Southbank Centre Winter Market

November onwards a number of Christmas markets make their appearance in London. These markets offer everything from unique gifts and souvenirs to festive food and drink, with some of the bigger ones even having their own ice rink and rides. One such big market is the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland which boasts of hundreds of stall and a long list of rides and an ice skating rink. Another interesting one is Christmas by the River, which is located on the south side of London Bridge and has a line of wooden winter cabins selling gifts and festive treats and is even hosting a series of Christmas related workshops this year.

Yet another picturesque market that I enjoyed visiting this year is the Southbank Centre Winter Market. Set along a section of the Queen's Walk, the pedestrian walkway along the south bank of the River Thames, the market is dotted with wooden stalls and a number of pop-ups selling everything from street food to spiced cider & mulled wine and from chocolatey treats to gifts from around the world.

We began our market exploration from the Southbank Centre and walked towards the Westminster Bridge. It was a wonderful experience strolling along the riverside market, visiting the festive stalls, sifting through the selection of hand-crafted gifts and soaking up the festive charm.

(Above) Applebee's pop-up restaurant, serving fish and chips, festive champagne, beers and cocktails on tap.

(Above) Jimmy's Lodge - Lovely igloos with each seating up to ten people. Enjoy mulled wine and street food while taking in the riverside views.

As we walked towards the London Eye, we spotted the Underbelly Christmas Market with stalls selling hand-crafted gifts, traditional treats etc. Also located in the market was the Rekorderling Cider Lodge, a pop-up bar.

If you’re looking for a merry Christmas market in a picturesque setting then the Southbank Centre Winter Market is one for you.

Aside from the market's stalls, pop-up bars and restaurants, you can also enjoy a ride on the London Eye. And if you want to treat yourself to a staycation, then book yourself a stay at the H10 London Waterloo, a modern 4-star hotel near the South Bank, with great service and incredible city views from its stylish sky bar!

How to get to the market

Southbank Centre | Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
The nearest tube station is Waterloo which is a five-minute walk from the Southbank Centre.
When: 8 Nov 2019 to 26 Jan 2020 (Closed on 25 and 31 December and 1 January)