London area of Southwark guide

What to do and where to stay in London's Southwark neighbourhood

Renowned for its old inns and taverns, Southwark is also the historical home of the capital's arts and entertainments industry. London's first theatres - the Globe, the Hope and the Rose - were all built there in the 16th century and Shakespeare's plays first performed there. Nestles on the South Bank beside the Thames, the rebuilt Globe is now one of the most popular theatres in London, while the neighbouring Tate Modern, housed in an imposing former power station, is among the world's most popular art galleries. London's modern City Hall and the magnificent gothic Southwark Cathedral complete a remarkable set of buildings that show five centuries of London's architectural achievements. Next to the cathedral is the world-famous Borough Market, open Thursday to Saturday and brimming with fresh, organic produce. New to the Southwark skyline is the 306-metre tall Shard of Glass skyscraper, set to become the 45th tallest building in the world on completion. As well as Bankside, the borough takes in the up-and-coming areas of Bermondsey, Camberwell and Peckham, where the sitcom Only Fools and Horses was set. This part of London is currently popular with young professionals and artists due to its proximity to the centre of town and low property prices. In the south of the borough lies leafy, suburban Dulwich which forms a welcome contrast to the bustling energy that defines the rest of one of London's oldest areas.

See our recommended nearby Southwark Hotels, Entertainment, Sights and Attractions, Shopping, Restaurants, Pubs, Nightlife, Leisure, Education, and Meeting Venues.