Waterloo Sunset
The Kinks wrote a song about it, Wordsworth wondered if there was a view anywhere in the world that was more beautiful and I advise anyone who is in London at dusk, when the light is softly fading, to take a trip over Waterloo Bridge. Surely this is the best view in the whole of the sprawling metropolis?
Viewed from the top deck of a bus, your head turns left and right as your eyes are treated to very different views, both of which are stunning. Of course, you can stand on the bridge itself and look down the river to some of London’s most famous landmarks - the Oxo Tower, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye to name a few.
The building of the National Theatre is illuminated in different colours each night, matching the lights on the London Eye and this simple but effective trick is what made me fall in love with the building rather than regarding it as an ugly concrete blight. Not to mention that the lights are enigin saving and therefore not hurting our environment!
Of course, you can walk along the Thames. Water always looks so magical at night, and people watching is a fascinating past time. Or you can visit the bar in the Festival Hall and have a drink on the balcony while you watch the sunset over the city sky. Dip your head and watch the river traffic, there is always something interesting to see: from the boats to the sun reflected on the water. There are innumerable ways in which to experience this part of London, but I guarantee you will not be bored or disappointed.
During the day the Southbank has a plethora of attractions and it is an exciting place to visit, but I think it is at sunset when the area takes on its own unique personality and offers us all the best entertainment available to visitor and resident alike.