Car Hire Waterloo

Waterloo is a vibrant district set beside the River Thames in the heart of Greater London, where 9000 residents and countless visitors enjoy expansive views that meet remarkable architecture and an ever-present vitality pervades the air. From riverfront walks to historic attractions, the area provides a diverse range of sightseeing, art, history and open areas to relax and refresh. It’s particularly well-positioned for people travelling through the city’s core, with vital routes pouring in from neighbouring districts like Vauxhall, making it a convenient stop on a larger trip. While the metropolitan environment can be hectic, there is always a peaceful nook to locate or a unique experience buried behind the next building. Whether you’re here for a few hours or a full day, Waterloo offers a balanced blend of thrills and thoughtful moments.

Attractions In Waterloo

Waterloo’s appeal stems in part from its ability to combine the familiar with the unexpected. Towering observation wheels, immersive pop culture events and centuries-old landmarks are all easily accessible on foot.

lastminute.com London Eye

The lastminute.com The London Eye is one of the city’s most renowned attractions, providing panoramic views of the city from its towering riverside location. Passengers glide leisurely in roomy glass capsules, with views of Big Ben, the Shard and St. Paul’s Cathedral on clear days. Visitors frequently characterise the experience as smooth, peaceful and surprisingly serene for such a large attraction. Informative audio guides enhance the ride by providing information on the skyline below. It’s open every day from 11 AM to 6 PM and offers a breathtaking view of the capital from above.

The Queen’s Walk

The Queen’s Walk, which stretches along the river, is one of those unusual London experiences that can feel both bustling and serene depending on when you come. Early mornings here are particularly special, with peaceful paths, warm light on the river and vistas that include everything from modern art to old structures. The trail is studded with food vendors, tiny parks and cultural sites, such as the Tate Modern, which is just a little further along. Whether you’re travelling a short distance or longer, the route connects significant landmarks naturally and attractively, making it ideal for a stroll or a focused ramble.

London Waterloo Station

London Waterloo Station is more than just a train station – it’s a thriving hive of activity and a fascinating structure in its own right. With enormous arches, modern embellishments and historic roots, the station combines architecture and movement in a manner that few public venues do. It is buzzing with activity throughout the day but it always appears to maintain its rhythm. As one of the city’s most important gates, it also provides moments of calm, whether you’re people-watching from a café or stopping by one of its high ceilings on your route somewhere else.

Windrush Monument

The Windrush Monument, located near Platform 18 within Waterloo Station, is a stunning homage to the thousands of people who came to Britain as part of the Windrush Generation. The statue, created by Jamaican artist Basil Watson, represents the spirit of hope, suffering and tenacity that has shaped so many people’s lives. The monument, unveiled in 2022 by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, has become a symbol of reflection, cultural pride and appreciation. Locals and visitors alike, especially those familiar with the stories recounted around Elephant and Castle, are deeply moved. The monument, which stands in the centre of one of London’s busiest stations, serves as a reminder of both adversity and growth.

London Eye River Cruise

The London Eye River Cruise departs from County Hall and provides a relaxing yet informative ride up and down the Thames. Even on a breezy day, the informative commentary and calm sailing make it an excellent opportunity to see the city’s architecture and sights. Passengers appreciate the comfortable seats, friendly guides and headphone alternatives for non-English speakers. This is a terrific alternative to land-based tours, especially for people staying around Aldwych who want something scenic but easy-going. Cruises run every day from 10:45 AM to shortly before 5 PM, giving them an ideal alternative for getting between main sights or lunch locations along the river.

Shrek’s Adventure London

For families visiting Waterloo, Shrek’s Adventure offers unadulterated pleasure. This immersive experience, housed inside County Hall, combines real performers, brilliant set design and mischievous humour for an afternoon of laughter and surprises. Designed for both tiny kids and large kids at heart, it’s a voyage through Far Far Away that encourages everyone to participate. The players keep things interesting and while souvenir images are expensive, the memories are invaluable. It opens at 10 AM most days, with a little later start on Thursdays – just enough time to get a coffee before diving into the chaos of swamp life.

The Paddington Bear Experience

Enter the world of Britain’s favourite bear with the Paddington Bear Experience, a creative and engaging attraction located inside County Hall. With real performers, colourful sets and interactive scenarios, the experience is geared toward families, particularly children aged 4 to 12, although adults who participate have just as much fun. You’ll progress through a sequence of chambers based on significant story moments, culminating in a marmalade-themed celebration. While Paddington’s trademark snack requires an additional fee, the whimsical ambience and attention to detail more than compensate. It’s a great way to spend a couple of hours if you’re looking for something fun and unexpectedly theatrical.

The Graffiti Tunnel

The Graffiti Tunnel on Leake Street, located beneath Waterloo Station, is one of London’s most colourful public canvases, continuously changing in colour and design. Artists from all over leave their imprint here, from large-scale murals to tiny, precise tags, resulting in an ever-changing, layered setting that seems vibrant. Whether you’re an art aficionado or just passing through, the raw inventiveness that covers every inch of the walls has a compelling pull. Street art enthusiasts from Central London frequently visit to snap new works or simply enjoy the scene. There are no tickets or schedules, only an open-air gallery where the city speaks back.

Thames Beach

Yes, there is a beach in the centre of London — right here in Waterloo. Thames Beach presents itself at low tide, providing inhabitants and visitors with a surprisingly tranquil strip of beach by the river. It’s most popular around sunset, when the light touches the skyline and families gather with buckets, dogs and sandwiches from adjacent cafés. You won’t hear breaking waves but you will notice the aroma of the river, the sound of chatter and the unusual sense of wide space in the city centre. It’s not a destination in and of itself but it’s worth a visit if you’re in the area.

Memorial Wall

The Memorial Wall, softly situated along the South Bank, serves as a striking and emotive reminder of recent years and shared experiences. It is not grand or overdesigned – rather, its strength stems from its simplicity and the honest human tributes it contains. Many passersby pause here for a few moments of introspection, whether they have experienced loss or simply wish to realise the magnitude of what the city has been through. Always open to visitors, the wall’s significance grows over time, providing an area where silence speaks volumes.

Florence Nightingale Museum

This museum, located inside the historic Nightingale School, honours Florence Nightingale’s exceptional achievements to nursing and healthcare reform. It depicts her life and legacy vividly with exhibitions that combine personal objects, historical insights and experiences from people she educated. Visitors are frequently startled by how much they didn’t know, from her beloved owl Athena to her influence on global nursing. It is especially relevant for those in the medical field but it has a broad appeal. Doctors and nurses living or vacationing around London often seek a careful and focused experience. The museum is open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM, except Mondays.

Sherling Backstage Walkway

Hidden within the National Theatre’s framework, the Sherling Backstage Walkway provides a rare insight into the creative machinery that brings stage shows to life. Visitors can see sets in progress, as well as racks of costumes and props in the middle of creation, thanks to a glass hallway that wraps discreetly around the working spaces. It’s a simple but fascinating area that adds context to what is typically overlooked in a performance. You’ll have to enter through the Dorfman Theatre to discover it but once there, it’s a fully free and unexpectedly personal glimpse behind the scenes of one of London’s most famous locations.

County Hall

County Hall is one of Waterloo’s most impressive historic buildings, with enormous pillars and remarkable symmetry that overlook the Thames. Formerly the headquarters of the London County Council, its hallways now house exhibitions, performances and dining experiences that preserve the building’s civic atmosphere. The stunning mosaic shield floor and carved inscriptions that hint at the institution’s past frequently captivate visitors. It’s a favourite cultural site for those coming from Kennington, notably for shows like Witness for the Prosecution, staged in the building’s ancient courthouse. County Hall continues to adapt while honouring its historic traditions, offering accessible amenities and a distinct blend of heritage and entertainment.

Gabriel’s Pier

Gabriel’s Pier is a small but rewarding observation location on the Thames near the heart of Waterloo. From this vantage point, you can see children playing on the river’s secret beach, artists moulding sand into figures and the Oxo Tower towering in the distance. The view spans two major bridges, bringing together London’s layers in one panoramic moment. Behind the pier, there is a tranquil park and the tucked-away creative spirit of Gabriel’s Wharf, all just a few steps from the river. It’s one of those places that asks for little yet provides everything if you take the time to look.

South Bank Lion

The South Bank Lion, which stands opposite Westminster Bridge, is one of London’s most lasting cultural emblems. The sculpture, cast in 1837 from Coade stone, is well-known for its resilience to weathering. It previously guarded the entrance to the old Lion Brewery. When the brewery closed, the lion was salvaged and moved to its current location near County Hall in 1966. It’s a proud, stoic figure with decades of change under its claws, frequently shot by tourists on The Queen’s Walk. It, like the lions in Trafalgar Square, has a permanent position in the city’s visual character, silently observing the river and all who cross it.

Waterloo Millennium Green

Waterloo Millennium Green is a little green oasis nestled between the hustle and bustle of Baylis Road and the rhythm of commuters passing by. It’s not a major attraction but it serves its job admirably, surrounded by passing foot activity and framed by local icons such as the Old Vic Theatre. People who live or work nearby frequently stop over to eat lunch, take their breath or relax for a few minutes before continuing on their way. Drivers passing through from Bloomsbury often find it a useful area to pause before diving back into the city – a green patch that’s easy to ignore but quietly appreciated.

Transport hub meets cultural quarter in this prime central London location, where Victorian railway architecture stands alongside modern developments. Borough Market’s food scene lies just across the river, with the South Bank Centre’s venues and riverside walks on the doorstep.