Things to Do in Waterloo London

Waterloo London is a vibrant, exciting city with a rich history and plenty of attractions for visitors to explore. Situated on the south bank of the River Thames, Waterloo is one of the capital’s most popular tourist destinations, boasting a variety of iconic monuments, world-class shopping, and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day out or a more active adventure, there’s something for everyone in Waterloo.

A Brief History of Waterloo London

Waterloo has been an important settlement since the Roman times. Originally known as “Cantium’ or “Cantion’ by the Romans, it was known as “Waletone’ in the 11th century and then “Waterlou’ in the 12th century. The area was a marshland with many small villages until the late 18th century when the arrival of the railway changed everything. With the development of the railways, Waterloo became a bustling transport hub and the population quickly grew.

By the early 19th century, Waterloo had become an important industrial centre due to its position on the banks of the River Thames. It was home to many industries such as shipbuilding, tanning, and brewing. The area also saw an influx of immigrants from other parts of Europe who brought with them their own culture and traditions.

Growth continued throughout the 19th century, with many of the area’s warehouses and factories being converted into commercial and residential buildings. The construction of Waterloo Bridge in 1817 also had a significant impact on the area’s development, as it allowed for easier access to the rest of London.

Today, Waterloo is a bustling urban centre with a population of over 25,000 people. It’s home to some of London’s most iconic attractions such as The London Eye, Waterloo Station, and The Southbank Centre, as well as a diverse range of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars.

What to Do in Waterloo London

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day out or an active adventure, there are plenty of things to see and do in Waterloo. Here are some of our top picks:

Explore the Southbank Centre

The Southbank Centre is one of London’s most iconic cultural attractions. Located on the banks of the River Thames, it’s home to some of the city’s most popular exhibitions, performances, and events.

The centre consists of several buildings including The Hayward Gallery, which features some of the world’s most renowned contemporary art; The Royal Festival Hall which hosts a variety of concerts and events; and The Queen Elizabeth Hall which showcases the best in music and performance art.

The Southbank Centre also hosts a year-round programme of events celebrating music, theatre, dance, film, literature, and art from around the world. From outdoor festivals to intimate performances, there’s always something happening here.

Visit The London Eye

The world-famous London Eye is located on the Southbank of the River Thames and offers spectacular views over London’s skyline. The wheel is 135m high and offers breathtaking views over some of London’s most iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and St Paul’s Cathedral.

The London Eye is one of London’s most popular attractions and is a great way to get an overview of this amazing city. It takes around 30 minutes to go around the wheel, so you’ll have plenty of time to take in all the sights.

Shop “til You Drop

Waterloo is home to a range of shops offering everything from designer clothing to vintage homeware. Shop “til you drop at one of the area’s many independent stores or head to one of the larger department stores such as John Lewis or House of Fraser.

The area is also home to several popular shopping centres such as The Cut or The Strand which offer a range of high street stores, designer shops and independent boutiques.

Sample Some Local Cuisine

Waterloo is home to a diverse range of restaurants offering food from all corners of the world. Whether you’re after fine dining or traditional British pub grub, there’s something for everyone here.

Sample some classic British cuisine at one of Waterloo’s traditional pubs such as The Anchor & Hope or The White Hart. Or if you’re feeling adventurous head to one of the area’s many restaurants offering food from around the world such as Indian at Cinnamon Kitchen or Japanese at Sushi Tetsu.

Take a Tour

If you want to explore Waterloo London in more depth then why not take a tour? There are a variety of tours available ranging from guided walking tours to boat trips along the River Thames.

One popular tour is the Classic City Tour, which takes visitors on a two-hour journey around some of London’s most famous sights such as The Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral. During this tour you will also get to hear some entertaining facts about these iconic landmarks.

Another popular tour is the Thames River Cruise, which takes visitors on a leisurely boat trip down the River Thames. This tour offers stunning views over some of London’s most famous sights such as Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament as well as some lesser known parts of the city.

If you want to explore more off-the-beaten-track sights then why not take the Alternative City Tour. This two-hour tour takes visitors on a journey through some lesser known parts of London such as vibrant East London and hip Shoreditch. You will get to explore these areas with an experienced local guide who will tell you all about their history and culture.

Conclusion

Waterloo London is a vibrant city with plenty to explore for visitors both young and old. From iconic attractions such as The London Eye and The Southbank Centre, to shopping centres and traditional pubs offering local cuisine – there’s something for everyone here! And why not take a tour to discover more off-the-beaten-track sights? Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day out or an active adventure – Waterloo has it all!