Despite the bustling interior of the famous train station, the Waterloo area is actually a rather calm and pleasant place to visit. If you want to stay south of the Thames while still enjoying access to all the best London attractions, hotels in Waterloo could be the answer.
The London Eye
While the train station is worth a mention, it would be a shame to focus solely on that when there is so much more to see and do in Waterloo. For one thing, the
London Eye is here. Strangely, viewing it at close quarters is in some ways not as impressive as seeing it from afar, but it does mean that you have the opportunity to board it and experience the stunning panoramic views across the whole of London. Naturally, the London Eye is very popular, so rather than hang around in a queue all day, we suggest booking ahead online for a space in a shared capsule, each of which holds up to 25 people.
Out and about in Waterloo
Aside from the London Eye, Waterloo is also home to a variety of entertaining attractions for all ages, including the London Aquarium,
Imperial War Museum and the peaceful Jubilee Gardens, found next to the Eye and the perfect spot for a family picnic.
If the weather takes a turn, why not experience the majestic IMAX cinema close to the station, or go for some culture at the prestigious Old Vic Theatre, famously operating under the guidance of Hollywood megastar Kevin Spacey? In fact, Waterloo is a great base for British entertainment, with Television Centre on the banks of the Thames the scene of many programme recordings, mainly for the ITV network, including chat shows, game shows and comedy quiz shows.
Getting around Waterloo
Now we come to Waterloo station, one of London's principle rail terminals. Waterloo was the original choice for the home of the Eurostar service to Northern Europe, before it was moved to St Pancras International in 2007. The station remains the second busiest in Europe (after Gare du Nord in Paris), with more platforms than any other London station. It serves south-western destinations such as Basingstoke, Windsor and Portsmouth Harbour. It is of course associated with the famous Battle of Waterloo in 1815, where first Duke of Wellington Arthur Wellesley helped oversee the defeat of French emperor Napoleon.
There is also a tube station here, serving the Jubilee, Northern and Bakerloo Lines. There are a handful of other stations you can get off at and still find yourself close to the centre of Waterloo, namely Southwark (Jubilee Line), Lambeth North (Bakerloo) and Elephant & Castle (Northern and Bakerloo).
Hotels in Waterloo
There is a little bit of everything in the immediate vicinity of Waterloo, whether you stay near the station or nip back over Waterloo or Westminster Bridge on to the north bank of the Thames.
The Mad Hatter is a wonderful 3* pub and boutique guest house, where you can enjoy great food and drink and a welcoming atmosphere in a convenient location.
Elsewhere nearby,
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge (4*) is reportedly the location where David and Samantha Cameron stayed the night before the last general election, while just over the river towards St James's Park,
The Royal Horseguards (5*) is one of the classiest hotels in the city.
Pubs and Bars in Waterloo
Much like your Waterloo hotel choice, there is something for everyone when it comes to an evening drink in the area. Skylon is your best bet for a delicious selection of champagne and cocktails, while if you really want to push the boat out you should head for the
The Royal Horseguards' cocktail bar Equus.
If you want to go completely the other way and just enjoy a cheap pint with the locals, The Hole in the Wall is found behind the station, and offers value for money that you won't find in many other pubs. For pre-theatre drinks,
The Stage Door is right next to the Old Vic.
Restaurants in Waterloo
Arguably the best restaurant in the Waterloo area is found at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in the form of Brasserie Joel, which provides fine French dining. If you prefer Italian, Locale offers a great atmosphere for all and the menu contains all your favourite dishes, plus a few surprises. Healthy, creative Indian food is served up at
Bangalore Express.
Parking in Waterloo
Parking options are limited in Waterloo, but what few there are include
NCP car parks at Elephant & Castle (SE17 1LB), which is open from 7:30am-11:30pm and costs £18 a day, and London Bridge (SE1 3RU), which is open 24 hours a day and costs £20 a day.