Westminster Bridge

With Big Ben in front of you, the London Eye behind you and the River Thames flowing beneath your feet, a walk across Westminster Bridge puts you in the monumental heart of London.

History

The current Westminster Bridge was first opened in 1862, replacing an original bridge built across the River Thames in 1750. The bridge railings are painted green to reflect the colour of the seats in the House of Commons, while the red seating of the House of Lords is reflected in the colour of Lambeth Bridge on the other side of the Houses of Parliament. In 1982 Westminster Bridge was made a Grade II listed structure.

Westminster

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament dominate the north end of Westminster Bridge. The sound of the bell rings out every hour across the river and no trip to London is complete without experiencing it at least once. Walk past the Houses of Parliament and you’ll find the gothic expanse of Westminster Abbey, the traditional site of coronation and burial for British monarchs. Across Parliament Square is Whitehall, the offices of government, and a walk along here will take you past Number 10 Downing Street and Horse Guards Parade. Keep walking and you’ll reach Trafalgar Square with Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery, as well as a range of restaurants and pubs.

Southbank

Cross Westminster Bridge to the south and you’ll find yourself close to the London Eye. If you take a short stroll along the River Thames you’ll soon find London’s beautiful Southbank area. The Southbank Centre has an impressive range of cultural activities to enjoy, ranging from live music in the Royal Festival Hall to contemporary art in the Hayward Gallery. Travel further down the river and you’ll reach the British Film Institution and the National Theatre, one of the best places to see live performance in the city. Walk further still and you’ll come to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, modelled after the 16th century playhouse. This area is very popular with tourists and there’re plenty of choices when it comes to finding food and drink.

Places to stay

If you’re looking to stay near to Westminster Bridge the area boasts a brilliant selection of accommodation options. We’ve got you covered with everything from opulent rooms overlooking the London Eye to stylish hotels within minutes on foot of the Southbank Centre. If you’re travelling on a budget we’ll help you to find a cheap hotel within easy walking distance, with the more affordable areas of Elephant and Castle and Kennington only a short bus ride away.