Bermondsey sits just south of the Thames, between London Bridge and Rotherhithe. Once one of London’s more industrial areas, it has gradually become a lively neighbourhood filled with food markets, independent shops and riverside walks.
Today it’s one of the most interesting areas to explore near London Bridge, with plenty of places to eat, drink and wander.
Here are some of the best things to do in Bermondsey.
How to Get to Bermondsey
Bermondsey is easy to reach from central London. The closest stations are London Underground stations London Bridge Station (Northern and Jubilee Line) and Bermondsey Station (Jubilee Line).
Walk Along Bermondsey Street
One of the most interesting streets in the area is Bermondsey Street.
This long stretch of road runs between London Bridge and Tower Bridge and is lined with independent cafés, restaurants, galleries and small shops. It has a relaxed atmosphere and is a nice place to wander without much of a plan.
It’s a really quaint part of Bermondsey and close to London Bridge Station so it’s not too difficult to find.
You can read my guide to visiting Bermondsey Street here.
Visit the White Cube Gallery
Art lovers might want to stop by White Cube Bermondsey, one of the largest contemporary art galleries in London.
The gallery occupies a former warehouse building and hosts large-scale exhibitions by international artists. Even if you’re not particularly familiar with contemporary art, it’s an interesting space to wander through for half an hour.
Admission is free, which makes it an easy stop if you’re already exploring the Bermondsey area.
Visit the Fashion and Textile Museum
A short walk from Bermondsey Street is the Fashion and Textile Museum.
The museum was founded by British designer Zandra Rhodes and focuses on fashion history and textile design. The exhibitions change regularly, so there’s often something new to see.
Browse the Bermondsey Square Antiques Market
Another long-standing part of the neighbourhood is the Bermondsey Square Antiques Market.
The market takes place in Bermondsey Square every Friday and has been running since the 1950s. It’s known for its early start times – serious antique dealers sometimes arrive at dawn to hunt for interesting pieces.
Today you’ll find traders selling everything from vintage jewellery and silverware to furniture and collectibles. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s a fun place to browse.
Visit Maltby Street Market
Food lovers will almost certainly want to stop by Maltby Street Market.
Tucked under the railway arches, this market is packed with small food stalls serving everything from grilled cheese sandwiches to fresh pastries and international street food.
It’s particularly lively at weekends, when the narrow alleyways fill with people exploring the different food stands.
Read my guide on what to eat and how to visit Maltby Street Market.
Explore the Bermondsey Beer Mile
One of Bermondsey’s most famous attractions is the Bermondsey Beer Mile.
This stretch of railway arches is home to several independent breweries and taprooms, making it a popular destination for craft beer fans.
Many of the breweries are located close together, so it’s easy to walk between them and try a few different places along the way.
I’ve created a whole guide on the Bermondsey Beer Mile.
Visit Vinegar Yard
Just a short walk from London Bridge Station you’ll find Vinegar Yard.
This open-air space combines street food stalls, bars and vintage markets, along with a large rooftop terrace that has a great view of the Shard.
It’s a lively place to stop for a drink or something to eat, especially on warm evenings.
You can read my guide on Vinegar Yard here.
Walk Along the Thames
Bermondsey also has one of the nicest stretches of riverside path in central London.
Walking along the Thames gives you views across the river towards the City skyline, and it’s a particularly good place for evening walks.
The riverside path between London Bridge and Tower Bridge is especially scenic.
Watch the Sunset Over Tower Bridge
If you’re nearby in the evening, it’s worth heading down to the river to watch the sunset behind Tower Bridge.
The light reflecting across the Thames makes the skyline look particularly beautiful at this time of day.
You can read more about the best viewpoints in my guide to the best places to watch the sunset over Tower Bridge.
Visit Southwark Park
If you’d like a break from the busier streets, Southwark Park is a peaceful green space a little further east.
The park has wide walking paths, gardens and a boating lake, making it a nice place to relax away from the crowds.
You can read my guide on what to see at Southwark Park here.
Try Traditional Pie and Mash at Manze’s
If you want to try a classic Cockney dish, it’s worth stopping by Manze’s Pie and Mash.
The shop has been serving traditional pie and mash for generations and still has its original tiled interior. It’s one of the few remaining places where you can try this old London staple.
The menu is simple: pies, mashed potatoes and liquor (a parsley sauce) – but it’s a small piece of London food history. I’m not a fan of jellied eels though – they’re definitely an acquired taste.
Even if you’re just curious, it’s an interesting place to visit while exploring Bermondsey.
Bermondsey has gradually become one of the most interesting areas to explore in this part of London. Whether you’re visiting the food markets, walking along the river or stopping for a drink on the Beer Mile, there’s plenty to see within a relatively small area.
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