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Museum
Kirkaldy Testing Museum
A Victorian engineering works with a vast hydraulic machine once used to test the strength of iron and steel.
Directions Website Report a problem with Kirkaldy Testing Museum
A mini guide to
The South Bank
Galleries, theatres and the river
Photos
1 / 10Welcome to the neighbourhood
Galleries, theatres and the river
The South Bank is a stretch of riverside that packs in the National Theatre, the Southbank Centre, Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe and the London Eye. Many of the galleries here are free to enter.
It is one of the best walks in London, with street food, skateboarders and views across to St Paul's and the Houses of Parliament.
Highlights
Start here
If you only have a few hours, these are good places to begin.
Attraction
Bankside Gallery
The home of two royal societies of watercolour and printmaking, in a small gallery beside Tate Modern.
Museum
Tate Modern
Modern and contemporary art in the former Bankside Power Station, with the huge Turbine Hall and a viewing level over the city.
Step-free (reported)
According to OpenStreetMap contributors. Check with the venue before you go.
Attraction
BFI IMAX
A huge cinema screen housed in a glass drum on the Waterloo roundabout.
Step-free (reported)
According to OpenStreetMap contributors. Check with the venue before you go.
Attraction
Shakespeare's Globe
A reconstruction of Shakespeare's open-air theatre, with standing yard and thatched roof. Guided tours run on non-matinee days.
Partly step-free (reported)
According to OpenStreetMap contributors. Check with the venue before you go.
Directions Website Report a problem with Shakespeare's Globe
Attraction
National Theatre
A concrete Brutalist landmark by Denys Lasdun, with three auditoria, free foyer spaces and a riverside terrace.
Step-free (reported)
According to OpenStreetMap contributors. Check with the venue before you go.
Find your way
On the map
The map shows The South Bank and the streets around it. The Getting there page lists the nearest stations and how to reach the area.
Insider tips
Before you go
1
Walk the river
The riverside path from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge is flat and takes about an hour.
2
Book the Eye
The London Eye is best booked in advance, especially at sunset.
3
Free galleries
Tate Modern's collection displays are free to enter.
4
Street food
The food stalls at Southbank Centre Food Market are a good lunch option.
Tips from the Britlens editors
Keep exploring London