Solo in South Bank
I had been splitting my time between the north east and London for the past two years. Being back in The City permanently, without having to catch a train, has certainly been an adjustment!
It’s been interesting seeing what I’ve initially gravitated towards: I am rediscovering the city, looking at London with fresh eyes. I’m eager to go to even in the most touristy spots, so I spent some time in South Bank this past weekend.
South Bank, the area encompassing Lambeth and Waterloo, is known for having the most perfect viewpoints of Westminster and Big Ben. The pretty riverside is always busy with activity, regardless of weather.
And South Bank in general always has some kind of activity going on:
The Garden Museum and Cafe
This little hidden gem in Lambeth is the only museum of its kind devoted to celebrating the history of British gardening, art, and the processes that have made the activity into what we know of it today. A quietly rich cultural centre perfect for spending bristling winter days indoors, aided by having one of the best cafes in London.
I’ve found I never worry about crowds in this part of town as people- locals and visitors alike- don’t really take time to venture out this way. Perhaps because the entire area and its immediate surroundings are known for being a hub for tourists.
Tickets are £15 for adults.
Southbank Centre
This is my go to recommendation for solo activities. There’s all kinds of events going on at Southbank Centre. Here you’ll find concerts performed by the London Philharmonic, special guests, and the National Theatre. I’ve always found tickets to be very reasonable (most of the time) and you’ll never run short of places to eat.
I ventured up to the fifth floor before my screening at the British Film Institute. The Seventy5th bar and restaurant is an ideal spot to be before, during intermission, and after shows. The views are stunning and I can imagine the terrace filled with people on a warm summer day.
I ordered a small plate, roasted aubergine, and a small glass of wine, which topped off a perfect afternoon before I had to head out.
British Film Institute
This year one of my goals is to watch more films, simply just to study how I can view things in a different way. I want to be inspired by cinematography I haven’t seen before and stories that expand my mind.
I was able to book tickets for about £14 for a limited release screening of All We Imagine as Light, a dreamy view of modern life in Mumbai. There’s lots of opportunity to watch all kinds of films at the BFI, and it’s somewhere I know I’ll be a lot this year.
