Southwark forms one of the oldest parts of London and fronts the River Thames to the north. It’s renowned for its old inns and taverns, Southwark is also the historical home of the capital’s arts and entertainments industry.

London’s first theatres – the Globe, the Hope and the Rose – were all built here in the 16th century and Shakespeare’s plays first performed here. Nestling on the South Bank beside the Thames, the rebuilt Globe is now one of the most popular theatres in London, while the neighbouring Tate Modern, housed in an imposing former power station, is among the world’s most popular art galleries.

London’s modern City Hall and the magnificent gothic Southwark Cathedral complete a remarkable set of buildings that show five centuries of London’s architectural achievements. Next to the cathedral is the world-famous Borough Market, open Thursday to Saturday and brimming with fresh, organic produce.
New to the Southwark skyline is the 306-metre tall Shard skyscraper, the tallest building in Western Europe.