
Waterloo Bridge, London
Waterloo Bridge, named in commemoration of the British triumph at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, marks the eastern boundary of the Southbank Centre and is renowned for more than just its stunning sunsets. During the Second World War, it was predominantly constructed by women, and in 1978, it gained notoriety as the site of the assassination of Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov, who fell victim to a ricin-loaded umbrella. On clear evenings, it's a common sight to encounter a lineup of both professional and amateur photographers along its length. This vantage point offers a 360-degree vista of the London skyline, providing fantastic photographic opportunities in both daylight and nighttime settings.
For a particularly romantic perspective of London, stand at the midpoint between the north and south banks of the Thames on the bridge. Facing east, you'll behold the magnificent Saint Paul's Cathedral and the graceful neoclassical facades of Somerset House, along with contemporary landmarks such as the distinctive "Gherkin" skyscraper on the north side and the towering Shard pyramid to the south. Gazing westward, you'll spot the iconic Victorian Gothic towers of the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) and Big Ben on the north bank, as well as the Edwardian elegance of The Savoy hotel and the National Liberal Club. You'll also catch a glimpse of Westminster Abbey. Turning your attention to the south bank, your eyes will be drawn to the London Eye's wheel and the striking Southbank Centre with its Brutalist architecture. If timed right, you may witness the sunset that inspired the Kinks' famous song.
Tip:
Should you find yourself in London during a full moonlit night, take the opportunity to spend an hour on this bridge after sunset and indulge in the awe-inspiring vistas!
For a particularly romantic perspective of London, stand at the midpoint between the north and south banks of the Thames on the bridge. Facing east, you'll behold the magnificent Saint Paul's Cathedral and the graceful neoclassical facades of Somerset House, along with contemporary landmarks such as the distinctive "Gherkin" skyscraper on the north side and the towering Shard pyramid to the south. Gazing westward, you'll spot the iconic Victorian Gothic towers of the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) and Big Ben on the north bank, as well as the Edwardian elegance of The Savoy hotel and the National Liberal Club. You'll also catch a glimpse of Westminster Abbey. Turning your attention to the south bank, your eyes will be drawn to the London Eye's wheel and the striking Southbank Centre with its Brutalist architecture. If timed right, you may witness the sunset that inspired the Kinks' famous song.
Tip:
Should you find yourself in London during a full moonlit night, take the opportunity to spend an hour on this bridge after sunset and indulge in the awe-inspiring vistas!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "ϳԹ: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Waterloo Bridge on Map
Sight Name: Waterloo Bridge
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in London, England
Create Your Own Walk in London
Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Jane Austen’s London
The celebrated English novelist Jane Austen primarily lived between Bath and Hampshire. However, London also held a special significance in Austen's life. Many of her novels drew inspiration from the capital, like Lydia Bennet and Mr Wickham’s elopement in “Pride & Prejudice.”
One of Austen's cherished spots in London was Twinings, a renowned tea shop. Jane Austen was known... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
One of Austen's cherished spots in London was Twinings, a renowned tea shop. Jane Austen was known... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
Harry Potter Walking Tour II
The Harry Potter movies and London go together like Butterbeer and a cold winter night at Hogsmeade. While much of the magical world was brought to life with computer-generated images and studio sets, quite a few iconic scenes were filmed right in the heart of the British capital, transforming ordinary city spots into wizarding landmarks. Here's a look at six more London locations where the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
London's Historic Pubs Walk
If there’s any more iconic symbol for London than Big Ben or the London Eye, then it must be the traditional English pub. And London sure is full of them, dating from pre-Victorian times to just about five minutes ago.
With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
London Souvenirs: 18 Distinctively British Products for Travelers
Most visitors to London consider shopping as part of their must-do London experience. From street markets to Victorian arcades to snobbish Sloane Square to busy Oxford Street, there are a host of shops selling items which typically represent this vibrant city. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs...