On the southern end of London Bridge sits Borough Market, one of the oldest and largest markets in London, steeped in history dating back to the 12th century. Packed with bustling shops and restaurants, it is an amazing place to visit, and if you are interested in dining by the River Thames, this is the place to be. Six days a week, you can enjoy the atmospheric halls and passageways of the market, while also shopping for sustainable food and connecting with other people. Nearby, you will find a host of other things to do, from strolling by the river to taking in historical sites. Here, we take a look at some of the many great places to visit near the River Thames.
If you want to spend some time on the water, hop aboard a Thames Clipper. Offering commuters a scenic route each day, the Thames Clippers also provide a unique way for tourists to explore all this area has to offer. The boats are eco-friendly and run overnight, and there are free guided tours during the summer months if you want to learn more about this special stretch of water. You don’t have to learn history, though, if you prefer just relaxing while you enjoy gorgeous views from your vantage point on one of Britain’s most celebrated waterways.
The Tower Bridge is a magnificent feat of Victorian engineering. It is also one of the most iconic sights in London and should not be missed if you are near the River Thames. A Tower Bridge visit offers spectacular views of not only the river but also landmarks like The Shard and St Paul’s Cathedral, from the viewing galleries 42 metres above the water.
There is hardly a tourist in the UK who does not visit London Eye. This enormous Ferris wheel has become an icon of the city, attracting millions of people each year, and the bright red capsules are a beloved sight along the Thames. Because of its impressive height of 443 feet, the London Eye is the perfect place to view landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Built-in 1066, the Tower of London has long been a symbol of the country’s power and authority. It was built by William the Conqueror, and in centuries past it has been a royal palace, a prison, and a place of execution. These days, it is one of the most well-known landmarks in the world, and tourists visit the Tower of London to ogle the Crown Jewels and the Yeoman Warders.
Visit St Paul’s Cathedral, and you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of London from the top of the dome. The original church, built during the reign of King Charles II, was destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666 and redesigned by Sir Christopher Wren afterward, as part of a major rebuilding programme. It is now one of the most familiar sights in London.
No Shakespeare fan should miss a Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre visit. This popular tourist attraction is a reconstruction of an original 16th-century theatre, an idea dreamt up by
Sam Wanamaker in 1949. Based on research and interpretation, the theatre was designed to be as close to the original as possible, with a thatched roof, open-air stage, and pit for standing audience members. It’s not just a historical attraction, either- it’s still used for performances.
The United Kingdom’s largest publicly funded performing arts venue is the National Theatre. Visit to enjoy the architecture of this important piece of history, or take in one of the many productions hosted here, including plays, dance, music, and circus acts.
A Tate Modern visit opens a world of British and international art, dating as far back as the 16th century and extending to the present day. The permanent collection has an impressive number of works from influential artists like Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, and Marcel Duchamp, and the museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions showcasing both new and established artists.
Visit Covent Garden and you will enjoy not only the famous Covent Garden Market but also a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and pubs. This lively district is within walking distance of Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, and Piccadilly Circus. Dating back to the 17th century, it was developed by the Duke of Bedford and has undergone several transformations since then.
When you are ready to enjoy dining by the River Thames, there is no better place to do it than at fish! Established in 1999, fish! was the first restaurant in Borough Market and, indeed, the first restaurant of its kind in London.
With a focus on providing our customers with the best quality fish, cooked in front of them, in simple and classic ways, we are committed to quality and responsible sourcing. Because we are centrally located in Borough Market, London’s best produce is easily accessible. In fact, we source most of our produce from Borough Market, and our fish is delivered daily from our own fishmonger, Jarvis, renowned for its extensive range of the very freshest fish and seafood.
Our stunning glass and steel space was originally a Victorian pea-shelling warehouse, and diners enjoy 360-degree views of the market, Southwark Cathedral, and The Shard, as well as soaking in the atmosphere of our beautiful open kitchen. For those looking for a retreat from the chaos of the market, our heated terrace is open all year round, and it is also available for private hire.
To make an enquiry or request a reservation, call 020 3376 6234 or contact us through our website.