Why It’s Worth Crossing Tower Bridge And Exploring Bermondsey And Southwark

Black and white image of a woman walking under a bridge through the cobbled streets of Southwark

Whether you’re visiting London for a weekend escape or staying on business near Tower Bridge, you may wonder if it’s worth crossing Tower Bridge to explore Bermondsey and the borough of Southwark. The answer is always yes. From vibrant markets under ancient railway arches to unsung riverside strolls, this enclave blends London’s historic soul with present-day treasures. As the team behind The Tower Hotel, by Thistle – one of the best hotels near Tower Bridge – we’re well placed to guide both seasoned Londoners and curious first-timers towards Bermondsey’s hidden gems, authentic craft beer scenes, and streets brimming with creative flair.

10 min read

 

Table of Contents

 

Staying at the heart of London’s riverside – Your local doorway to adventure

Choosing The Tower Hotel, by Thistle puts you right on the Thames, a stone’s throw from Tower Bridge itself. For leisure guests, this means iconic views from sunrise to sundown. For business travellers, it’s a launch pad that’s both central and quiet, an uncommonly rare duo in the City. But the real advantage lies in your proximity to “the other side” of Tower Bridge – that thriving stretch where Bermondsey and Southwark reinvent the classic London experience.

From our lobby you’ll see the unmistakable silhouette of Tower Bridge. Cross it, and a different London awaits. Here, the streets hum with independent energy that’s unmistakably Southwark. You’re just minutes from the kind of neighbourhood finds that locals keep to themselves. Bermondsey, with its blend of food, culture, and creative enterprise, is one of the city’s best places to visit – whether it’s for a targeted food tour or a meandering wander between business meetings.

 

Why pick Bermondsey and Southwark over sticking to the City

Why should you forgo the expected City circuit for an afternoon in Bermondsey London or along Bermondsey Street? For travellers craving atmosphere without the crowds, these areas are unmatched. The borough of Southwark rewards the curious: every turn off Tower Bridge Road leads you to galleries, artisan bakeries, microbreweries, independent coffee spots, and riverside parks where Londoners actually spend their downtime.

If your image of London only extends to stately museums and well-trodden markets, Bermondsey challenges you to dig deeper. Here you’ll find local designers in workrooms, old warehouses repurposed for bold ventures, and some of the most inviting hidden gems London has to offer. Whether you’re in town for pleasure or work, spending a few hours on this southern stretch will show you a side of London that keeps locals loyal and visitors coming back for more.

 

Arriving from The Tower Hotel – Crossing Tower Bridge is part of the adventure

Let’s talk logistics. Guests at the Tower Bridge Hotel are blessed with one of the easiest, most scenic city walks. Simply head out of our riverside entrance and within moments you’re ascending Tower Bridge itself – a five-minute stroll to the sights, sounds, and tastes of Bermondsey. Take in the panorama – the City skyline in one direction, the Shard and the riverside chemistry of Southbank in the other.

It’s not just a bridge, it’s a rite of passage. The gentle clatter of footfall, the play of sunlight on the Thames, and the view back to the angular outline of London Tower Bridge Hotel all cement this as a transition from City hustle to neighbourhood calm. Once across, pause beneath the arches and you’ll find yourself on the cusp of a different London entirely.

 

Stop one: Seek flavour and atmosphere at Maltby Street Market

One of the best places to go in London for foodies and curious wandering alike is Maltby Street Market. Tucked under Bermondsey’s historic railway arches, this weekend market rewrites the rules for street food. The scent of sizzling duck wraps, honey-drizzled pastries, artisanal coffee, and global dishes draws Londoners and in-the-know visitors every Saturday and Sunday. The atmosphere is buzzy, yet retains a sense of local intimacy that larger markets – like Borough Market up the road – tend to lose on weekends.

You’ll find traders who care about their craft, from perfectly aged cheeses to pan-Asian dumplings made with family recipes. It’s an ideal spot for solo explorers eager to taste something new or for groups looking to try a bit of everything. Arrive early with a comfortable pair of shoes and room for plenty of nibbles. If you’re working nearby and fancy a change from corporate lunches, plan a Friday late shift and make the walk over for the best “midday reset” you’ll taste this side of the Thames.

Find out more about Maltby Street Market here

 

Taste the local scene on the Bermondsey Beer Mile

Few hidden gems in London compete with the Bermondsey Beer Mile. Legendary among craft beer fans, this string of independent taprooms and microbreweries has transformed Bermondsey’s railway arches into a weekend pilgrimage site. For leisure travellers, it’s a London experience you won’t find on the postcards – a place to meet local brewers, sample experimental stouts or sours, and soak up a social buzz that’s both lively and welcoming.

It’s not just for craft beer obsessives. Each venue along the Beer Mile has its own character – cosy and candlelit in winter, all open shutters and street food in the summer. Many offer alcohol-free alternatives and guest food trucks, so you’ll find something for every palate. For business travellers, why not swap the predictable post-conference pint for a tasting session where you can bond with colleagues and network in a relaxed environment? Just do the sensible thing and pace yourself – there are more taprooms than you’ll cover in one go.

Read more about Bermondsey Beer Mile here

 

Exploring Bermondsey Street – Southwark’s hub of creativity

No discussion of Bermondsey London is complete without a stroll down Bermondsey Street. This historic thoroughfare bridges the City’s edge with South London’s artistic pulse. Lined with contemporary galleries, independent boutiques, and a quiet confidence that’s rare in the heart of London, Bermondsey Street is ideal for those looking to balance culture with calm.

Duck into a design-led café for an expertly pulled flat white, or step into a local art gallery between meetings. You’ll find London’s best emerging talent hanging alongside established artists, and the sort of high-quality menu you’d expect from a city obsessed with food. The area’s understated charm makes it perfect for anyone in search of places to go in London that don’t simply appear in every guidebook.

 

Southwark riverside walks – Pause for the London you can hear

Business or leisure, sometimes the best moments are the quiet ones. The Southwark riverside path, stretching from Tower Bridge towards Rotherhithe, offers exactly that. Here, old warehouses rub shoulders with modern residential hubs, community gardens flourish, and the river provides a rhythm that slows the city right down.

It’s a route well worth walking, especially at golden hour. There are quiet benches for unscheduled breaks, and more than a few locals walking their dogs or watching the boats drift by. Stop for a photo with the Shard glinting in the background, or pick up a picnic lunch to enjoy under the spreading trees. For repeat visitors to Tower Bridge Hotel or hotels on the Thames, this walk delivers peace without ever feeling remote.

 

Discovering the borough of Southwark – London’s layered history

The borough of Southwark stands apart among the best places to visit in London. Deeply woven into the city’s history, its corners reveal everything from literary haunts and industrial relics to the kind of contemporary public art that sparks conversation. Close to The Tower Hotel, by Thistle, Southwark invites both first-timers and long-time Londoners to look again.

Stay close to the river for glimpses of wharves and warehouses-turned-loft flats, or duck down side streets to discover blue plaques commemorating famous residents. The architecture tells stories, from the rambling brick of old factories to the glass-and-steel exuberance of the Shard and nearby modern marvels. No matter your agenda, there’s always something new to uncover in Southwark.

 

Practical tips – Making the most of your Bermondsey and Southwark outing

  • Timing matters: Maltby Street Market runs weekends, so plan accordingly. Most taprooms on the Bermondsey Beer Mile open Fridays through Sundays, but double-check hours if you have a favourite brewery in mind.
  • Dress for comfort: Between cobbled lanes and riverside walks, comfortable shoes are a gift. Layers help manage unpredictable weather.
  • Bring a camera: Unexpected corners make for striking photos – especially early mornings or late afternoons along the Thames.
  • Mix leisure and work: Bermondsey’s independent cafés and quiet nooks provide a smart setting for remote working, casual meetings, or solo research time.
  • Getting there: From The Tower Hotel, by Thistle, cross Tower Bridge and you’re in Bermondsey in minutes. Multiple tube and rail stations suit those venturing from further afield.

 

Embrace London’s creative south – Your guide awaits

If you value a stay where the city’s new stories are just a walk away, The Tower Hotel, by Thistle places you at London’s cultural and culinary frontier. Whether you’re hunting for hidden gems in London, the next great meal, or riverside calm, our team is on hand to guide your days and recommend the perfect spot to unwind after. Book your room or meeting near Tower Bridge, and let the city’s creative side become your own.

 

FAQs

  • Yes, Bermondsey and the borough of Southwark are generally safe, especially during the day and early evening. Like all of central London, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, but main routes such as Bermondsey Street and the riverside are busy and well-lit. If in doubt, our hotel reception can suggest safe routes and local highlights.

  • Maltby Street Market is open on Saturdays and Sundays, with Saturdays typically a bit quieter at opening, so early risers can avoid the peak crowd. Weekday visits aren’t possible as the market is closed, but some arches host permanent outlets with limited hours. Check the Maltby Street Market website for up-to-date opening times.

  • You can walk the Bermondsey Beer Mile comfortably in one afternoon, but with more than a dozen breweries along the route, it’s sensible to focus on a few and enjoy them rather than rush. Many taprooms open from midday on weekends, and most spots offer sharing plates or snacks to break up the tasting. Drink responsibly and enjoy the atmosphere.

  • Absolutely. Bermondsey Street and the surrounding area boast numerous independent cafés and casual restaurants with good WiFi and a relaxed setting. Many business travellers from Tower Hotel and other hotels near Tower Bridge use Bermondsey for business lunches, creative catch-ups, or simply a change of scene from the typical boardroom.

  • Bermondsey is accessible via Bermondsey and London Bridge stations on the Jubilee and Northern lines, as well as via national rail. From The Tower Hotel, it’s often quickest to walk across Tower Bridge, placing you in the heart of Bermondsey in under 10 minutes.

  • Yes, Southwark is family-friendly. Aside from food markets and riverside parks, you’ll find playgrounds, accessible walking routes, and several child-friendly attractions nearby. Our concierge can recommend the best playgrounds or low-key museums for younger explorers.

    Your adventure in Bermondsey and Southwark begins the moment you cross the bridge. Let the team at The Tower Hotel, by Thistle help you discover the city’s authentic south – delivering both the comfort of a trusted London Tower Bridge Hotel and the spirit of a local insider.