South side of Thames - London

Our favorite walk in London is along the Thames on the south side, from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge. I think of this as the Thames Path,but officially it is designated The Queen’s Walk. You can find lots of online guides to the sights along the way, such as this:

https://www.walklondon.com/london-walks/the-queens-walk-london.htm

Tate Modern is worth seeing. It’s a really good walk along the river from the London Eye to the Tate Modern. You pass the National Theatre and the Southbank Centre, both post war buildings that are open to the public and interesting to have a wander around. The Southbank Centre has a terrace for food and drinks with river views. The Hayward Gallery is also in that area.

But yes, in general, South London has far fewer attractions for tourists.

there is a nice boat to have a look at, and a bit of a playhouse ... also Borough Market and the George. Old Vic is traditional. Southwark Cathedral. Views from Blackfriars Bridge. Oh and a warship.

then there's the carbuncle of the shard. London Bridge station is good fun. The Dulwich Picture Gallery.

quite a lot really when you get under the skin

Greenwich, Richmond Park, Kew Gardens, Southwark Cathedral,

Since you are interested in the Imperial War Museum, you might also like to tour the warship that Nigel mentioned. The HMS Belfast is moored downriverand would make a nice goal for your Southbank walk. It is pretty amazing to tour the ship, up and down the ships ladders, and see the working conditions of the sailors.

https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast/getting-here

After seeing the ship you could return to your start by Thames clipper/Uber Boat from the nearby City pier, or continue downriver to Tower Bridge, cross that, and take the boat from the TEower Pier.

HMS Belfast is definitely worth a visit. I went there maybe five or so years ago and enjoyed it. It's not something that's going to take all day - maybe an hour or two - but it's well laid out for visiting by the Imperial War Museum people. I seem to remember a bit of clambering and squeezing being involved so it might not be completely accessible for those with mobility issues. It might be best to look into that if it's a concern.

It is definitely not for anyone with mobility issues, but my vertigo was not bothered by clambering around HMS Belfast at all. An experience like that is just not available in the US—-the “risk management” team would not allow public access.

I’m going to suggest other walking options….

Tube to Richmond and from the Quadrant walk to And around Richmond Park. Or tube to Kew Gardens and meander. Both Richmond Park and Kew Gardens are huge.

Or visit the Syon House and then take the Grand Union Canal Walk. Or tube to Hampstead Heath and walk into the Heath and up to the Kenwood House or tube to Gospel Oak and walk up Parliament Hill for a stellar view of London.

I really like Joolz Guides on Youtube for London videos. He's covered a lot over the years. Always quite informative and entertaining.

I've made a Youtube playlist where I've picked some videos he's made in south London.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL6Otyz4YbXpYdOS8tAPtqzXSIMcI96-j&si=pAcDSNJv94hJx_AZ