Bankside is one of London's most fascinating areas, offering a concentration of internationally acclaimed art galleries, theatres, museums, great shopping and, as one of the oldest settlements in Britain, a real sense of history.

Heritage It was settled over 6000 years ago and became London’s theatre district during Elizabethan times, when William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe wrote and acted at the Rose theatre. Later it was to influence the writing of Charles Dickens, whose father was imprisoned in Marshalsea debtors prison in the area.

Cultural Renaissance Following a period of decline in the latter half of the 20th century, the area has recently enjoyed a cultural renaissance with the coming of major attractions including Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tate Modern and Vinopolis. The Millennium Bridge has made it more accessible and the historic Borough Market's re-invention as a quality retail food market has made the area even more popular. There are also plenty of smaller gems in the area such as Bankside Gallery and Southwark Theatre.