The 19 Best Things to Do Near London Bridge

London Bridge is one of the most exciting parts of London with loads to do around the area. Anyone visiting this part of London can look forward to great food experiences and opportunities to get up close and personal with the city’s rich history. 

If you are staying near the area, there are loads of attractions within walking distance of London Bridge, meaning you’ll get to experience the incredible city on foot while taking in all the sites London has to offer. If you’re planning on visiting London and staying centrally, take a look at our list of the top 19 things to do near London Bridge, and if you're looking for exclusive discounts and bundles for some of these activities, check out Love2Visit.

Indulge your Senses at Borough Market

Borough Market is one of the oldest markets in London and has become a hub of globally inspired street foods as well as an outlet for fresh local produce and decadent dishes. The market was originally founded in 1851 as an establishment for merchants to trade goods such as grain, fish and livestock at a location close to the river Thames. 

Visitors can now enjoy anything from fresh mozzarella balls, hand-crafted olive oils, and even some interesting delicacies like sea urchins and oysters from the fishmonger. If you’re staying in the area, Borough Market is definitely one of the best things to do near London Bridge. 
 

Take in London Scenery at The View From The Shard

The London Bridge station is located at the foot of the iconic London Building - The Shard. As the tallest building in Western Europe, this enormous skyscraper provides visitors with breathtaking views of the London Skyline and the surrounding areas of Greater London. The View From the Shard is open to all but does require booking in advance, as it is one of the most popular attractions in London. 
 

Cocktails At the Top of the Shard

After you’ve taken in all the amazing scenery London has to offer from the View From the Shard, why not treat yourself and a special someone to luxurious cocktails at one of the cocktail bars located inside the building? 

GŎNG, Oblix, and Aqua Shard are renowned for their innovative cocktail and dining experiences and offer guests more incredible views of the city while enjoying their creations. During peak tourist season, you should book one of these in advance although you might get lucky and grab a table without reserving in the low season.
 

The Highest Infinity Pool

The Shard is also home to the luxurious Shangri-La spa which is home to the highest hotel pool in Western Europe. This exquisite infinity pool is located on the 52nd level of the building and allows guests to relax while taking in more amazing views of the city. Guests can also enjoy several spa treatments and saunas while in the spa. This is a truly unique and luxurious experience for those needing a bit of downtime after touring the city of London.

Afternoon Tea at The Shard

Experience the quintessential pastime of an English afternoon tea in style and enjoy cakes and cucumber sandwiches in one of London’s most iconic architectural landmarks. The experience allows guests to enjoy an optional bottle of bubbly while indulging in exquisite cakes and a wide variety of herbal teas. 

This is the perfect experience for a couple enjoying a London city break or for a group of friends in need of a much-needed catch-up. This luxurious afternoon tea is one of the best things to do near London Bridge.
 

Take a Walk Across Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is one of the most famous sites in London and it is definitely one of the best things to see near London Bridge. The impressive bridge was completed in 1886 and acted as a gateway for pedestrians and vehicles while being able to accommodate larger trade ships. 

The incredible engineering allows the bridge to lift up from the middle to allow passing vessels to move under the bridge without obstruction. This historic London landmark is just a short walk away from London Bridge station and is the perfect selfie opportunity for you and your family to remember your time in London. 
 

Catch a Show at The Bridge Theatre

If there’s one thing the city of London is renowned for, it’s for its high standards of theatre. Located close to Tower Bridge and a short walk away from London Bridge station is the Bridge Theatre where patrons can go and see one of London’s up-and-coming theatre productions. 

The theatre plays host to some of the top current shows on Broadway and the West End as well as newly released plays. Catching a show at The Bridge Theatre is one of the top London Bridge activities to enjoy.
 

Pay a Visit to Southwark Cathedral

Southwark Cathedral is a stunning old building located close to Borough Market. The Cathedral was erected in 1897 and boasts beautiful Gothic architecture. If you’re a history lover and architectural lover, this is definitely a site you do not want to miss. 

Go Into The Fashion and Textile Museum

For something to do near London Bridge that is a bit different, you have to pay a visit to the fashion and textile museum. We all know the London weather can be touch and go, so taking a trip to this museum will give you something interesting to do while you wait out the London weather. The museum is home to exhibitions that celebrate the world of fashion and design and exhibit pieces from designers from all over the world.
 

Take a Cruise Along the Thames

See London from the water and enjoy a river cruise from the London Bridge City Pier. Those taking a cruise can choose an educational tourist cruise which will give guests a bit of history and information about the surrounding areas. You will also be able to opt-in for one of the cruises that include drinks and snacks, which makes for a perfect evening adventure with that special someone as you take in the city lights.
 

Enjoy Unique Shopping at The Hays Galleria

The Hays Galleria is located directly opposite London Bridge station and offers visitors a variety of eateries and small market stalls. The Galleria comes alive at Christmas time with its own Christmas market and dazzling Christmas tree. The Galleria is a great place to grab a morning coffee and enjoy shopping for homemade crafts. 
 

Have a Picnic in Potters Fields Park

Take a breather from walking around London Bridge and have a picnic in Potters Fields Park. The park is surrounded by great restaurants and you’ll be able to take in the views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London which is located on the opposite side of the River Thames. This is the perfect patch of green to catch your breath and carry on enjoying the sites of London
 

Get a History Lesson at the Tower of London

Just a short walk across Tower Bridge is the Tower of London which is a site of rich London History. This landmark is a great activity to do for the day, as you have the option to take a tour with a traditionally-dressed beefeater and learn about mediaeval London. Of course, the Tower of London is also the site of the famous Crown Jewels which are kept securely inside the grounds. Visitors can pay a visit to see the Crown Jewels while standing on a moving platform. 

The London Glassblowing Centre

Located on Bermondsey Street just a short walk from London Bridge is the London Glassblowing Centre. This facility is an art gallery and a tribute to the fine art of glass blowing. Visitors can marvel at some of the creations made by the institution and even take home some unique pieces that suit their own style. You won’t believe some of the pieces these talented artists are able to create.
 

The Clink Prison Museum

Take a look at London’s dark history at the Clink Prison Museum. Aptly located in the pedestrian archways in the London Bridge area, the Clink Prison Museum is at the site of one of London’s oldest and hardest prisons. The site dates all the way back to the year 1144 making it one of the oldest sites in London. The tour of the museum will take guests around an hour to complete so it’s an easy one to check off your list of things to do near London Bridge.
 

Enjoy the London Bridge Art Galleries

Some of the best art galleries in London are located near the London Bridge area and are definitely worth visiting if you are artistically inclined. The White Cube Gallery in particular is home to interesting art pieces and remains a very important cultural spot for art in London today.

When it originally opened in 2011, it was seen to be the biggest commercial art gallery in Europe. Art enthusiasts can make art purchases or simply come and observe the work of some of London and Europe’s most talented artists. 

Other art galleries in the London Bridge area that are certainly worth a visit include the Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, the Ribo Galleries, and the Eames Fine Art Gallery.
 

Take In The Views At The London Eye

Picture this. You wake up at your accommodation in London Bridge and enjoy a leisurely stroll down the Southbank of the river Thames, heading towards Waterloo and ending your route with a ride on the world-famous London Eye. The experience gives visitors the option to take home photos of them on the wheel, which makes for fantastic mementos of a London trip. 

At the highest point on the London Eye, visitors are able to see the City of London from a whopping 135m in the air. For those of you wanting a more luxurious London Eye experience, you’ll be able to enjoy a glass of bubbly with one of the Eye’s Champagne Experiences. When in London, why not indulge in the finer things in life a bit?
 

Climb on Board the HMS Belfast

For all those navy enthusiasts out there, the HMS Belfast is an absolute must-see for your time in London Bridge. The ship is a piece of British war history like no other and is host to a museum which tells the story of what life was like on board both during battle and in times of peace.

The naval vessel saw action as part of the maritime blockade on Germany during the Second World War and survived being hit by a magnetic landmine, although repairs to the vessel meant she was out of action for three years. The HMS Belfast remains located on the River Thames as a memorial to the British naval services. 

Travel Back In Time at Shakespeare’s Globe

For the ultimate British cultural experience, you can’t leave London without experiencing a play at the iconic Globe Theatre. Standing tickets are cheap and you can see what it was like to see a Shakespeare play from the perspective of the so-called groundlings back in the day. 

Want to treat yourself? Book yourself a seat in one of the seated areas and travel back in time as you watch Shakespeare's plays performed in modern interpretations in the home of The Bard’s works. The Globe Theatre is about a 20-minute walk away from London Bridge Station and will excite any literature and theatre lover. The plays are best to see during the summer months as it is slightly warmer, however, the theatre itself is open for tours all year round.