Everyone in my family loves the South Bank in London, there is so much to see and do there and what I really love is that much of it you can enjoy for free. I have to be honest and say I'm not entirely sure how far the South Bank stretches but I'm sure you won't mind if i mention some places that are beyond the remit of the South Bank. Basically it is all easily walk-able along the river.
Shrek's Adventure!
We visited here last weekend and had lots of fun, my review will go live on Sunday but you can read how we got on last year when we visited for the girls birthday. The niggle we found back then has been totally rectified so they are doing a good job. This attraction takes about 75 minutes to go round and it is like an interactive theatre show. Something really different to everything else available.
Other Merlin Attractions
You can buy super value combo tickets if you fancy a day of high energy fun and so many of the attractions are all grouped together in the same area of the Thames. There is the London Eye, Sea-life Aquarium, London Dungeon all literally next door to each other.
Play park by the London Eye
The kids all enjoy a play at this wooden adventure trail park when ever we go by. In truth it is often fairly busy but they seem to quite like this as it means they make new friends and all get stuck in together.
Watching the Street Artists
This is probably my favourite thing to do along the river as there is such diversity. Last weekend we watched mime artists, a comedienne escape artist, BMX bike tricks, a Ghanian dance troop, bubble blowers and singers.
Pop in the Southbank Centre
Even when nothing is going on, the Southbank centre is a fun place to go to; in the morning we watched a rehearsal of the BBC orchestra who were due to play later and looked at a great photo exhibition. The cafe is wonderful as it is toasty warm in the evening with fab hot chocolate and there are clean, free toilets to use too!
As of today the Christmas market is open too, which makes a great attraction for the festive period.
Admire the Art Installations
Very often by the Southbank Centre there are fun and interactive art installations. At the moment there are very cool bright orange benches of all shapes along the front and kids and adults alike are enjoying them.
Gabriel's Wharf
Further down the South Bank you come across Gabriel's wharf which is a very eclectic collection of shops, restaurants and cafes. We particularly like the the House of Crepes which looks like a greasy spoon cafe but serves a fabulous selection of both savoury and sweet pancakes for really reasonable prices.
Crossing the Bridges
This might sound crazy but my kids love crossing the bridges over the Thames and just admiring the view, seeing what landmarks they can spot, taking photos and enjoying the day. There is so much history all close together to be able to talk to the kids about - Big Ben, Houses of parliament, Westminster Cathedral, St Pauls Cathedral, The Globe, The OXO Tower and so much more.
Take a Boat Trip
The Thames Clipper boats are frequently seen on the river nowadays and you can pick up a ticket quite cheaply. On a nice day it is fun to buy a pass and to hop up and down the river to various different stops.
Or why not experience the Tames Rocket, which is more of a high thrills inflatable boat ride?
Join in with a Duck Tour
There is the chance to experience this unique attraction where you board a car and start your tour and then it becomes a boat, all the time whilst you are on it and you end the tour on water - sounds pretty cool, right?
Make time for the Tate Modern
We visited this a couple of weeks ago and it was my first time. I was in awe at all the amazing things to see. It really is a feast for all the senses and as it is free, you can't go wrong!
There are so many more places that I could mention like the Imperial War Museum (free entry again), the OXO Tower for fabulous dining and the BFI Imax cinema.
London's South Bank really is the perfect place to get outside and enjoy some wonderful outdoor fun.
I'm linking this post up with Fiona at Coombe Mill for #CountryKids.
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