The Poetry Library
ADDRESS
Level 5, South Bank, Royal Festival Hall, London SE1 8XX
TELEPHONE
OPENING TIMES
Tue to Sun 11am-8pm | Closed Mon
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The most comprehensive and accessible collection of poetry from 1914 in Britain, The Poetry Library within the Southbank Centre contains 90,000 items and is still growing. The Arts Council collection consists mostly of poetry from the UK and Ireland, a large selection from English-speaking countries worldwide, poetry in translation, poetry by and for children but also rap and concrete poetry. Audio and video facilities are available in addition to a large variety of magazines, press cuttings and downloadable poems in MP3 format. Finding a volume of poetry and tucking yourself away in The Poetry Library on Level 5 of the Royal Festival Hall overlooking the Thames is one of London's most enjoyable means of escapism.
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London's Free Entertainment
Free Culture Barbican Centre | Southbank Centre London's two largest arts centres and bastions of culture, the Barbican Centre and the Southbank Centre, do their...
London Calendar 2013
Plan the perfect year in London with our pick of the capital's best events in 2013. From January through to December, every month boasts an impressive line-up of entertainment. So, take a look at our guide and be sure not to miss a thing.
London Marriott Hotel County Hall
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel Double/Twin Room - Iconic Views: 0% off from £429
Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 | 4 minutes from The Poetry Library
A simply unbeatable location for anyone who loves to keep themselves busy. London's County Hall is at the heart of the South Bank, surrounded by theatres, ...More
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel Double/Twin Room - Iconic Views: 0% off from £429
Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 | 4 minutes from The Poetry Library
A simply unbeatable location for anyone who loves to keep themselves busy. London's County Hall is at the heart of the South Bank, surrounded by theatres, ...More
Park Plaza County Hall Hotel London
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel Double Rooms: 60% off from £113
1 Addington Street, SE1 | 6 minutes from The Poetry Library
Close to Waterloo, the 4 star Park Plaza is - as the name suggests - just behind County Hall. Near to the Thames, it's also convenient ...More
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel Double Rooms: 60% off from £113
1 Addington Street, SE1 | 6 minutes from The Poetry Library
Close to Waterloo, the 4 star Park Plaza is - as the name suggests - just behind County Hall. Near to the Thames, it's also convenient ...More
The Royal Horseguards - A Guoman Hotel
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel Executive Double Rooms: 43% off from £213
2 Whitehall Court, SW1A | 6 minutes from The Poetry Library
Emulating the style of a French chateau, this grand Victorian residence, built in 1884, occupies a prime location within Westminster. It's worth staying at the Grade ...More
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel Executive Double Rooms: 43% off from £213
2 Whitehall Court, SW1A | 6 minutes from The Poetry Library
Emulating the style of a French chateau, this grand Victorian residence, built in 1884, occupies a prime location within Westminster. It's worth staying at the Grade ...More
Household Cavalry Museum
London > Attractions > Museums
Horse Guards, Whitehall, Westminster, London SW1A | 9 minutes from The Poetry Library
Visitors to the Household Cavalry Museum can watch troopers working with their horses in the original 18th century stables (via a glazed screen) and hear accounts ...More
London > Attractions > Museums
Horse Guards, Whitehall, Westminster, London SW1A | 9 minutes from The Poetry Library
Visitors to the Household Cavalry Museum can watch troopers working with their horses in the original 18th century stables (via a glazed screen) and hear accounts ...More
London Transport Museum
London > Attractions > Museums
Covent Garden Piazza, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 9 minutes from The Poetry Library
After a two-year, £22 million refurbishment the London Transport Museum reopened on 22 November 2007 revealing more exhibition space than before. The museum travels back through ...More
London > Attractions > Museums
Covent Garden Piazza, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 9 minutes from The Poetry Library
After a two-year, £22 million refurbishment the London Transport Museum reopened on 22 November 2007 revealing more exhibition space than before. The museum travels back through ...More
London Film Museum Covent Garden
London > Attractions > Museums
45 Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 9 minutes from The Poetry Library
The London Film Museum, located on the site of the Theatre Museum in the original Flower Cellars in the heart of Covent Garden, is the second ...More
London > Attractions > Museums
45 Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 9 minutes from The Poetry Library
The London Film Museum, located on the site of the Theatre Museum in the original Flower Cellars in the heart of Covent Garden, is the second ...More
THE BEST
Sights and Attractions near The Poetry Library
The best museums, galleries, attractions near The Poetry Library
The Hayward Gallery
London > Attractions > Art Galleries
Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | 1 minute from The Poetry Library
The Hayward Gallery has been the originator or host of influential exhibitions since 1968. It mounts temporary exhibitions of contemporary and historical art. The gallery, named ...More
London > Attractions > Art Galleries
Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | 1 minute from The Poetry Library
The Hayward Gallery has been the originator or host of influential exhibitions since 1968. It mounts temporary exhibitions of contemporary and historical art. The gallery, named ...More
London Eye
London > Attractions > Sights
Jubilee Gardens, South Bank, South Bank, London SE1 | 3 minutes from The Poetry Library
The London Eye elbowed its way onto the capital's tourist scene as one of the statement pieces to mark the turn of the ...More
London > Attractions > Sights
Jubilee Gardens, South Bank, South Bank, London SE1 | 3 minutes from The Poetry Library
The London Eye elbowed its way onto the capital's tourist scene as one of the statement pieces to mark the turn of the ...More
London Dungeon
London > Attractions > Attractions for Kids
Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, Bankside, London SE1 | 4 minutes from The Poetry Library
The London Dungeon closed its doors on its old Tooley Street home on 31st January 2013 (while London Bridge station is being redeveloped) and the new ...More
London > Attractions > Attractions for Kids
Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, Bankside, London SE1 | 4 minutes from The Poetry Library
The London Dungeon closed its doors on its old Tooley Street home on 31st January 2013 (while London Bridge station is being redeveloped) and the new ...More
The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui
London > Events > Theatre Dates: 18th September to 7th December 2013
Duchess Theatre, Catherine Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B | 9 minutes from The Poetry Library
Following a run at the Chichester Festival Theatre, The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui now transfers to the Duchess Theatre. With Henry Goodman once again in ...More
London > Events > Theatre Dates: 18th September to 7th December 2013
Duchess Theatre, Catherine Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B | 9 minutes from The Poetry Library
Following a run at the Chichester Festival Theatre, The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui now transfers to the Duchess Theatre. With Henry Goodman once again in ...More
The Hothouse
London > Events > Theatre Dates: 4th May to 3rd August 2013
Trafalgar Studios, 14 Whitehall, Westminster, London SW1A | 9 minutes from The Poetry Library
Simon Russell Beale and John Simm (currently appearing in BBC TV series The Village) star in Harold Pinter's tragicomedy The Hothouse, Jamie Lloyd's second production at ...More
London > Events > Theatre Dates: 4th May to 3rd August 2013
Trafalgar Studios, 14 Whitehall, Westminster, London SW1A | 9 minutes from The Poetry Library
Simon Russell Beale and John Simm (currently appearing in BBC TV series The Village) star in Harold Pinter's tragicomedy The Hothouse, Jamie Lloyd's second production at ...More
Merrily We Roll Along
London > Events > Theatre Dates: 23rd April to 27th July 2013
Harold Pinter Theatre, 6 Panton Street, Soho, London SW1Y | 13 minutes from The Poetry Library
The Menier Chocolate Factory's highly acclaimed production of Merrily We Roll Along directed by Maria Friedman transfers to the West End on 23rd April 2013 for ...More
London > Events > Theatre Dates: 23rd April to 27th July 2013
Harold Pinter Theatre, 6 Panton Street, Soho, London SW1Y | 13 minutes from The Poetry Library
The Menier Chocolate Factory's highly acclaimed production of Merrily We Roll Along directed by Maria Friedman transfers to the West End on 23rd April 2013 for ...More
Southbank Centre
London > Entertainment > Arts Centres
Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as The Poetry Library
London's hub of cultural arts, The Southbank Centre announced in March 2013 that it's set for a £100 million revamp that will see the 1960s design ...More
London > Entertainment > Arts Centres
Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as The Poetry Library
London's hub of cultural arts, The Southbank Centre announced in March 2013 that it's set for a £100 million revamp that will see the 1960s design ...More
Southbank Centre: Purcell Room
London > Entertainment > Classical Music
Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as The Poetry Library
Housed in the same modernist block as the Royal Festival Hall and sandwiched between it and the Hayward Gallery, the Purcell Room has a 372-seat auditorium, ...More
London > Entertainment > Classical Music
Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as The Poetry Library
Housed in the same modernist block as the Royal Festival Hall and sandwiched between it and the Hayward Gallery, the Purcell Room has a 372-seat auditorium, ...More
Southbank Centre: Royal Festival Hall
London > Entertainment > Live Music
Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as The Poetry Library
Located by the River Thames, with sweeping views of the capital from the London Eye to St Paul's Cathedral, the Southbank Centre is a unique metropolitan ...More
London > Entertainment > Live Music
Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as The Poetry Library
Located by the River Thames, with sweeping views of the capital from the London Eye to St Paul's Cathedral, the Southbank Centre is a unique metropolitan ...More
Foyles Royal Festival Hall
London > Shopping > Books
Riverside, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall, South Bank Centre, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as The Poetry Library
The family-run Foyles book shop has been in the book selling business since 1906. Around 30,000 books are stocked at this branch on a broad range ...More
London > Shopping > Books
Riverside, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall, South Bank Centre, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as The Poetry Library
The family-run Foyles book shop has been in the book selling business since 1906. Around 30,000 books are stocked at this branch on a broad range ...More
Konditor & Cook
London > Shopping > Food and Drink Shops
22 Cornwall Road, South Bank, London SE1 | 6 minutes from The Poetry Library
Konditor & Cook specialise in the creation of amazingly tasty cakes which are also sold on to some of the finest restaurants in the city. This, ...More
London > Shopping > Food and Drink Shops
22 Cornwall Road, South Bank, London SE1 | 6 minutes from The Poetry Library
Konditor & Cook specialise in the creation of amazingly tasty cakes which are also sold on to some of the finest restaurants in the city. This, ...More
Konditor & Cook
London > Shopping > Delicatessens
63 Stamford Street, South Bank, London SE1 | 6 minutes from The Poetry Library
Konditor & Cook specialise in the creation of amazingly tasty cakes which are also sold on to some of the finest restaurants in the city. This ...More
London > Shopping > Delicatessens
63 Stamford Street, South Bank, London SE1 | 6 minutes from The Poetry Library
Konditor & Cook specialise in the creation of amazingly tasty cakes which are also sold on to some of the finest restaurants in the city. This ...More
THE BEST
Restaurants near The Poetry Library
What are the best dining options near The Poetry Library London?
Eat Cafe
London > Restaurants > Cafes and Delis
South Bank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as The Poetry Library
Food to go in its simplest form. Freeshly baked bread for hand-made made sandwhiches; home made soups; simple salads. Another high street option for fresh. fast ...More
London > Restaurants > Cafes and Delis
South Bank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as The Poetry Library
Food to go in its simplest form. Freeshly baked bread for hand-made made sandwhiches; home made soups; simple salads. Another high street option for fresh. fast ...More
Canteen
London > Restaurants > British restaurants
Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as The Poetry Library
The menu at Canteen reads like a comforting childhood reminiscence with some sophisticated bunting thrown on top. Devilled kidneys on toast, followed by an excellent slow-roast ...More
London > Restaurants > British restaurants
Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as The Poetry Library
The menu at Canteen reads like a comforting childhood reminiscence with some sophisticated bunting thrown on top. Devilled kidneys on toast, followed by an excellent slow-roast ...More
Strada
London > Restaurants > Italian restaurants
Unit 6, Royal Festival Hall Riverside, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as The Poetry Library
Strada has started something of a pizza revolution. The chain has blossomed thanks largely to its focus on fresh, high quality ingredients, and efficient, friendly service. ...More
London > Restaurants > Italian restaurants
Unit 6, Royal Festival Hall Riverside, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as The Poetry Library
Strada has started something of a pizza revolution. The chain has blossomed thanks largely to its focus on fresh, high quality ingredients, and efficient, friendly service. ...More
Courtauld Institute of Art
London > Education > Arts and Drama
Somerset House, Covent Garden, London WC2R | 7 minutes from The Poetry Library
The Courtauld is one of the most prestigious art schools in the country, affiliated with the Oxbridge system and boasting a huge private location and prime ...More
London > Education > Arts and Drama
Somerset House, Covent Garden, London WC2R | 7 minutes from The Poetry Library
The Courtauld is one of the most prestigious art schools in the country, affiliated with the Oxbridge system and boasting a huge private location and prime ...More
King's College Medical School
London > Education > Medical Schools
Strand, Covent Garden, London WC2R | 7 minutes from The Poetry Library
Imperial College London is the foremost medical training faculty in the country but for non-medical graduates wishing for a change of career, King’s is the obvious ...More
London > Education > Medical Schools
Strand, Covent Garden, London WC2R | 7 minutes from The Poetry Library
Imperial College London is the foremost medical training faculty in the country but for non-medical graduates wishing for a change of career, King’s is the obvious ...More
Career Energy
London > Education > Careers Services
4-6 Staple Inn, Holborn, London WC1V | 17 minutes from The Poetry Library
Situated in the heart of London, Career Energy – formed in March 2002 - offers comprehensive advice on careers, career change and job searching. They’ll analyse ...More
London > Education > Careers Services
4-6 Staple Inn, Holborn, London WC1V | 17 minutes from The Poetry Library
Situated in the heart of London, Career Energy – formed in March 2002 - offers comprehensive advice on careers, career change and job searching. They’ll analyse ...More
THE BEST
Leisure near The Poetry Library
The Poetry Library gyms, sporting activities, health & beauty and fitness.
London Marriott Hotel County Hall Spa
London > Leisure > Health and Beauty
Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank, London SE1 | 4 minutes from The Poetry Library
Fancy detoxing in the building where the Greater London Council used to run the city? The Spa at the London Marriott County ...More
London > Leisure > Health and Beauty
Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank, London SE1 | 4 minutes from The Poetry Library
Fancy detoxing in the building where the Greater London Council used to run the city? The Spa at the London Marriott County ...More
Jubilee Gardens
London > Leisure > Parks and Gardens
3 Belvedere Road, South Bank, South Bank, London SE1 | 4 minutes from The Poetry Library
The concrete promenade along the South Bank greatly benefits from this large patch of green grass for striders, strollers and sightseers to relax on. Not ...More
London > Leisure > Parks and Gardens
3 Belvedere Road, South Bank, South Bank, London SE1 | 4 minutes from The Poetry Library
The concrete promenade along the South Bank greatly benefits from this large patch of green grass for striders, strollers and sightseers to relax on. Not ...More
ESPA Life at Corinthia
London > Leisure > Health and Beauty
Whitehall Place, Westminster, London SW1A | 7 minutes from The Poetry Library
The people at Espa take grooming pretty seriously, and quite rightly, when it comes to appearances it's often best to leave it to the experts. You'll ...More
London > Leisure > Health and Beauty
Whitehall Place, Westminster, London SW1A | 7 minutes from The Poetry Library
The people at Espa take grooming pretty seriously, and quite rightly, when it comes to appearances it's often best to leave it to the experts. You'll ...More
King's Arms
London > Nightlife > Pubs
25 Roupell Street, South Bank, London SE1 | 6 minutes from The Poetry Library
A short walk from the South Bank Centre, The Old Vic and The National Theatre this traditional old watering hole is a good place to have ...More
London > Nightlife > Pubs
25 Roupell Street, South Bank, London SE1 | 6 minutes from The Poetry Library
A short walk from the South Bank Centre, The Old Vic and The National Theatre this traditional old watering hole is a good place to have ...More
Walkabout Temple
London > Restaurants > Gastropub
Temple Station, Temple Place, WC2R | 7 minutes from The Poetry Library
Gastropub...More
London > Restaurants > Gastropub
Temple Station, Temple Place, WC2R | 7 minutes from The Poetry Library
Gastropub...More
The Sherlock Holmes
London > Nightlife > Pubs
10 Northumberland Street, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 7 minutes from The Poetry Library
Thirsty Sherlock Holmes fans look no further than this homage to the great detective himself and to original Victorian pubs. While you indulge in a soothing ...More
London > Nightlife > Pubs
10 Northumberland Street, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 7 minutes from The Poetry Library
Thirsty Sherlock Holmes fans look no further than this homage to the great detective himself and to original Victorian pubs. While you indulge in a soothing ...More
THE BEST
Nightlife near The Poetry Library
The Poetry Library clubs, bars, cabaret nights, casinos and interesting nightlife.
Bassoon Bar
London > Nightlife > Bars
Corinthia Hotel London, Whitehall Place, Westminster, London SW1A | 6 minutes from The Poetry Library
The cocktails in the Bassoon Bar are very good, expensive, yes, but very, very good. Not only that but the bar has a piano which is ...More
London > Nightlife > Bars
Corinthia Hotel London, Whitehall Place, Westminster, London SW1A | 6 minutes from The Poetry Library
The cocktails in the Bassoon Bar are very good, expensive, yes, but very, very good. Not only that but the bar has a piano which is ...More
Gordon's Wine Bar
London > Nightlife > Wine Bars
47 Villiers Street, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 6 minutes from The Poetry Library
Home to Samuel Pepys in the 1680s, the building housing Gordon’s is now home to a regular, thriving crowd of drinkers of all ages and all ...More
London > Nightlife > Wine Bars
47 Villiers Street, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 6 minutes from The Poetry Library
Home to Samuel Pepys in the 1680s, the building housing Gordon’s is now home to a regular, thriving crowd of drinkers of all ages and all ...More
Oxo Tower Bar & Brasserie
London > Nightlife > Bars
Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, South Bank, London SE1 | 8 minutes from The Poetry Library
Boasting one of the best views in town, the Oxo Tower Bar is perfect for combining a spot of leisurely (if static) sightseeing with some classy ...More
London > Nightlife > Bars
Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, South Bank, London SE1 | 8 minutes from The Poetry Library
Boasting one of the best views in town, the Oxo Tower Bar is perfect for combining a spot of leisurely (if static) sightseeing with some classy ...More
THE BEST
Meeting venue hire near The Poetry Library
Where to have your meeting, conference, exhibition, private dining or training course near The Poetry Library.
Skylon
London > Business > Venue Hire
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as The Poetry Library
The Royal Festival Hall's refurbishment has done away with 'The People's Palace', the marvellously 1950s restaurant that used to occupy this space, and replaced it with ...More
London > Business > Venue Hire
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as The Poetry Library
The Royal Festival Hall's refurbishment has done away with 'The People's Palace', the marvellously 1950s restaurant that used to occupy this space, and replaced it with ...More
Southbank Centre: Royal Festival Hall
London > Business > Venue Hire
Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as The Poetry Library
Located by the River Thames, with sweeping views of the capital from the London Eye to St Paul's Cathedral, the Southbank Centre is a unique metropolitan ...More
London > Business > Venue Hire
Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | Same location as The Poetry Library
Located by the River Thames, with sweeping views of the capital from the London Eye to St Paul's Cathedral, the Southbank Centre is a unique metropolitan ...More
The Deck at the National Theatre
London > Business > Venue Hire
South Bank, South Bank, London SE1 | 3 minutes from The Poetry Library
The Deck is a modern roof-top venue with stunning views over the Thames, available for hire at the National Theatre, part of the Southbank Centre which ...More
London > Business > Venue Hire
South Bank, South Bank, London SE1 | 3 minutes from The Poetry Library
The Deck is a modern roof-top venue with stunning views over the Thames, available for hire at the National Theatre, part of the Southbank Centre which ...More
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What's On Today Near The Poetry Library Benjamin Grosvenor, Hyeyoon Park And Young Friends Concerts | On 20th May 2013 Southbank Centre At The Poetry Library London Music Masters' Ambassador Grosvenor is joined by multi-award winning violinist Park and others, for a performance of classical music....More Crack Comedy Club: Monday Night News Show Comedy | Until 20th May 2013 The Slug And Lettuce 4 minutes walk from The Poetry Library Topical humour from Steve N Allen, Erich McElroy and Christian Reilly....More Catherine Beynon, Emily Beynon Concerts | On 20th May 2013 1901 Arts Club 5 minutes walk from The Poetry Library The harpist and flautist duo performs Saint-Saens's Fantaisie, Alywn's Naiades Fantasy Sonata, Debussy's Syrinx For Solo Flute and Borne's Carmen ...More Popcorn Clubbing and Nightlife | Until 27th May 2013 Heaven 7 minutes walk from The Poetry Library Resident DJs play dance, electro, R'n'B, pop and hip hop....More House Arrest Clubbing and Nightlife | On 20th May 2013 Heaven 7 minutes walk from The Poetry Library House, dance, pop, hip hop and R&B across three rooms courtesy of Adam Turner, Zach Burns, Neroli, Jamie Hammond, DMS, ...More Table Tennis Leisure | Until 27th May 2013 The Waterloo Action Centre 7 minutes walk from The Poetry Library ...More Rock & Roll & Latin Dance: Workshop (Over 60s) Sporting Events | Until 27th May 2013 The Waterloo Action Centre 7 minutes walk from The Poetry Library ...More Line Dancing: Advanced: Workshop Sporting Events | Until 27th May 2013 The Waterloo Action Centre 7 minutes walk from The Poetry Library ...More Line Dancing Sporting Events | Until 27th May 2013 The Waterloo Action Centre 7 minutes walk from The Poetry Library ...More Monday Madness Clubbing and Nightlife | Until 27th May 2013 Walkabout Temple 7 minutes walk from The Poetry Library DJs Bruno and Jimmy Jam play pop, dance and carnival classics....More London 2013 The AnnualThe best London events, openings, anniversaries & experiences for 2013, from LondonTown.com Book £10 Tablet FREE 
Hotels near The Poetry Library
From cheap budget places to stay to luxury 5 star suites see our discounts for The Poetry Library hotels, including London Marriott Hotel County Hall from 0% off. |
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