Things to do near Butler’s Wharf

Staying in London can be overwhelming at first – there’s always something happening, and it can be hard to know where to start or where to find a bit of calm. Luckily, staying at Butler’s Wharf while I went to LSE Summer School meant I was surrounded by various places to spend time with new friends and a few spots to wind down after class.

If you’re staying at LSE's Butler’s Wharf residence this summer, here are a handful of nearby spots I’d recommend – perfect for an evening walk, a casual drink, some good food, or a break from the hustle of the city.

1. Iconic views and evening walks

One of the biggest perks of Butler’s Wharf is that you’ve got Tower Bridge right on your doorstep. It’s just a short 5-minute walk from your residence and makes for the perfect evening stroll. I’d also recommend grabbing dinner to-go and sitting on the steps along Queen’s Walk. Here, you’ll see a breathtaking view of the city lights.

Tower Bridge is especially beautiful after sunset and, if you’re lucky, you might even catch it lifting. You can check the lifting times online too if you wish to plan ahead. Right next to the bridge you can also find the Tower Bridge gift shop which has some surprisingly cute (and very London-themed) souvenirs.

2. Sunsets at Bermondsey Beach.

Because the sun sets in the west and Tower Bridge sits to the east of central London, I found the best sunset views of the bridge to be at Bermondsey Beach. It’s a quieter spot compared to the main tourist areas and is great for when you want to enjoy a view away from the crowds.

3. A nice spot for a drink

On our first day, my friends and I stopped at The Anchor at Bankside on our way home from campus. It’s right along the Thames and has a great atmosphere, especially on sunny days when you can sit outside. I tried their Beyond Meat® Burger which was definitely on the pricey side, but really tasty. The drinks were also a bit expensive for what they are, but honestly, the location makes up for it. It’s also an ideal pit stop on your walk home from LSE Summer School.

4. Weekly pub quiz fun

Another highlight was the weekly pub quiz at The King’s Arms, just around the corner from Butler’s Wharf. It takes place every Monday, and you can usually just walk in. I’d recommend going as a group – my friends and I always had a great time, and the host and staff were fantastic. A small heads up: it’s more than just answering questions! I’d also suggest eating beforehand, as the food prices caught us a bit off guard. That said, the pub itself is super cozy and is definitely worth a visit.

If you’re looking for food before the pub quiz, Rosa’s Thai was a favourite among my flatmates and I – especially their vegan and vegetarian options. Plus, if you sit outside, you even get a view of Tower Bridge while you eat.

5. A different kind of study spot – with cheap drinks!

For a more budget friendly pub option, Wetherspoons is always there when you need it. It’s wonderfully air-conditioned, affordable, and no one minds if you stay there a little longer to study. My go-to order was always a raspberry lemonade – it’s not even £2 and genuinely tastes better than some drinks I’ve paid much more for elsewhere in London. Just remember that in the UK you’ll need to bring your ID and be over 18 to enter the pubs in the evening!

Final thoughts

While Butler’s Wharf isn’t right next to LSE’s campus, it’s surrounded by some of London’s most iconic landmarks and offers an amazing opportunity to explore the city along the Thames. For me, Butler’s Wharf was the perfect balance between city excitement and space to unwind, and it played a huge part in making my LSE Summer School experience one to remember.