riverside South Bank properties. Select the property type and location that best suits your routine and budget.
Transport and Connections
Waterloo Station serves the Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, and Waterloo & City lines, plus National Rail. Southwark Station adds a Jubilee line stop, and Blackfriars offers Thameslink services.
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers departs from London Eye Pier. Buses, cycle routes, and The Queen’s Walk enable easy city transit.
Best Postcodes for Tenants
SE1 is the top postcode for riverfront access, major transport links, and a diverse range of homes, from high-rises to conversions. Renters have many housing choices and access to London’s best.
South Bank and Waterloo give tenants a unique blend of culture, connectivity, and riverfront lifestyle, making them standout choices for London renters.
Visit RoomReview to compare SE1 flats and unique riverside properties. Find your ideal South Bank or Waterloo home, book a viewing, get advice, and start your new riverside life.