Known as London’s Cultural Heart, the riverside neighbourhood of South Bank calls the Thames’ southern shores home, and is sandwiched between Westminster Bridge and London Bridge. It’s a place to move to if you like lots going on and, with its plethora of famous sites, it’s somewhere you can play London tourist as often as you like.
What’s South Bank like?
South Bank attracts millions of visitors each year, such is the appeal of the major attractions that pepper the riverfront – most in imposing, grandiose buildings. Big-hitters include the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and the National Theatre, not to mention landmarks like the London Eye.
You’re spoilt for choice on the food and drink front, with glam bistros and gastropubs offering a front row view of the river, and traditional Victorian inns hidden down the backstreets. The area is at its best in the summertime evenings, when people gather in the outdoor bars to clink glasses as the sun dips over the water.
South Bank is greener than you might expect, too, thanks to well-loved spaces like the Bernie Spain Gardens and Jubilee Gardens. These often play host to pop-up performances and exhibitions showcasing local, up-and-coming talent.
Transport in South Bank
Getting to and from South Bank is easy, thanks to a handful of walkable, well-connected Zone 1 stations in close proximity. Southwark is on the Jubilee line, London Bridge offers Jubilee and Northern line tubes, as does Waterloo – but with the addition of the Bakerloo line. Blackfriars, meanwhile, is on the District and Circle lines.
Buying and renting in South Bank
Expect a real variety of homes if you’re moving to South Bank. There are small blocks of swish apartments near the river, huge schemes with health and wellness centres, and everything in between.
Location-wise, The Music Box is up there with the best of them – a striking development by Taylor Wimpey Central London. It’s spitting distance from the river and the Tate Modern, and its interiors are ultra-contemporary.
“Space in the flat is great. It is not too small for being in central. Everything is high spec and modern. It is definitely one of the best flats I have lived in.” – Anonymous, resident at The Music Box
Like the name suggests, Palace View – another Taylor Wimpey Central London offering – is best-known for its incredible vistas. This collection of apartments is neighboured by Lambeth Palace, and residents can look across the water to Parliament and Westminster. There are also only 55 homes here, so there’s a more intimate feel than you’d find in the larger developments.
“I like that it’s a small building and the concierge always knows who I am. My flat is big and I like that we have access to the outside areas and bike stores. The lifts are quick and there’s is a gym and cinema room but I’ve not used these yet.” – Jane1004, verified resident at Palace View
At the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find The Whitehouse Apartments by Galliard Homes. Intimate this scheme is not, but it certainly has its own charms. This sprawling, high-rise development is topped with a roof terrace and fronted by a striking fountain, and would look more at home on the seafront in Dubai.
“Well the facilities are amazing. We have a pool that’s really great, a gym as well. I like the roof top terrace. My flat is well designed and well built, they grit the driveway in the winter, and the concierge is lovely.” – Viktoria, verified resident at The Whitehouse Apartments
One Tower Bridge is a Berkeley Homes property designed by Squires and Partners. Expect design-led apartments and penthouses with a stellar view of Tower Bridge and the Thames. There’s a luxe health club for residents, as well.
“Travelling to work is not a hassle at all. London Bridge Station is located 7 minutes’ walk from my apartment and I can reach my office at Canary Wharf in just under 10 minutes. After work, I can enjoy my dinner and drinks at The Ivy Restaurant which is located near my apartment.” – Anon, resident at One Tower Bridge
“All I can say is that it is gorgeous, perfection. Thank you Berkeley Homes.” – Pam, resident at One Tower Bridge
If you’re seeking penthouse living with good transport links, consider Crest Nicholson’s The Perspective Building, which offers four floors of luxury living and easy access to Waterloo and Lambeth North stations.
“What I like about it is it’s very convenient, we have a uniformed concierge to pick up parcels, let you or your guests in and offer security and assistance. I feel very safe and secure due to the key fob system and single entrance. Lots of my friends live in the building, so there is a good community feel. It has very good transport links as it is near both Lambeth North and Waterloo station, so I can easily get to work or wherever I want to be. The waste disposal system is another plus, rather than a room it’s taken right from outside our door.” – Anon, verified resident at The Perspective Building
Galliard’s County Hall Apartments is just a stone’s throw from the London Eye, meaning a plum spot for the spectacular NYE fireworks. There are more than 600 stylish apartments here, and residents have access to a private gym, pool and spa.
“Enjoy using this flat during the week while I work in London and it is very close to the office and other amenities, loving the cosmopolitan environment and would recommend this apartment for all the fantastic facilities that are on offer.” – Charlie Smith, resident at County Hall Apartments
Barratt London’s Blackfriars Circus is another popular choice. Based in the centre of Southwark, it’s another scheme with some top facilities to brag about…
“I really like living in a new development, everything is brand new and there are lots of shared facilities which really come in handy, especially having an on-site gym. I also love the design of both the building and the flats, it’s very modern and stylish.” – Anonymous, verified resident at Blackfriars Circus
