Overview

Bankside is a modern and stylish hotel in the heart of London’s South Bank, known for its rich cultural scene. This six-story hotel offers 161 beautifully designed bedrooms, including seven luxurious suites, making it an inviting space for travellers who appreciate art, culinary experiences, and socialising. Additionally, its prime location makes it an ideal choice for families seeking an urban adventure.

Activities

Endless activities are nearby on London’s South Bank to keep the kids occupied, so you probably won’t spend much time at the accommodation.

However, if you feel like staying in, there is a lovely mezzanine with a library. It’s a calm and inviting space where you can grab some drinks from the bar, enjoy a read-a-thon, or play with the resident rocking horse!

Additionally, each room is equipped with technology to keep the kids entertained while you relax after a busy day of sightseeing.

Food

The on-site restaurant, Art Yard, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It serves fresh seasonal food and features art on the walls. They offer a kid’s menu for under 12 at £10 for two courses, including options like pan-fried salmon and fine beans, chicken goujons and fries, Margherita pizzette, and penne pasta with tomato sauce. There are also a few lovely desserts to choose from.

Just outside the hotel, you’ll find a variety of eateries on South Bank, including cafes, restaurants, pubs, and bars offering street food, fine dining, rooftop bars, contemporary cuisine, cosy pubs, pop-ups, family-friendly options, and more.

Honest Burgers is a popular London burger chain that was launched in Brixton in 2011 and has since expanded throughout the city. They offer a great kids’ menu. Wagamama has delicious kids’ noodles and rice options, and for something unique, try Brewdog Waterloo. This venue includes a restaurant, an on-site microbrewery, a cocktail hideaway, a podcast recording studio, duckpin bowling, and an actual slide. They sometimes have a ‘Kids Eat Free’ offer, too.

Accommodation

The Spacious King room can accommodate a family of three with a king-size bed and a sofa bed. With 28.4 square meters of space, there’s plenty of room for activities and relaxation. This room also features an LED TV system for entertainment.

The Generous Queen room can accommodate up to 4 people. It is larger and has two queen-size beds. The room includes rain showers for a rejuvenating experience and is perfect for families needing extra space.

The Biggest Suite is the most extensive suite at Bankside Hotel and can accommodate three guests. This suite offers a home-like experience and is a great place to unwind before exploring the vibrant Southbank.

All room options come with 24-hour room service, an in-room fridge, a Nespresso coffee machine, tea-making facilities, complimentary still and sparkling water, an in-room safe, a hairdryer, an iron & ironing board, shoe shine, and access to the 24-hour Gym. Guests will also enjoy Grown Alchemist bathroom products, luxurious bathrobes, slippers, high-quality sheets, pillows, and duvets. Each room has individually controlled air conditioning and remote-controlled black-out blinds for added comfort. Additionally, there are entertainment options, including a state-of-the-art LED TV system, a Chromecast system, an interactive tablet, and WiFi, perfect for entertaining guests of all ages.

Nearby

The Bankside Hotel is located in one of the most family-friendly parts of the city. Here are a few suggestions to give you an idea of some activities in the area:

Archbishop’s Park is South Bank’s most extensive, perhaps least known, between St Thomas Hospital and Lambeth Palace. It was once part of the Lambeth Palace grounds and opened officially as a public park in 1901. The park offers sports and leisure facilities, including five-a-side football grounds, ping-pong tables, tennis courts, and a large children’s playground.

For a picturesque experience, stroll by the water at Ernies Beach to admire the views across St. Paul’s Cathedral and Oxo Tower.

If you have older kids and teens, you can visit the Graffiti Tunnel, officially known as the Leake Street Arches. Eight former railway arches beneath Waterloo station adjoin London’s longest legal graffiti wall. You can participate in a graffiti workshop with Leake Street Artist in Residence Marc Craig, who will guide you through creating your masterpiece. Workshops are priced at £50 per adult and £40 for under-18s and generally take place Thursday to Sunday from 12-2 pm, 2-4 pm, 6-8 pm, and 8-10 pm.

While you’re in the area, consider taking a London Eye River Cruise. Departing from the London Eye pier, this 40-minute guided riverboat cruise takes in significant sights along the River Thames, including Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Tower Bridge.

For little fans, The Paddington Bear Experience is a new and exciting attraction that invites visitors to step into Paddington’s world and embark on an immersive adventure through some of the most memorable locations from the Paddington stories. You can also visit Mr. Gruber’s shop here.

The Sea Life London Aquarium near the hotel is one of Britain’s best. It has over 5,000 different aquatic creatures to marvel at, including Gentoo penguins, vast tropical fish tanks, and many endangered species, such as the green sea turtles Dougie and Boris.

Summary

The Bankside Hotel is a luxury design-led hotel on the family-friendly South Bank of London. Inside, you’ll find beautiful rooms, some designed to accommodate a family of four. Just outside, there are endless activities and sights to keep everyone busy.