Hello - I'm doing my first trip to London this September. From my research it seems like the Lambeth neighborhood (specifically the around the waterloo station) would be a good home base - central to sites in the north and west. Anyone have thoughts about its safety and character? Most likely I'll stay in an Airbnb. Surprisingly Rick has no recommendations for the South Bank in his London guidebook. Thanks,
Dan
We have stayed there on all 6 of our London trips. We discovered the Captain Bligh House, across from the Imperial War Museum. This is a perfectly safe neighborhood, with neighborhood character. There are tons of pubs and restaurants, you are walkable to the South Bank, New and Old Vic, 3 easy to walk bridges, and loads of transportation - Tube, trains, buses.
I enjoy staying in this neighborhood and find it very convenient. When I am traveling by myself, I stay at the Premier Inn Waterloo. The Premier Inn County Hall is also located nearby. I have never felt unsafe here.
I am traveling with my adult son in May and we prefer a 2 bedroom so I found a place on VRBO not too far away, closer to Lambeth Palace and a little further from the tube. I think we will still find it a good location for us.
Hard to disagree with travellers who have actually stayed in that area, and i do love the south bank. As a local, albeit in a different part of town, i’d have my wits about me in that area in general, but agree, London is a pretty safe place for the sensible, during daylight hours. In summer, such as it ever is here, it can be daylight until 10pm. Mercato Metropolitano is close and thats a fun food and drink experience. Have fun.
Check out the ‘London Districts’ channel on YouTube. Detailed info and history on areas of London made by a local. These episodes are actually shown on TV here, particularly the London Live channel.
Dan, the Lambeth area around Waterloo is okay.
London is easy to get around via public transport and by using your own two feet. I’ve been visiting and staying in London’s various neighborhoods since the 70’s.
Personally, I’d book either at the Premiere Inn County Hall or the Premiere Inn Victoria.
I’ve also PM’d you.
I stayed at the Premier Inn County Hall for two weeks in 2019. I frequently walked back to the hotel alone from places on the other side of the river (to the north and west) in the evening, though I don't remember whether it was ever so late that it was totally dark. I was never uncomfortable. I'm female and was 67 years old at the time.
The South Bank area lies within the Borough of Lambeth and there is also an area of the same name which forms part of the Borough. It’s generally ok and has good transport links. As with most areas of London, some streets are better than others.
We stayed in that area in an Airbnb studio apartment in 2014 and we liked it. Our place was fairly close to the river and it was easy to cross the bridge to the other side. We were able to walk or take the tube anywhere we wanted to go. When we got back later this year (staying in another area) I’m going to consider taking more buses.
I stayed in the Lambeth neighborhood in 2012 and 2016. My base was the International House which was a university residence hall located near the Lambeth North tube station and the Imperial War Museum. I thought the area was relatively safe and quiet but lacked the tourist excitement of other neighborhoods in London. My impression is the neighborhood is less touristy than the other neighborhoods. The restaurants in the area are ok if you are not seeking a world class eating establishment. It is an easy walk to the Waterloo station which serves as a major hub for rail transportation.
All tourists to Lambeth should be required to learn the neighbourhood's signature dance, introduced in a 1930s movie and often repeated.
