Embankment

Photo of Waterloo Bridge from the north bank of the Thames. — Photo by Alexander London on Unsplash

The Victoria Embankment (usually just called Embankment - London is awash with things called Victoria) makes up the north bank of the Thames between Parliament and Blackfriars bridge.

It isn’t as nice to walk along as the south bank because a multi-lane road runs along it but it does still offer some good views, and if you’re on a bicycle then a great cycle path too!

Things to do

Courtauld Gallery

Spread over four floors of Somerset House, the Courtauld Gallery features art dating from the 1400s to the present day.

Many of the rooms in the building have their own fascinating histories - I enjoyed learning about them as much as I enjoyed the art.

£12.00 - £14.00 with donation, children free

courtauld.ac.uk

Slightly wonky photo of the exterior of Somerset House — Photo by me, a bus was blocking the view :(

Somerset House is a large events venue, built in the 18th Century specifically to look impressive and house a bunch of government ofices. It still looks impressive, but now houses galleries, offices and events spaces.

Until the 19th Century it was right on the river, but the building of the embankment changed that.

www.somersethouse.org.uk

Parks & Gardens

Photo of a border of slightly battered looking pink tulips. — Photo by me, I missed the best of the tulips alas.

Victoria Embankment Gardens

Small but flower-filled (at least in the Spring) park next to Charing Cross, sandwiched between the Strand and the Embankment.

If you’re into statues of Victorian men you’re going to love it - there’s Henry Fawcett, Sir Wilfred Lawson, Arthur Sullivan and more! Truly a cornucopia.