South Bank architecture walking tour - Saturday 16 May 2026 10am

Join Open City for a walking tour exploring the remarkable growth and transformation of London’s South Bank

Led by Golden Key Academy graduate Nic Durston, this engaging tour traces the story of the South Bank from the mid-nineteenth century through the twentieth century and into the new millennium. It’s a story of regeneration, renewal, redevelopment and reinvention — shaped by bold architecture, iconic buildings and a rich culture of design and creativity.

But South Bank’s story is also about people. Residents, campaigners and local communities have played a vital role in shaping one of London’s most distinctive and authentic neighbourhoods, ensuring it remains a place where culture, public life and everyday London intersect.

Starting at Jubilee Gardens — the site of the 1951 Festival of Britain — the tour explores a remarkable concentration of pioneering architecture along the River Thames. Along the way we’ll encounter landmarks including the London Eye, Royal Festival Hall, National Theatre and BFI Southbank.

We’ll also look at key moments in South Bank’s regeneration, including the revival of the OXO Tower and the community-led development of the Coin Street Estate. The River Thames will remain a constant companion throughout the walk, offering a lens through which to understand the area’s past, present and future. 

Key information

Meet: The flagpole on The Queen’s Walk SE1 8XX. The flagpole is located between the river and Jubilee Gardens, near the “Jubiloo” (toilets)

What3words location: ///love.duty.truck

2nd stop on the tour: Jubilee Gardens / Statue to the International Brigades. What3words location: ///suffer.crowds.hurt

End: Bankside Hotel SE1 9JU. Near to the junction of Blackfriars Road and Upper Ground 

Duration: 2 hrs approx

Distance: 2 miles

Access notes: The route is fully accessible and can be completed without any steps. There is a South Bank section on AccessAble’s website: AccessAble - Your Accessibility Guide

Photo: Royal Festival Hall and Shot Tower c.1959 by David Wright, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Via Geograph.

Meet the tour guide ...
Nic Durston is Chief Executive of South Bank Employers’ Group and South Bank Business Improvement District. Both are not for profit organisations that support, fund and enable a range of place-oriented programmes and services in the South Bank and Waterloo neighbourhood, including safety and security, cleaning, destination marketing, sustainability, and advocacy.

A graduate of Open City’s Golden Key Academy in 2021, Nic has lived, worked and studied in London for nearly 40 years. He joined the Open City tours team in February 2026.