Temporary Low Cost Travel Cafe

[mandyjane]

In my opinion you’ll find that there is so much to do on London’s South Bank that you’ll want to extend your stay. Whether you want to scale the dizzy heights and see the city from the London Eye, or take a gastro-tour on the Thames Flyer 12-seater luxury speedboat. You may want to immerse yourself in the culture of the Southbank Centre or wander agog through the plethora of shops on Lower Marsh, there truly is something for everyone and every taste in this amazing part of London.

[attitudetravel]

I agree the South Bank in central London stretching all the way from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge is a fascinating area with many distractions and delights to keep an explorer occupied.

The Millenium Walk (free), the second-hand book market outside the British Film Institute (cheap), the Tate Modern Art Gallery (free), the Millenium Bridge (free) which crosses over to St. Paul's Cathedral on the north side of the river and the historically fascinating area around London Bridge are just a few that spring to mind.

I agree with you that Lower Marsh, behind Waterloo Station has something of a quirky atmosphere of its own and is also worth a short excursion if there is time to spare.

I'm not sure the South Bank would be ideal as a base though.

Waterloo Station itself is only five minutes walk from the Thames South Bank. Embankment or Charing Cross tube stations, while on the North side of the River Thames, are just a short walk over the footbridge away from the South Bank. All three are very central and easy to reach from pretty much anywhere in London.

So I think I would advise finding a cheaper base somewhere in London (there aren't too many budget accommodation options close to the South Bank) and then take the tube to any of the nearby stations before spending a half-day or a full-day taking in the best the South Bank has to offer.

[shubhranshu]

In walking distance to Covent Garden and Westminster its the perfect location for a relaxing stroll. To stay with luxury comfort, Haymarket Hotel, The Cadogan and InterContinental London Park are good places that can be booked through <whooops!> or <whooops!> etc.

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[attitudetravel]

[oneoff]

If you can afford it, stay as centrally as possible (but be warned, prices are high!). That way you can enjoy both day and nighttimes, without worrying about long trips home in an unfamiliar city. Aim for the very centre and you can't go wrong!

[porkchop]

Southwark is also a possibility as a base in London - it is near South Bank but not quite as expensive and still very well connected with London Bridge, Waterloo, Elephant and Castle etc. The Holiday Inn Express is meant to be good and isn't ridiculously expensive.

Elsewhere, Bloomsbury is also very well connected - maybe try the B&B hotels there. There are also Premier Inns at King's Cross and Tower Hill.

Most places are going to be well connected to be honest, as long as they're near a tube stop, which most of them are. Everywhere is going to be expensive - so maybe a B&B is your best option.