Description
Waterloo is known by many as a major London rail terminus but there is much more going on. Close to the station is the IMAX cinema and that is only one of the many cultural activities in the area.
The South Bank was originally a site of the 1951 Festival of Britain which celebrated art and science after the devastation of World War 2. Now it is a bustling cosmopolitan centre of entertainment for both Londoner and visitor. The National Theatre and Royal Festival Hall are main attractions alongside the thrill of the London Eye and the Aquarium.
History
Known as Lambeth Marshe, the area was marsh land which was drained in the 18th century and still echoed in the street name Lower Marsh. Contemporary accounts describe people living in poverty and slums.
The current name derives from the 1817 construction of the bridge which was named to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo. This was followed in 1848 by the railway station.
Theatre has long been an important feature in Waterloo life; the Old Vic was formerly the Royal Victoria Theatre and before that the Royal Coburg Theatre established in 1818.
The centre of London government was based at County Hall for 64 years until 1986.
Leisure & Amenities
The choice and range of activities in Waterloo are vast and this is a small selection.
Places to go and things to do:
- National Theatre
- Royal Festival Hall
- National Film Theatre
- BFI IMAX cinema
- London Eye
- London Dungeon
- SeaLife Aquarium
Active Life:
- Riverside walks
- Speed boats
Eating and drinking ideas:
- Many restaurants in the South Bank including:
- Skylon
- Strada
- Giraffe
- Many restaurants in Gabriel's Wharf including:
- Gourmet Pizza
- Pieminister
- Pubs like:
- The Archduke
- The Fire Station
Transport
- As a main London rail terminus Waterloo station provides links to the south west London and the south coast.
- Waterloo underground station - Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo and Waterloo & City lines
- Many buses cross Waterloo Bridge heading both north to the City and into south London.
Education
- Kings College London has a campus at Waterloo.