Southwark & Bankside

In past times this district of London was the hub of illicit pleasure and entertainment. At a time when many forms of entertainment were banned in the City of London, Southwark, with its riverside brothels, bear and cock fighting pits and rowdy theatres, (which were well established around the time of the late 16 th century), offered a welcome escape route, via London Bridge, for fun-loving Londoners. Borough High Street in Southwark was lined with coaching Inns and Taverns and it became a busy transport hub with frequent coach departures. Inns like the White Hart were featured by Shakespeare in Henry IV (A Southwark Inn was also featured by Charles Dickens in Pickwick Papers) and Chaucer has his Canterbury pilgrims gather at the Tabard Inn. The George Inn is now London's only surviving galleried Inn from those times Shakespeare's Company was based at the Globe Theatre, which in recent times has been rebuilt very near to its original site. This highly acclaimed recreation of The Globe Theatre attracts Londoners and  London visitors, alike.

Fast facts - Attractions

Highlights of Southwark and Bankside   Southwark Cathedral Globe Theatre Tate Modern Borough Market Clink Prison Museum Other Attractions HMS Belfast HMS Belfast is a museum ship, originally a Royal Navy light cruiser, permanently moored in London on the River Thames. Originally launched in 1938 to serve in World War II - it went on to play an important role in the Normandy landings. Morgan's Lane, Tooley Street City of London, SE1 2JH Tel: 020 7403 6246 FREE FOR CHILDREN (15 and under) Public transport: London Bridge The Anchor This historic pub, on the south bank of the Thames, is one of London's most famous riverside pubs. The building today dates from the 18th-century but evidence of much earlier inns have been found on the site. This atmospheric inn boasts several bars, a restaurant and roof terrace with wonderful views across the Thames to the City, and a large seated area on the riverbank. 34 Park Street, Bank End, Southwark, London SE1 9EF Tel :020 7407 1577 - Fax :020 7407 0741 Nearest tube station: London Bridge Design Museum The Design Museum is devoted to contemporary design in every form and embraces every form of design from furniture to graphics, and architecture to industrial design. It's Blueprint Cafe restaurant has great views of the River Thames. 28 Shad Thames London SE1 2YD Office 020 7403 6933 Fax 0207 378 6540 info@designmuseum.org Opening Hours - Daily 10am - 5.45pm See other London Areas See London Travel for getting around Londom Life in Shakespeare's London