The Poetry Library
ADDRESS
Level 5, Royal Festival Hall, South Bank, London SE1 8XX
TELEPHONE
020 7921 0943
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.The Poetry Library images
The Poetry Library
The Poetry Library
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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...
Park Plaza County Hall Hotel London
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel Double Rooms: 79% off from £86
1 Addington Street, SE1 | 7 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: 79% off from £86
1 Addington Street, SE1 | 7 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
Corinthia Hotel London
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel Deluxe Double Rooms: 62% off from £319
Whitehall Place, SW1A | 7 minutes from The Poetry Library
With 294 bedrooms, multi-level penthouse suites and terraces offering spectacular views of the River Thames, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall - the £300 million restoration of the ...More
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel Deluxe Double Rooms: 62% off from £319
Whitehall Place, SW1A | 7 minutes from The Poetry Library
With 294 bedrooms, multi-level penthouse suites and terraces offering spectacular views of the River Thames, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall - the £300 million restoration of the ...More
The Royal Horseguards - A Guoman Hotel
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel Deluxe Double Rooms: 86% off from £135
Whitehall Court, SW1A2EJ | 7 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 Deluxe Double Rooms: 86% off from £135
Whitehall Court, SW1A2EJ | 7 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 | 11 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 | 11 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 | 11 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 | 11 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 Transport Museum
London > Attractions > Museums
39 Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 11 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
39 Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 11 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
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 | 4 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 century (see also ...More
London > Attractions > Sights
Jubilee Gardens, South Bank, South Bank, London SE1 | 4 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 century (see also ...More
Sea Life London Aquarium
London > Attractions > Attractions for Kids
County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank, London SE1 | 5 minutes from The Poetry Library
The Sea Life London Aquarium features hundreds of varieties of fish and sea life from around the world. Here you'll come face-to-face with sharks and watch ...More
London > Attractions > Attractions for Kids
County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank, London SE1 | 5 minutes from The Poetry Library
The Sea Life London Aquarium features hundreds of varieties of fish and sea life from around the world. Here you'll come face-to-face with sharks and watch ...More
Love Letters Straight From Your Heart
London > Events > Exhibitions Dates: 2nd February - 14th February 2012
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | At The Poetry Library
With Valentine's Day round the corner, love is at the fore front of many Londoners' minds. Love Letters Straight from Your Heart gives visitors the chance ...More
London > Events > Exhibitions Dates: 2nd February - 14th February 2012
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | At The Poetry Library
With Valentine's Day round the corner, love is at the fore front of many Londoners' minds. Love Letters Straight from Your Heart gives visitors the chance ...More
Valentine's Champagne Cruise
London > Events > Seasonal Dates: 11th February - 14th February 2012
London Eye, Jubilee Gardens, South Bank, South Bank, London SE1 | 4 minutes from The Poetry Library
Snuggle up to your loved one and set sail down the Thames on a hugely romantic 40 minute Champagne Cruise along the river, taking in some ...More
London > Events > Seasonal Dates: 11th February - 14th February 2012
London Eye, Jubilee Gardens, South Bank, South Bank, London SE1 | 4 minutes from The Poetry Library
Snuggle up to your loved one and set sail down the Thames on a hugely romantic 40 minute Champagne Cruise along the river, taking in some ...More
Valentine's Cupid Capsule
London > Events > Seasonal Dates: 11th February - 14th February 2012
London Eye, Jubilee Gardens, South Bank, South Bank, London SE1 | 4 minutes from The Poetry Library
Treat your loved one to a romantic private capsule on the London Eye and enjoy some stunning views of London as you sip champagne and sample ...More
London > Events > Seasonal Dates: 11th February - 14th February 2012
London Eye, Jubilee Gardens, South Bank, South Bank, London SE1 | 4 minutes from The Poetry Library
Treat your loved one to a romantic private capsule on the London Eye and enjoy some stunning views of London as you sip champagne and sample ...More
Southbank Centre
London > Entertainment > Arts Centres
Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | At The Poetry Library
The Southbank Centre is a classic example of brutal 60s concrete architecture. Everyone has an opinion (usually negative) on its distinctive design - famous detractors include ...More
London > Entertainment > Arts Centres
Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | At The Poetry Library
The Southbank Centre is a classic example of brutal 60s concrete architecture. Everyone has an opinion (usually negative) on its distinctive design - famous detractors include ...More
Southbank Centre: Royal Festival Hall
London > Entertainment > Live Music
Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | At 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 | At 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
BFI Southbank
London > Entertainment > Cinemas
Belvedere Road, South Bank, South Bank, London SE1 | 2 minutes from The Poetry Library
Originally the National Film Theatre, the BFI Southbank is the perfect film buff's cinema, with three large screens and a smaller studio space showing up to ...More
London > Entertainment > Cinemas
Belvedere Road, South Bank, South Bank, London SE1 | 2 minutes from The Poetry Library
Originally the National Film Theatre, the BFI Southbank is the perfect film buff's cinema, with three large screens and a smaller studio space showing up to ...More
Foyles Royal Festival Hall
London > Shopping > Books
Riverside, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall, South Bank Centre, South Bank, London SE1 | At 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 | At 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 | 7 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 | 7 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 | 8 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 | 8 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?
Canteen
London > Restaurants > British restaurants
Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 | At 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 | At 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 | At 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 | At 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
Giraffe
London > Restaurants > International restaurants
Unit 1, Royal Festival Hall Riverside, South Bank, London SE1 | At The Poetry Library
If you happen to be with the kids on the South Bank this summer this is a great little eatery in which to recharge their batteries. ...More
London > Restaurants > International restaurants
Unit 1, Royal Festival Hall Riverside, South Bank, London SE1 | At The Poetry Library
If you happen to be with the kids on the South Bank this summer this is a great little eatery in which to recharge their batteries. ...More
Courtauld Institute of Art
London > Education > Arts and Drama
Somerset House, Covent Garden, London WC2R | 8 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 | 8 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 | 8 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 | 8 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 | 20 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 | 20 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 | 5 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 | 5 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 | 5 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 | 5 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
The Sanctuary
London > Leisure > Fitness
12 Floral Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 13 minutes from The Poetry Library
This day spa exclusively for women is a total pampering experience from the minute you step through the door. Located in bustling Covent Garden you'll soon ...More
London > Leisure > Fitness
12 Floral Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E | 13 minutes from The Poetry Library
This day spa exclusively for women is a total pampering experience from the minute you step through the door. Located in bustling Covent Garden you'll soon ...More
King's Arms
London > Nightlife > Pubs
25 Roupell Street, South Bank, London SE1 | 7 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 | 7 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
The Sherlock Holmes
London > Nightlife > Pubs
10 Northumberland Street, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 9 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 | 9 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
Red Lion Pub
London > Nightlife > Pubs
48 Parliament Street, Whitehall, Westminster, London SW1A | 11 minutes from The Poetry Library
Right across the street from the Houses of Parliament, the Red Lion is perfectly positioned for politicos to pop in for a pint after a heated ...More
London > Nightlife > Pubs
48 Parliament Street, Whitehall, Westminster, London SW1A | 11 minutes from The Poetry Library
Right across the street from the Houses of Parliament, the Red Lion is perfectly positioned for politicos to pop in for a pint after a heated ...More
THE BEST
Nightlife near The Poetry Library
The Poetry Library clubs, bars, cabaret nights, casinos and interesting nightlife.
Bassoon Piano Bar
London > Nightlife > Bars
Corinthia Hotel London, Whitehall Place, Westminster, London SW1A | 7 minutes from The Poetry Library
The cocktails in the Bassoon Piano Bar are very good, expensive, yes, but very, very good. Not only that but the bar has a piano which ...More
London > Nightlife > Bars
Corinthia Hotel London, Whitehall Place, Westminster, London SW1A | 7 minutes from The Poetry Library
The cocktails in the Bassoon Piano Bar are very good, expensive, yes, but very, very good. Not only that but the bar has a piano which ...More
Gordon's Wine Bar
London > Nightlife > Wine Bars
47 Villiers Street, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 8 minutes from The Poetry Library
London's oldest wine bar and family-run underground tavern. Home to Samuel Pepys in the 1680s, the building housing Gordon’s is now home to a regular, thriving crowd ...More
London > Nightlife > Wine Bars
47 Villiers Street, Covent Garden, London WC2N | 8 minutes from The Poetry Library
London's oldest wine bar and family-run underground tavern. Home to Samuel Pepys in the 1680s, the building housing Gordon’s is now home to a regular, thriving crowd ...More
Oxo Tower Bar & Brasserie
London > Nightlife > Bars
Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, South Bank, London SE1 | 10 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 | 10 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 | At 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 | At 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 | At 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 | At 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 | 4 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 | 4 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  Valentine's Day Concert Concerts | On 14th February 2012 Southbank Centre: Royal Festival Hall At The Poetry Library Settle in for a night of glorious classics to celebrate the most romantic evening of the year. Performed by the ...More David Shrigley: Brain Activity Exhibitions | Until 13th May 2012 Southbank Centre At The Poetry Library The first major London-based survey of the artist's practice, featuring drawings, photography, sculpture, animations, paintings and music all commenting on ...More Euan MacDonald: Open Tuning Exhibitions | Until 14th February 2012 Southbank Centre At The Poetry Library A multimedia installation exploring the perception of sound, featuring the video 9,000 Pieces, which examines the mechanics of piano-testing in ...More  Love Letters Straight From Your Heart Exhibitions | Until 14th February 2012 Southbank Centre At The Poetry Library With Valentine's Day round the corner, love is at the fore front of many Londoners' minds. Love Letters Straight from ...More Imagine Children's Festival Kids Events | Until 26th February 2012 Southbank Centre At The Poetry Library Talks and performances....More  Imagine Kids Events | Until 26th February 2012 Southbank Centre At The Poetry Library Take the kids to the Southbank Centre during the February half-term and treat them to Imagine, the annual children's literature festival which pulls ...More Private Peaceful: Scamp Theatre (Over 8s) Theatre | Until 15th February 2012 Southbank Centre At The Poetry Library Adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's novel for older children....More Hidden City Tours | Until 31st December 2012 Southbank Centre At The Poetry Library Hidden City offers a unique and quirky way to explore London. Based around the concept of a treasure hunt, explorers ...More  David Shrigley: Brain Activity Exhibitions | Until 13th May 2012 The Hayward Gallery 1 minutes walk from The Poetry Library Quick witted with a dry sense of humour, David Shrigley has all the components needed to create an amusing and ...More Graham Clarke: The English Artist At Home And Abroad Exhibitions | Until 3rd March 2012 National Theatre: Olivier Theatre 2 minutes walk from The Poetry Library Contemporary etchings, drawings and watercolour paintings depicting theatrical narratives....More 
Hotels near The Poetry Library
From cheap budget places to stay to luxury 5 star suites see our deals for The Poetry Library hotels, including Corinthia Hotel London from 62% off. |
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