People descend steps onto Queen’s Walk beside the Thames, with the South Bank promenade and a sculptural white lamp in view. — PHOTO“London , Lambeth - South Bank Riverside Walk - geograph.org.uk - 1741006.jpg” by Lewis Clarke · CC BY-SA 2.0. Resized and converted to WebP for this site.

EUROPE LONDON · UNITED KINGDOM

South Bank riverside walk

A free Thames-side walk between Lambeth and Blackfriars bridges, with landmark views and plenty of places to pause.

What to expect

Queen’s Walk follows the south bank of the Thames between Lambeth and Blackfriars bridges. South Bank London estimates about 30 minutes for a relaxed through-walk; the London Eye, Southbank Centre, Oxo Tower and National Theatre make natural stops along the route. The South Bank Book Market sits beneath Waterloo Bridge, but its stall hours depend on the day and weather. Galleries, shows, shops and food nearby are separate paid visits.

Free riverside promenade

Before you go

Entry and costs

The riverside promenade is free to walk. Book purchases, food, cruises, performances and ticketed venue events cost extra; access to the Thames foreshore at Ernie’s Beach depends on the tide.

Visitor notes

The South Bank guide describes the promenade as pedestrianised and recommends allowing longer if you stop along the way. The book market lists daily hours of 10:00–19:00, though individual stalls vary; the area guide says it operates during daytime on dry days, so check before making it the reason for a trip. Waterloo station is about 200 metres from Southbank Centre; Embankment is about 600 metres across Hungerford Bridge. Check TfL for service changes.

Opening hours

Date-specific hours are not available for this place. Check the official page for the day you plan to visit.

Good for

Thames viewsRiverside strollLondon landmarks

Official sourceSouth Bank London — Queen’s Walk guide

Checked 2 November 2026. Hours, entry rules and access can change; check this page again before you visit.

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