Waterloo Overview
Image courtesy of Txllxt TxllxT
One of the best things about Waterloo is where it is located! You couldn’t wish for a better location because there are hundreds of great places to visit which are within walking distance of Waterloo. There are loads of modern attractions and world famous places to experience. There is also a thriving arts and cultural scene in Waterloo with theatres such as the Old Vic as well as a large selection of bars, cafes and restaurants. Another positive of being in Waterloo is that it’s just down the road from Westminster and all of its landmarks.
Travel information
Waterloo is an extremely well connected and busy area, one of the busiest parts of London due to Waterloo train station which is estimated to have around 170 million passengers each year. This station can take you to various parts of Great Britain.
You can also catch the tube at Waterloo Tube Station. It is served by four lines: the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City lines which can take you to places such as Camden, Oxford Circus, Green Park and Bank.
There are also numerous buses that serve the Waterloo area, some of these include the bus route numbers 68, 171 and 341 which can take you to locations such as Euston, Holborn and Northumberland Park.
History
Image courtesy of Dr Neil Clifton
Before Waterloo became the bustling urban area that it is today, it was simply marshland in the northern tip of the ancient parish of Lambeth. Back then it was known as Lambeth Marshe, but then it was drained in the 18th century and it now remembered in the street name Lower Marsh.
The most well-known history of Waterloo is entwined with the victory of the British Army at the Battle of Waterloo and largely revolves around Waterloo Bridge, Waterloo Road and Waterloo Train Station. Waterloo Bridge was designed in 1809-10 by John Rennie, opened officially in 1817 and named after the British victory at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Waterloo Road again has strong links to the Battle of Waterloo, and St John’s Waterloo Church was another building built in honour of this great victory.
Local attractions
There are loads of things to do in Waterloo, from shopping at the local markets to riding on the London Eye, you will never be bored!
Oasis Farm Waterloo
Would you love to volunteer at an urban farm in the heart of London? Then Oasis Farm Waterloo is the place to be! It is a lovely space where you can learn to care for animals, plants and the environment.
A DBS check is needed if you want to become a regular volunteer because the farm works with numerous children and vulnerable adults on site. However, you do not need any checks if you want to attend their monthly Volunteering Open Days.
For more information, check out their website or Twitter
Lower Marsh Market
Image Courtesy of David Martin
Lower Marsh Market is one of London’s oldest and most loved market streets. During the week you can enjoy a diverse range of street food to suit all kinds of tastes, from Italian classics to Venezuelan street food.
On Saturdays you can find a small selection of quality produce and craft stalls that change weekly. From traders selling cakes or records, to local residents clearing out their cupboards, there is something for everyone.
For more information, click here
Florence Nightingale Museum
Image Courtesy of Basher Eyre
Florence Nightingale Museum is a wonderful place which celebrates the life and work of the best known figure in nursing history. The museum is located inside St Thomas’ Hospital and was opened in 1989 and forms a key part of London’s medical heritage. The collection inside the museum consists of personal materials associated with Florence Nightingale, items relating to the Crimean War and nursing artefacts. The museum archives include approximately 800 letters from Florence Nightingale and an important rare book collection of 284 titles.
If you are interested in learning about the life and work of Florence Nightingale, click here for opening times and admission prices.
London Eye
The London Eye is the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel. It is a great feat for design and engineering and it has become the modern symbol representing the capital and a global icon! The experience on the London Eye showcases a wonderful 360-degree view of the capital and its famous landmarks and for the past decade it has been the number one experience for visitors.
For more information, click here
Accommodation
Waterloo Residence (Southwark) – Click Here
Nestled on the south bank of the River Thames, Southwark is one of London’s most popular and coolest areas. Moments away from Waterloo Station and walking distance from London Bridge Station, it is also one of the City’s best-connected locations. It is home to one of the most beautiful walks the city has to offer. The Waterloo residence is a modern architectural award-winning building offering both single and twin en-suite rooms. Rooms come equipped with a wardrobe, drawers, a sink with vanity unit and a mini-fridge. They are arranged around a central courtyard containing a pool and fountain which reflect light and produce a gentle white noise sound, providing calm and tranquility in one of the busiest and most popular areas of London.
