In this article, you'll learn the following:
Things to do near Waterloo while you wait for your train
Located in the heart of the capital, London Waterloo offers plenty to do while you wait for your train. If you have time to spare before your journey, you’ll find a range of activities just a short distance from the station.
From pubs and restaurants to scenic walks and picturesque parks, we’ve collated the top things to do near Waterloo station, with activities for short and long wait times. Let’s dive in!
Where is Waterloo Station?
London Waterloo is located on the south bank of the River Thames in the London Borough of Lambeth (SE1 8SW). It's between Westminster Bridge and Waterloo Bridge, directly opposite the London Eye and steps from the South Bank cultural district.
The main concourse entrance faces Waterloo Road at its junction with York Road, serving South Western Railway's platforms for destinations across southwest London, Surrey, Hampshire and Dorset. Bakerloo, Jubilee and Northern Underground lines connect directly here too.
Fun things to do in Waterloo and South Bank
Waterloo and South Bank buzz with fun attractions perfect for short waits or longer stops. From landmark views to active parks and buzzy bars, these highlights lie just steps from Waterloo station.
1. Admire the view from the London Eye
The London Eye is one of Southbank’s main attractions. Less than a 10-minute walk from the station, it’s a great way to pass the time as you wait for your train. Over 443ft high, views from the top span all of London!
The London Eye's 32-capsule wheel takes around 30 minutes for a full rotation. Expect queue time beforehand, so arrive early before your train. Enjoy 1/3 off tickets with SWR Rewards when travelling by train.
2. Play sports at Archbishop’s Park
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Fancy a workout? Archbishops Park is a vibrant place for sports lovers of all ages and abilities. Book facilities on the Lambeth Council website for tennis courts, football pitches and free outdoor table tennis. Plan your activity and bring your own sports equipment.
Alternatively, enjoy the park’s peaceful green spaces and relax with a picnic or a book. It also holds Green Flag Award status and features herbaceous borders, wildlife habitats and community art. Archbishop's Park is a 14-minute walk from London Waterloo station.
3. Grab a drink at Vaulty Towers
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You’ll find plenty of pubs and bars in Waterloo and Vaulty Towers is a crowd favourite. Step into its whimsical world filled with theatrical props, glittering chandeliers, a resident giraffe and a cosy crescent moon seating area, making it the perfect spot for craft beers, creative cocktails or cask ale before catching your train.
The pub hosts lively DJ nights, popular quiz events and a basement bar with live performances throughout the week. Its dog friendly vibe includes a pub dog named Goose. Just a short 7-minute stroll from the station, it is a great place to relax.
4. Admire the art at Hayward Gallery
Immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of Hayward Gallery, a contemporary art gallery just a short 8-minute stroll from Waterloo station. Explore thought provoking exhibitions featuring interactive installations, outdoor artworks and bold contemporary pieces.
Recent shows spotlight influential artists like Yoshitomo Nara and Gilbert & George, alongside dynamic displays of global talent. Enjoy guided tours, artist talks, signing classes, workshops and special events throughout the year.
5. Visit Lambeth Palace
Lambeth Palace is the historic London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, set along the River Thames south bank. Book guided tours to explore highlights like the Crypt, Guard Room, Chapel, Great Hall and stunning gardens. Advance booking required at £12 per adult.
Lambeth Palace Library holds the Church of England's national archive with some of the world's oldest printed books and 9th century illuminated manuscripts. All guided tours are free although you must book in advance as space is limited.
Free things to do in Waterloo and South Bank
Make the most of your wait with these cost-free gems throughout the Southbank area. Enjoy parks, scenic walks and memorials all easily accessible during your stop.
1. Breathe in the fresh air at Waterloo Millennium Green
Waterloo Millennium Green is a peaceful park close to Waterloo station. There’s plenty of green space to enjoy, with grass for picnicking on and beautiful wildflowers to admire.
Find a park bench and watch the world go by or stroll through the gardens and spot the wildlife. With an idyllic atmosphere and fabulous scenery, this park is one of the best free things to do in London.
Waterloo Millennium Green is managed by Bankside Open Spaces Trust, an environmental and volunteering charity protecting and enhancing green spaces in London’s SE1 and surrounding areas.
2. Embark on the Queen's Walk
The Queen’s Walk is a free, self-guided walking tour near Waterloo. It’s one of the cheapest and easiest ways to see the sights in a short amount of time, though we recommend allowing at least two hours before your train leaves.
Start at Westminster Bridge and cross to the River Thames southern bank, passing the London Eye and Southbank Centre. Walk towards Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe, then cross the Thames on the Millennium Footbridge and finish at St Paul's Cathedral.
3. Visit the National COVID Memorial Wall
Visit the National COVID Memorial Wall to pay your respects to those who passed away from COVID-19. Created in March 2021 by bereaved families and volunteers, it features over 250,000 hand-painted red hearts along a 500 metre stretch of the Albert Embankment alongside St Thomas' Hospital on the River Thames South Bank between Westminster Bridge and Lambeth Bridge.
Visitors can pay respects, leave messages and reflect opposite the Houses of Parliament. Maintained weekly by Friends of the Wall volunteers.
4. Visit London's famous bridges
London Waterloo has many famous bridges on its doorstep. Head northeast to Millennium Bridge, a filming location for popular movies like 28 Days Later, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and The Sense of an Ending.
Continue east to London Bridge, the oldest river crossing in London, and Tower Bridge, one of London’s defining landmarks. Other famous bridges near Waterloo include Southwark Bridge, Waterloo Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridge.
5. Have a free art experience at Tate Modern
For modern art fans visiting London, a stop at Tate Modern has to be on the cards. This popular art gallery features work from renowned artists including Pablo Picasso, Yayoi Kusama and Henri Matisse. and the best part is that the permanent collection is totally free to see. Getting here is easy, as Tate Modern is only a 16-minute stroll from London Waterloo.
Explore the iconic Turbine Hall with its large-scale installations and underground Tanks for live performances. Book special exhibitions ahead and enjoy panoramic city views from the viewing platform.
Waterloo and Southbank attractions for kids to enjoy
Waterloo and South Bank host London's top family attractions all within a 10-minute walk from Waterloo station.
1. Enjoy an underwater adventure at SEA LIFE
Dive into an underwater world at SEA LIFE London Aquarium. Just a 10-minute walk from Waterloo station, plan a full day to meet sharks, sea turtles, penguins and alligators in their recreated habitats while learning about endangered species conservation.
Try the thrilling Shark Experience snorkeling or calmer River Cruise spotting Thames historic landmarks. Book online on the SEA LIFE website for best prices with family tickets from £28 per adult. Enjoy 1/3 off tickets with SWR Rewards when travelling by train.
2. Enter your favourite movie at Shrek's Adventure London
Shrek's Adventure! London in County Hall on the South Bank delivers a brilliantly bonkers interactive walkthrough where families star in their own hilarious misadventure through Far Far Away. Experience a magical 4D flying bus ride, 9 fairytale themed live shows, and meet characters like Shrek, Donkey, Princess Fiona and Pinocchio while collecting ingredients to find Shrek.
Just a 10-minute walk from Waterloo station, tickets start from £21 per adult. Check Shrek's Adventure London website for bookings. Enjoy 1/3 off tickets with SWR Rewards when travelling by train.
3. Experience the spooky London Dungeon
The London Dungeon whisks visitors back to the city's darkest history through thrilling live shows and rides. Encounter chilling figures like Guy Fawkes, Jack the Ripper, and Sweeney Todd amid sights, sounds, smells, and scares from the perilous past.
Just a 10-minute walk from Waterloo station, enjoy 19 live shows and 2 thrilling underground rides then unwind in the Victorian themed tavern. Enjoy 1/3 off tickets with SWR Rewards when travelling by train.
Places to eat in Waterloo and South Bank
Waterloo and South Bank offer diverse dining from artisanal bakeries to vibrant street food markets.
1. Pick up a sweet treat from GAIL's Bakery, Southbank
GAIL's Bakery has earned iconic status in London, offering delicious homemade sourdough bread, pastries, cakes, breakfasts and lunches. The Southbank location at 28 York Road serves freshly baked goods alongside barista specialty coffee with views of the London Eye.
Plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices available, plus a 'waste not' range made with offcuts and wonky fruits that otherwise would have gone to waste. Perfect spot for a quick treat before strolling South Bank.
2. Enjoy a meal at the Southbank Centre Food Market
Hungry? Dine at one of the restaurants near London Waterloo, or head to the Southbank Centre Food Market for a fantastic food selection. Just a 6-minute walk from Waterloo station behind Royal Festival Hall, open Friday to Sunday, it is one of the best food markets in London, serving all sorts of delicious options.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Galeta, Crêpes à la Carte and Choco Fruit, or explore the rest of the market for Asian street food, juicy meat-based dishes, Mediterranean delights, coffee shops and more.
Plan your trip to London with South Western Railway
Ready to book your train to London? We have train tickets to multiple destinations and attractions, simply search our ticket types. Discover cheap train tickets to your nearest record store by going off-peak. Passengers with a Railcard could save even more, while those travelling in a group could benefit from GroupSave or a Family and Friends Railcard.
Our Sunday Out and Semi-Flex return tickets give you extra flexibility if plans change on the day. For additional savings, check your eligibility for Railcards and discounts.
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