Things to do near Waterloo while you wait for your train

Located in the heart of the capital, London Waterloo offers plenty to do while you wait for your train. If you have time to spare before your journey, you’ll find a range of activities just a short distance from the station.

From pubs and restaurants to scenic walks and picturesque parks, we’ve collated the top things to do near Waterloo station, with activities for short and long wait times. Let’s dive in!

Things to do less than a 5-minute walk from Waterloo station

If you have a short wait time before your train arrives, there’s lots to do just a 5-minute walk or less from London Waterloo.

Grab a drink at Vaulty Towers 

You’ll find plenty of pubs and bars in Waterloo, and Vaulty Towers is a crowd favourite. Just a short stroll from the station, it’s a great place to relax before catching your train.

Pick up a sweet treat from GAIL's Bakery, Southbank

GAIL's Bakery has earned an iconic status in London, offering delicious homemade bread, pastries, cakes, breakfasts and lunches. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices, plus a ‘waste not’ range made with offcuts and wonky fruits that otherwise would have gone to waste.

Enjoy a meal at the Southbank Centre Food Market

Hungry? Dine at one of the restaurants near London Waterloo, or head to the Southbank Centre Food Market for a fantastic food selection. Open Friday to Sunday, it’s one of the best food markets in London, serving all sorts of delicious options.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Galeta, Crêpes à la Carte and Choco Fruit, or explore the rest of the market for Asian street food, juicy meat-based dishes, Mediterranean delights, coffee shops and more.

Things to do less than a 10-minute walk from Waterloo station

If you have more time to play with, venture further from London Waterloo and discover brilliant things to see and do.

Breathe in the fresh air at Waterloo Millennium Green 

Waterloo Millennium Green is a peaceful park close to Waterloo station. There’s plenty of green space to enjoy, with grass for picnicking on and beautiful wildflowers to admire.

Find a park bench and watch the world go by, or stroll through the gardens and spot the wildlife. With an idyllic atmosphere and fabulous scenery, this park is one of the best free things to do in London.

Waterloo Millennium Green is managed by Bankside Open Spaces Trust, an environmental and volunteering charity protecting and enhancing green spaces in London’s SE1 and surrounding areas.

Admire the view from the London Eye

The London Eye is one of Southbank’s main attractions. Less than a 10-minute walk from the station, it’s a great way to pass the time as you wait for your train. Over 443ft high, views from the top span all of London!

It takes around 30 minutes for the 32-capsule wheel to make a full rotation, plus you’ll need to queue beforehand. So make sure you get there with plenty of time to spare before your train leaves! Enjoy 2-for1 entry tickets to the London Eye when you travel by train.

Visit the National COVID Memorial Wall

Things to do less than a 20-minute walk from Waterloo station

If you fancy travelling even further, you’ll find lots to do within a 20-minute walk of London Waterloo.

Embark on the Queen's Walk

The Queen’s Walk is a free, self-guided walking tour near Waterloo. It’s one of the cheapest and easiest ways to see the sights in a short amount of time – though we recommend allowing at least two hours before your train leaves.

Beginning at Westminster Bridge, you’ll cross the River Thames’ southern bank, passing the London Eye and Southbank Centre. Walk towards Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe, then cross the Thames on the Millennium Footbridge and finish at St Paul's Cathedral.

Play sports at Archbishop’s Park

Fancy a workout? Archbishop’s Park is a place for sports lovers, with bookable tennis courts, football pitches, and free-to-use outdoor table tennis. You’ll need to plan your activity and bring your own sports equipment. Alternatively, enjoy the park’s peaceful green spaces and relax with a picnic or a book.

Visit Lambeth Palace 

Lambeth Palace is the grand home of the Archbishop of Canterbury, set on the River Thames’ southern bank. Garden open days and tours take place throughout the year, allowing visitors to explore the inside of this historic building.

If you haven’t made a booking, you can still visit Lambeth Palace Library, home to the largest collection of religious works outside the Vatican. Otherwise, stop by to admire Lambeth Palace’s stunning exterior.

Admire the art at Hayward Gallery

Immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of Hayward Gallery, a contemporary art gallery just a short stroll from Waterloo station. Discover interactive and outdoor artworks and year-round, thought-provoking exhibitions.

With work by influential artists, including Dayanita Singh, David Shrigley and Liu Xiaodong, you won’t be short of things to see. There are also tours, live speakers, signing classes and more. Members of the Museums Association and ICOM can enjoy free entry.

Visit London's famous bridges

London Waterloo has many famous bridges on its doorstep. Head northeast to Millennium Bridge, a filming location for popular movies like 28 Days Later, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and The Sense of an Ending.

Continue east to London Bridge, the oldest river crossing in London, and Tower Bridge, one of London’s defining landmarks. Other famous bridges near Waterloo include Southwark Bridge, Waterloo Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridge.

Ready to book your train to London? We have train tickets to multiple destinations and attractions – simply search our ticket types. Discover GroupSave, Railcards and discounts for additional savings, or get inspired for your next journey. If you’re heading elsewhere in the South West, check out our guide to the top things to do within walking distance of stations.