London neighborhood: Southwark—South of the Thames
The south side of the Thames, from Shakespeare's Globe to the Tate Modern in South Bank, Southwark, and Lambeth
The south side of the Thames, from Shakespeare's Globe to the Tate Modern in South Bank, Southwark, and Lambeth
Even if you can't attend a performance, this painstaking replica of an Elizabethan theater in the round is worth a visit just to see it and learn more about the history of British theatre
Fantastic modern art museum in a massive former power plant, with blockbuster exhibitions and a fab gift shop and bookstore
This faux-medieval bridge is well worth the photo stop—but you might not bother with the exhibition
This modern pedestrian suspension bridge between the City and Southwark has quickly become a beloved landmark
The play's the thing... to do at Shakespeare's Globe, a faithful recreation of a genuine Elizabethan theater in the round.
Basic, bland motel with a great location—and attached to one of London's most historic pubs where Shakespeare once drank
Favorite Southwark pub filled with cozy snugs and literary associations just a block from Shakespeare's Globe
A 17th century pub and National Trust Landmark, set on the ground floor of an old coaching inn
Fine French cuisine with Thameside views of the Tower of London
London tends to measure time by events of grand destruction.
The Great Fire of 1666 destroyed almost every last inch of the medieval city (thatched roofs catch fire pretty quickly). Luckily, a Renaissance genius named Christopher Wren was on hand to rebuild the city, raising over 50 churches and countless other buildings.
With World War II came the Blitz, German planes raining destruction again over the city, causing more rebuilding.
The result: the City of London is today an odd architectural mix of medieval houses, Renaissance churches, Victorian public buildings, and postmodern bank headquarters.