Description
St Thomas' Riverside Garden is an idyllic and peaceful pocket park located along the South Bank in Lambeth, offering families a calm spot to take a break from sightseeing. Positioned directly beside St Thomas' Hospital and Westminster Bridge Road, it provides a perfect patch of greenery right across the river from the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. If you are looking for the best things to do with kids in Lambeth and the Waterloo area, this riverside garden serves as an ideal outdoor rest stop between busier city attractions.
Visiting this beautifully maintained public green space is completely free, making it an excellent budget-friendly addition to a family day out in central London. There are no admission fees, tickets, or bookings required, allowing families to walk in and enjoy the views at any time. It is an ideal spot to bring a packed lunch and enjoy an outdoor family picnic while watching the boats sail by along the River Thames.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines world-famous historic views with a safe space to relax, this garden fits the bill perfectly. It allows parents to sit back and appreciate the surrounding architecture while children safely unwind on the paths and grassy areas. Its central location means you can easily weave it into any central London sightseeing itinerary without going out of your way.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
What makes St Thomas' Riverside Garden unique?
- Unrivalled historic views: The garden offers clear, completely unobstructed vistas of the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and the river.
- The Naum Gabo sculpture: It features a striking, modernist fountain that adds an element of outdoor culture to your family walk.
- Mary Seacole Memorial: Home to the UK's first statue celebrating a named black woman, providing a fantastic opportunity for an educational day out.
- A rare pocket of calm: It serves as a peaceful nature retreat in an area otherwise dominated by busy central London streets.
Top Highlights
- The Naum Gabo Fountain: The most prominent landmark within the garden is the modernist kinetic water fountain designed by the famous Russian Constructivist sculptor Naum Gabo. Children love watching the water features against the backdrop of the river, making it a great introduction to public art.
- The Mary Seacole Statue: Unveiled in 2016, this impressive bronze memorial honors the pioneering British-Jamaican nurse Mary Seacole. It provides an inspiring and educational talking point for older children learning about British history.
- The Big Ben Photo Spot: This garden provides one of the absolute best viewpoints in London to capture family photos. Kids will be amazed by the close-up, clear view of Big Ben across the water.
- The Bounteous Rose Gardens: During the summer months, the garden's expansive rose beds burst into vibrant displays of colour. Little ones enjoy exploring the winding pathways while smelling the flowers.
- Wildflower Planting and Wildlife: Dedicated areas of the garden are planted with native wildflowers to create a miniature urban habitat. Curious kids can pass the time spotting passing birds, butterflies, and bees.
Beyond the Main Attraction: Because St Thomas' Riverside Garden is a smaller pocket park, families can easily explore the immediate South Bank surroundings. Directly behind the garden sits the historic Lambeth Palace and Archbishop's Park, which features large lawns and sports facilities. Just a short walk down the road brings you to the Garden Museum, set within an ancient church courtyard. If you walk slightly north across Westminster Bridge, you can visit the Sea Life London Aquarium or take a ride on the iconic London Eye, making it highly convenient for a multi-stop family day out.
0.37 miles
