The South Bank - London -

Posted by Cathy Smith Oct 7, 2007

Living in London, one would think it isn’t hard to find something interesting to do. And, of course, it isn’t. In fact there is almost too much to do and sometimes I find myself unable to make up my mind. One simple solution, when in an indecisive mood, is to wander over to the South Bank where there is a bit of everything, all linked together alongside the Thames.

All this was inspired by the 1951 Festival of Britain after post-war austerity and to celebrate the centenary of the 1851 Great Exhibition - opened by Queen Victoria. The temporary fairs and buildings that sprawled over derelict land gave birth to a long-term scheme, now it is the largest arts centre in Western Europe and still growing.

One would have thought that, after the bleak years of the war, the new buildings on the South Bank would have been graceful, uplifting in their style, even fun. But what was erected showed the architect’s love affair with concrete and not what ordinary people might have liked and they certainly have not learned to love this cluster of neo-brutalist architecture.

Although I’m sure I will never get to love them, they are home to some of the world’s best music, theatre, dance - you name it. Then there’s Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, The National Film Theatre, the list goes on. Go see for yourself. There’s much more - just keep walking.

• Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
• More on the South Bank