Your Hall

Places to relax near Westminster Bridge

By WardenLucia 23 Mar 2023

If you're looking for a place to relax and take a break near Westminster Bridge, here are my recommendations.

1. Tate Modern

A 20-minute walk will take you to one of the most interesting modern and contemporary art museums in the world - and it's free! Have a stroll around the gallery, admire the beautiful views of the Thames along the South Bank, and grab a snack in one of the cafes (my favourite is the Terrace Bar). If the weather is nice, you can sit outside, under the trees. My favourite spot is the Turbine Hall: you can sit on the floor and look up at the artwork that's usually hanging from the super high ceilings.

2. Archbishop's Park

Only a 5-minute walk from Westminster Bridge, this park was once part of Lambeth Palace, home of the Archbishop of Canterbury. You will find sports facilities, a beautiful mimosa tree (in bloom right now!), and many happy dogs playing around. Great for a quick break away from your desk. The park houses Iklectik, an art lab that hosts and showcases contemporary art and experimental music events throughout the year, along with workshops and screenings. They have a lovely outdoor bar/kiosk.

3. Garden Museum Café

A few minutes from Archbishop Park sits one of my favourite places in London, the award-winning Garden Museum Café. This beautiful café and restaurant serves coffee, tea and cakes throughout the day, and is open for lunch every day and dinner a few days a week. During the spring and summer, it's possible to dine in the beautiful adjacent garden, which belongs to the deconsecrated church of St Mary-at-Lambeth.

4. Origin Coffee Southwark

This specialty coffee place is nestled under the railway arches opposite Southwark station, about 15 minutes away from Westminster Bridge. Owned by a well-known roastery, this is a breakfast and brunch favourite, serving amazing coffee, pastries and hot food. When you need a pick-me-up, I recommend the croissant French toast with apple and blackberry compote, served with lemon curd, Greek yoghurt and roasted almonds.