Date spot in South Bank and Borough
BFI Southbank
Browse the second-hand book stalls under Waterloo Bridge, then catch a classic, a new release or a rare archive print at the British Film Institute's cinemas.
Belvedere Road, under Waterloo Bridge
Address: Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 8XT- Activity
- Cheap and cheerful
- Culture
- Rainy day
Why it's a good date: Pick a book for each other at the stalls before the film starts. The riverfront bar is a good spot to talk it over afterwards.
Photo: Ashley Van Haeften, CC BY 2.0 (cropped and resized)
More from our South Bank and Borough guide
Walk through the graffiti tunnel under Waterloo station, where artists are allowed to paint the walls and the art changes almost daily.
Why it's a good date: It's free, takes ten minutes and is different every time you go. You'll often catch someone painting, and the arches along the tunnel have places to eat and drink.
Photo: Owen Tudor1, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
Scootercaffe
Lower Marsh, Waterloo
Address: 133A Lower Marsh, London SE1 7AE- Café
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Cosy
Settle in at a scruffy, much-loved café-bar in an old scooter repair shop, with a vintage Vespa in the corner and a small courtyard out the back.
Why it's a good date: Coffee by day and a drink in the evening, with old records on and no fuss. It doesn't take bookings, so just turn up, and it's handy before or after something on the South Bank.
London Eye
Jubilee Gardens, South Bank
Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB- Activity
- Rain-proof ☔
- Mid-price
- Romantic
Ride the giant wheel on the river for a slow half-hour loop above Westminster, the Thames and the South Bank.
Why it's a good date: Touristy, yes, but the view is worth it, and a clear evening around sunset is the time to go. Book ahead online rather than queueing on the day.
Photo: Danbu14, CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped and resized)
