THINGS TO DO in Southwark

By staying in this area of London, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding what to do next. In fact, there are too many activities to mention – so we’ll highlight our favourites and urge you to explore the area further on your own.

There’s always an interesting show or exhibition being held at The Southbank Centre, an area that’s always brimming with activity – including ever-changing food markets at the weekend. Venues include the Royal Festival Hall, which is London's leading classical music venue, the world-famous Hayward Gallery of contemporary art, and the Queen Elizabeth Hall, which puts on events including classical music performances and live gigs.

Meanwhile, The Purcell Room offers literature, classical music, jazz and electronic music in an intimate setting. And if poetry’s your thing, the National Poetry Library has the most comprehensive collection of poetry from 1912 onwards in Britain.

Perhaps the most famous landmark in the area is Shakespeare’s Globe, a modern reconstruction of the original late 16th-century theatre, which stood around 750 feet from the new site. Located on the River Thames, in Bankside's Cultural Quarter, seeing an open-air production of Shakespeare's works at this iconic venue isn’t to be missed.

Close by is The Tate Modern, showcasing international and modern contemporary art, exhibitions, free displays and events. The gallery is mostly free to enter, and is one of the most visited in the world. A visit to London isn’t complete without including the Tate on your itinerary – and it’s a short five-minute walk from The Mad Hatter.

Walk from here across the famous Millennium Bridge, which leads to St Paul's Cathedral – another major highlight of any trip to London.