Attractions in Southwark/ Waterloo (London)

HMS Belfast

HMS Belfast is one of Europe's largest preserved warships. She was launched in 1938 to serve in both World War Two and the Korean War. She is the last surviving example of the great warships built for the Royal Navy. In her day she was one of the most powerful vessels of her type with complex machinery and equipment. During World War Two, she was home to almost a thousand men who had to live in cramped conditions. She retired from service and from protecting the Empire's trade routes in 1965 and has now been converted to a floating naval museum with seven decks for visitors to discover. Children under 16 are allowed in for free.

Southbank Centre

The Southbank Centre was created in the 1960s, after the Festival of Britain in 1951 inspired renewed interest in the arts scene in the United Kingdom. Although it is one of the top cultural venues in the city, it typifies 60s architecture and is, therefore, not pretty. The Southbank Centre is made up of the Royal National Theatre (comprising the Olivier, Lyttelton and Cottesloe theaters), and the National Film Theatre which shows the cream of international art-house films. The South Bank district is home to many other galleries and attractions, such as Vinopolis.

Vinopolis

Vinopolis, a must for any wine lover, is an interactive, multimedia wine ""adult theme park"" opened along the Millennium Mile in the summer of 1999. It contains two wine bars, a champagne bar, a gift shop, an art gallery, wine schools and clubs, banqueting and conference facilities, a coffee shop and a gourmet, sit-down restaurant - they've thought of everything. Your entrance ticket allows you five tastings from over 200 wines. More tasting vouchers can be bought inside. Vinopolis also offers wine tasting introductory sessions and even tips for tasting champagne. This is the first of its type in the world and is sure to be of great interest to both tourists and Londoners. Under 18's should be accompanied by an adult. The admission price also includes a personal audio guide which is available in a variety of languages.

Southwark Cathedral

Southwark Cathedral is known for being a architectural beauty, but most tourists seem to be content with just visiting The Globe Theatre and end up missing the magnificent parts of this historic borough. This 13th century Anglican cathedral is London's oldest Gothic church, but features Victorian architecture due to subsequent renovation and repairs. Call for service timings.

Tower Bridge Exhibition

Tower Bridge is one of the most instantly recognizable of London's landmarks. Built at the close of the 19th century, the bridge is in a neo-Gothic style with twin towers, and is unique in having bascules, which can be raised to give access to tall ships. The stone clad towers offer a rich insight into London's history, plus panoramic views across the skyline enable you to see the city's finest architecture. The Tower Bridge Exhibition is a self-guided tour which introduces you to the colorful history of the Bridge from Victorian times to the present day, how it was built and takes you along the dramatic glass-covered overhead walkways which run between the towers and then to the Victorian Engine Rooms, where you will be able to see the original engines that used to power the Bridge. Timings vary. Check website for further details.

London Bicycle Tour Company

What better way to explore London than having the independence of your own bike? The London Bicycle Tour Company has specially designed routes to make sure every cyclist gets the most out of their visit. Along the way, your guide will make periodic stops to offer a little bit of information on the attractions and places you're whizzing by. Each tour is designed to keep you as far away from traffic as possible and maximize your safety while you take the city at your own pace. Whether you're used to mountain bikes or just the classic cycle this is certainly a unique way to see everyone's favorite city.

City Hall

Aptly referred to as a giant "glass testicle" by London Mayor Ken Livingstone, this misshapen sphere on London's South Bank has changed the face of the London Skyline. Along with serving as the civic center for London, it also houses a viewing deck atop its 10th story, called "London's Living Room". You can catch a nice view of the City Hall from sunny Potters Fields Park, just adjacent to it.

London Dungeon

This is not so much a museum as a gruesome reproduction of all things that illustrate the darker side of European history. Located underneath London Bridge, in a basement location with ghastly sounds seeping through the front door, this is a sort of haunted house for adults. It has won the Best Unusual Venue tourism award several times in the past. Wander through rooms depicting royal executions, vicious murders, various torture and execution devices, and even the Great Fire of London. The addition of Hollywood-style sound effects and lighting is also a nice touch. The newest addition is the Labyrinth of the Lost - the world's largest and scariest mirror maze. It's all unbelievably tacky, yet good fun in a morbid sort of way be warned, however, that its probably not suitable for small children, and all children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

London Frog Company Limited

Experience a unique road and river tour of London in a frog, aka a bright yellow vehicle which doubles as both car and boat. Perfect for anyone wanting a rather unorthodox tour of London, the London Frog Company offers 80-minute trips (including a 30-minute river cruise), complete with friendly guide. The circular route starts at County Hall and passes attractions such as Parliament Square and Trafalgar Square. The river section of the tour begins at Lacks Dock Vauxhall and continues to London Eye.

New Peckham Mosque

New Peckham Mosque is a place of worship for Muslims. Many Muslims from UK drop by at this mosque to do so.

Tibetan Peace Garden

Whether you're a Buddhist by true belief, heritage or just trend, you'll be able to find peace amidst the hustle and bustle of London life in this beautiful park. The Tibetan Peace Garden features statues and native Tibetan flora, together with a pillar adorned with a message of peace in Tibetan, Hindi, Chinese and English. It stands strong as a monument honoring the courage and commitment of the people of Tibet for their untainted faith towards non-violence and peace.

Clink Prison

This prison was originally used for debtors and heretics to the English crown in the 12th century and was continually used up until the late 18th century. In its later years it was used to confine rowdy individuals who disturbed the peace in public houses until it was finally burned down in the Gordon Riots in 1780. Today its a popular attraction to those visiting the Southwark/London Bridge area and in addition to its adjacent museum, the prison also hosts conference and meeting rooms for a truly unique event.