South Bank & Waterloo Family Guide: London Eye Views, Riverside Walks and Easy Days With Kids
If your kids have ever seen London on a postcard, they have seen the South Bank. The London Eye, Big Ben across the river, boats drifting past and a wide pedestrian path made for wandering — this is the version of London that feels instantly real to children.
In this guide, we will walk through how to use South Bank & Waterloo as a practical, high impact family base: the best riverfront hotels, easy kid friendly meals, playgrounds and green pockets, plus how to stitch this neighborhood into your bigger London plan without overwhelming anyone.
Quick South Bank & Waterloo Orientation For Families
Best for: First time London trips, short stays, kids who want “the big sights” right outside the hotel.
Vibe: Lively riverside promenade, street performers, big attractions, chain restaurants and some great views.
Where it sits: South side of the Thames opposite Westminster, stretching roughly from the London Eye toward Blackfriars, anchored by Waterloo Station.
Pair it with: Central sightseeing days, West End shows, Greenwich river cruises and slower neighborhood days in Hampstead or Richmond.
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Plug South Bank Into Your Bigger London Plan
Use this neighborhood guide alongside your core London pillars:
- Ultimate London Family Travel Guide
- Ultimate London Attractions Guide For Families
- Ultimate London Neighborhood Guide For Families
- London Logistics & Planning Guide
Multi city family trip? Ultimate Tokyo, Ultimate Dubai, Ultimate Bali.
Why South Bank & Waterloo Work So Well For Families
If you only have a few days in London or you want your first stop to feel instantly iconic, South Bank & Waterloo make a lot of sense. You can step outside your hotel and almost immediately see the London Eye, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and boats sliding under the bridges. For kids, this is pure “we really are in London” energy.
The broad riverside promenade is mostly pedestrian, which means fewer cars to negotiate while you keep an eye on little ones. There are playgrounds like Jubilee Gardens, easy access to attractions such as SEA LIFE London Aquarium and Shrek’s Adventure, and a constant stream of street performers that can turn an ordinary walk into a mini show.
Practically, it is also a smart base:
- Waterloo Station gives you trains, Underground lines and buses in one place.
- You can walk across Westminster Bridge to see Big Ben and Westminster Abbey without touching transport.
- Many family friendly chain restaurants sit within a few minutes of the big sights, so meals are straightforward.
Best Family Friendly Hotels On The South Bank
The South Bank has some of London’s most practical family hotels: big enough for cribs and sofa beds, easy walking distance to the main attractions, and views that make kids excited just to open the curtains. Here are three standouts that consistently work well for families.
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Directly opposite Westminster and a few minutes from the London Eye.
This is the classic “we stayed right across from Big Ben” hotel. Many rooms have views of the Thames and Westminster, there is an indoor pool, and the lobby constantly buzzes with visiting families. It feels like a proper city hotel, but with enough space to spread out.
- Short walk to the London Eye, SEA LIFE and Shrek’s Adventure.
- Pool is a huge win after long sightseeing days.
- Plenty of room options for families and groups.
Check rooms and family options at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
London Marriott Hotel County Hall
Historic building beside the London Eye with river views.
For a splurge that still makes sense for families, London Marriott Hotel County Hall wraps you in classic London architecture with an indoor pool and incredible views of Big Ben and the Thames. Rooms are spacious by city standards and the setting feels special.
- Indoor pool and fitness facilities for off days.
- Walk straight outside to the London Eye and riverside promenade.
- Great choice for birthdays, anniversaries or “once in a decade” trips.
Park Plaza County Hall London
Moments from the South Bank, with suites and kitchenettes.
Park Plaza County Hall is a strong middle ground: central, comfortable and designed with longer stays in mind. Family suites with sofa beds and small kitchen areas make it easier to handle snacks, jet lagged toddlers and early nights.
- Easy walk to Waterloo Station and South Bank attractions.
- Studios and suites help families spread out.
- Good value compared to some riverfront luxury options.
Tip: when you open any of these stays, use the filters for “family rooms” or “sofa bed” and widen the map slightly if you want a quieter side street a few blocks back from the river.
Best Things To Do On The South Bank With Kids
You can easily fill an entire day without leaving this stretch of river — and if you combine it with a Westminster or Covent Garden visit, it becomes one of the highest impact days of your trip.
Ride The London Eye
For many families, this is non negotiable. The slow 30 minute rotation gives everyone time to spot landmarks and take photos, and the enclosed pods feel safe even for younger children. Try to book timed tickets in advance and, if possible, avoid the heaviest midday crowds. To compare time slots and options, look at: London Eye tickets and combo experiences.
Explore Jubilee Gardens
Sitting right beside the Eye, Jubilee Gardens is a welcome break in between attractions. There is a modern playground, lawns for picnics and enough space to let kids run while you regroup and check your next plan.
SEA LIFE London Aquarium & Shrek’s Adventure
Both of these sit just a short walk away and work especially well on rainy days or for younger children who might not love a museum marathon. The aquarium has walk through tunnels and themed zones; Shrek’s Adventure brings DreamWorks characters into a walk through show format.
South Bank Walks & Street Performers
One of the simplest pleasures is just walking along the river. Start near London Eye and wander toward the Southbank Centre and beyond. You will almost always find buskers, bubble makers and small pop up stalls. This is also where you will pass by spots like the National Theatre and the BFI.
Family Friendly River Cruises
A river cruise is a clever way to turn rest time into sightseeing. Many Thames tours depart from Westminster Pier or nearby and give you commentary plus big views from the water. Some cruises combine South Bank views with stops in Greenwich.
You can check family focused options here: Thames River cruises for families. Look for shorter routes if your kids get restless and larger boats with indoor seating in cooler months.
A South Bank & Waterloo Day That Actually Feels Doable
Morning: Eye + Jubilee Gardens
Start with a timed London Eye slot earlier in the day, when kids still have fresh energy. Grab something simple for breakfast near your hotel or one of the coffee spots tucked under County Hall. Ride the Eye, take your Big Ben and river photos, then move straight into play at Jubilee Gardens so kids can come back down from the excitement.
Late Morning: One Indoor Attraction
Choose either SEA LIFE London Aquarium or Shrek’s Adventure, depending on your children’s ages and interests. Do not try to do both in one day if you are also squeezing in a cruise — better to let one attraction feel fun than rush through two.
Lunch: Pizza Or Tacos With A View
Walk along the promenade toward the Southbank Centre and pick a simple, reliable spot like PizzaExpress Royal Festival Hall or Wahaca Southbank (more on both below). Both are used to families, have kids menus and are close to playgrounds and the river.
Afternoon: River Cruise + Free Time
In the afternoon, join a Thames River cruise from a nearby pier. Use this as built-in rest: kids can look out the windows while adults simply sit with a drink and enjoy the view. Afterwards, either wander back along the river or, if everyone is still going strong, cross over to explore Covent Garden or walk over Westminster Bridge for a closer look at Parliament.
Evening: Early Dinner + Night Views
Finish with an early dinner back on the South Bank and, if bedtimes allow, a short after dark walk so kids can see the city lights and the London Eye illuminated. Being so close to your hotel means you can be upstairs in pajamas quickly once everyone hits their limit.
Family Friendly Places To Eat On The South Bank
South Bank is full of chain restaurants for a reason: they are predictable, quick and used to serving families just before or after attractions. Here are a few strong, verified options that work particularly well with kids.
Giraffe Southbank
Giraffe Southbank leans fully into its “family friendly all day” reputation. You will find brunch plates, burgers, salads and a dedicated kids’ menu with simple favorites. It opens early, which is helpful when kids are awake before half the city.
Big windows and river views keep everyone entertained while you regroup and decide what comes next.
PizzaExpress Royal Festival Hall
A classic UK choice that reliably works with picky eaters, PizzaExpress Royal Festival Hall sits just behind the Southbank Centre. Expect thin crust pizzas, kids’ “Piccolo” menus, and crayons on the table. It is walkable from most South Bank hotels and the main attractions.
Wahaca Southbank
For families who like to share and try new flavors, Wahaca Southbank serves fresh Mexican inspired plates from recycled shipping containers stacked above the river. Tacos, quesadillas, rice bowls and churros tend to be hits, and the atmosphere is lively without feeling chaotic.
Skylon
When you want something a little more dressed up (but still doable with older kids or teens), Skylon brings modern British cooking with floor to ceiling river views inside the Royal Festival Hall. Book earlier sittings if you want a smoother experience with children.
Getting To And Around South Bank & Waterloo With Kids
Waterloo is one of London’s main transport hubs, which is exactly why this area works so well as a first or last stop. From here you can reach almost anywhere in the city by Underground, train or bus, and you can also walk across several bridges into Westminster, Embankment and Covent Garden.
The South Bank promenade itself is best done on foot. Consider keeping one day mostly car free and focusing on walking, riverboats and the Tube so kids get used to the network slowly.
For arrival, you can piece together your route from the airport when you book your flights. Start here: London family flight options and then plug your airport into Transport for London’s journey planner for step by step directions to Waterloo or Westminster.
You do not need a car while staying here, but if your wider itinerary includes places like the Cotswolds, Dorset or the Lake District, think about collecting a rental after your London days are finished: Compare rental cars from London.
Safety, Dress Code And Local Etiquette On The South Bank
South Bank feels busy but generally safe, especially during the day. Because it attracts tourists, you will want to pay extra attention to bags, phones and cameras in crowded spots and on bridges. Keep valuables zipped away, agree on a meeting point if anyone gets separated, and take photos of younger children in the morning so you have an up to date picture just in case.
Dress is casual. Comfortable shoes matter more than anything else — you will be walking on pavements and along the river for most of the day. A light waterproof layer and a compact umbrella are worth throwing in the stroller or backpack no matter what the forecast says.
The area is very used to children, and staff in most attractions are patient with families navigating strollers and sensory needs. If you anticipate busy or noisy moments being a challenge, choose timed entries earlier in the day and build in quiet breaks in Jubilee Gardens or a calmer walk away from the densest crowds.
Travel insurance is one of those things you hope to never use but are glad to have when plans shift. Many families prefer a flexible plan designed for longer or multi-country trips: Explore family travel insurance options and choose what fits your style of travel.
Best Time To Stay On The South Bank With Kids
South Bank is alive all year, but it changes character with the seasons. Summer brings long evenings, outdoor pop ups and busy riverside walks. Spring and early autumn can be ideal: lighter crowds, mild temperatures and still plenty of daylight for river views. Winter is colder and darker but can feel magical around Christmas when lights and markets appear.
If you have flexibility, aim for midweek stays outside UK school holidays for a calmer feel. Weekends and holidays are still manageable — just be ready for more people around the most popular attractions and book key tickets in advance.
How South Bank & Waterloo Fit Into Your London Family Itinerary
Think of South Bank as your “headline” neighborhood: the place where you tick the big postcard sights and give your children the classic London skyline. Then, balance it with softer bases like Hampstead, Greenwich or Richmond so your week has a natural rise and fall in energy.
Use this guide together with your other London posts:
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