Top Things to Do in Vauxhall: Discovering London’s Riverside Gem

By Tanya Saxena

21 November 2024

picture of london eye and written things to do in Vauxhall

There is a high chance you ignored this gem in London, on first look. But let me introduce you to Vauxhall, which is a work of art that can not be skipped. Better to say, shouldn’t be. Under the layer of historical locations, it holds striking attractions, a diverse food scene and buzzing nightlife that you just can’t miss out on.

Planning an itinerary will always be a headache one wants to overlook, it is too much, to say the least. Researching the place and then jotting down what should be done and what not, but fret not, we are here to rescue you!

This riverside neighbourhood is popular for its rich history, connectivity, excellent transport, culture, friendly community and dynamic nightlife. Vauxhall to say the least is a place waiting to be explored and in seconds you will end up falling for its vibe. 

We’ve laid down the best things to do in Vauxhall for an outstanding stay. 

So, let’s get into planning a day in Vauxhall right away!

1. Meet the Animals at Vauxhall City Farm

Vauxhall City Farm

Image courtesy: vauxhallcityfarm.org

One of the oldest city farms sits in the heart of Vauxhall, London where country life is brought to life right in the centre of the city bustle. We are talking about, Vauxhall City Farm, a charity that focuses on animal rearing, education, youth work and farming. The place is a major attraction for its heart-melting highlight: animals

Things to do:

  • Schedule a meet and greet with famous alpacas, it's not every day that you get to spend time with celebs. Also, get ready to lose your heart to an adorable bunch of animals at the farm. 
  • Why only meet, take a chance and become a part of the experience! Become a volunteer and help at the farm while learning. 
  • Enrol kids in the ‘Young Farmers’ program to learn about animals, agriculture and farm life.
  • Boring birthday parties are a thing of the past. Have a themed B-day party at the farm for your child. 

Ticket: Free entry, donations are appreciated
Address: Vauxhall City Far, 165 Tyers Street, SE11 5HS
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday 10:30 am to 4:00 pm
How to reach: 

  • Vauxhall City Farm is a small walk from Vauxhall Tube, train, and bus station. It can also be reached by road. 
  • Take your exit from Vauxhall station, go through the tunnel under railway arches and cross the road in front of Royal Vauxhall Tavern. You should be able to see the riding arena of the park, you will find the bright entry just ahead.
  • To ease your commute, we have multiple serviced apartments near Vauxhall station and City Farm itself. 

2. Step Back in Time at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens

a picture of london eye with garden

Don’t just watch Bridgerton, be a part of it (somewhat) by strolling through the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. The place where Londoners used to court their sweethearts during the mid-19th century.
If you go towards the South from here, you will find yourself at another famous picnic spot, Vauxhall Park. The park is an award-winning green area, that makes for another unmissable stroll spot in the neighbourhood.

Things to do:

  • Take a stroll in the gardens and feel near to nature. 
  • One of the best things to do in Vauxhall is to have a lovely picnic date in the gardens and feel how love was in the air in the 1800s.
  • Take your dogs on a walk and just take a break from the city life.

Address: New Spring Gardens Walk, Vauxhall, Vauxhall Walk, London SE11 5HL
Timings: Open 24/7 
How to reach: Take a small walk from the Vauxhall Tube station. Cross the road in front of the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, you will find it adjacent to the Vauxhall City Farm. It can also be reached by road.

3. Art Lover’s Paradise: Tate Britain

Tate britain

Can you spend hours just admiring an art piece? Then, assemble my art lovers your dreamland, Tate Britain awaits in Vauxhall, London. Tate Britain is waiting for you to explore the largest collection of J.M.W Turner and other exceptional UK art, get running already!

Things to do:

  • Plan an art museum date or go solo or with friends to take in art. 
  • Scroll through Tate Britain’s website to know the schedule of the gallery, and see what exhibitions are happening.
  • Take a boat ride from Tate Britain to Tate Modern, and gulp in the gorgeous views on the way.

Ticket: Free admission, only at times of exhibition are tickets needed
Address: Millbank, London SW1P 4RG
Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm 
How to reach: 

  • Tate Britain is a few minutes walk from Vauxhall railway station. After exit, cross the River Thames, then turn right and follow the river.
  • You can check out our Vauxhall serviced apartments near top locations and transportation for easy access to Tate Britain. Some of them offer breathtaking views of the Thames, so don’t miss out!

Don’t get down, art lovers, your next stop is Newport Street Gallery. Founded by Damien Hirst in 2015, it has gone on to become one of the best galleries in town. With mind-bending exhibitions around the year, it is a treat for any appreciator of art.
Address: Newport Street Gallery Newport Street London SE11 6AJ
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
How to reach: Newport Street Gallery can be reached by Tube (Vauxhall, Kennington, Lambeth North), train (10-minute walk from Vauxhall station), bus, bike or car.

4. Snap a Selfie at the MI6 Building (SIS Building)

 MI6 Building

When in flux about what to do in Vauxhall, just visit the headquarters of the famous Secret Intelligence Service also known as MI6. Yes, it is the headquarters of the employers of the greatest British secret agent with a license to kill, James Bond.  
Things to do:

  • Though you can’t enter the premises (sighs), you can still mark the momentous day by clicking a selfie at the entrance. 
  • Relive your favourite moments from James Bond movies. Feel the ‘secret agent’ vibes.

Address: 85 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, London, on the south bank of the River Thames
How to reach: The MI6 building is beside the Vauxhall bridge, just cross it and you will be there. You can reach it by boat, train, tube, bus or road. It will just take you a few minutes from Vauxhall station to get here.

5. Dine and Wine

image of a fine dining restaurant

Now people in Vauxhall know how to party! So get ready to party hard and indulge in new flavours at Vauxhall restaurants and pubs. You can go from steak, roast, authentic British palette to Korean in minutes here. 
So when you question what to do in Vauxhall with friends, family or partners, indulge in the delectable places to eat in the neighbourhood. 
To add to the feel of the city, bars, clubs and pubs in Vauxhall welcome the LGBTQ+ community with open arms. So, don’t miss out on checking hotspots: The Eagle, Royal Vauxhall Tavern etc.  

The Black Dog

Taste one of the most popular roasts in town at The Black Dog while taking a sip of ale, beer or a glass of wine. You can always enjoy the steak deal here on  Saturdays. Swifties should feel themselves being roped in because Taylor Swift mentioned this restaurant in her song, The Black Dog on her album TTPD.  
Address: 112 Vauxhall Walk, London, SE11 5ER

Brunswick House

Ready to try something Georgian? Your mansion awaits! Brunswick House is a gorgeous Georgian mansion turned restaurant with many of the original antiques still there! 
So bring your English spirit and step into something magnificent while celebrating at the cafe, cocktail bar, outdoor terrace, private rooms or the dining hall of this mansion. When the clock strikes midnight, (or before) go down to the cellar and groove to Jazz!
Address: 30 Wandsworth Road, Vauxhall, London SW8 2LG

The Tea House Theatre

Step into the Victorian era by having tea at The Tea House Theatre. Based in a gorgeous and quaint Victorian public house where the original Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens used to be. The Tea House Theatre is the best place for a full English breakfast, tea, cakes, and sandwiches. Go ahead and enjoy their homemade jams and marmalades. The best part? You get to enjoy your tea while watching a play, poetry, singalongs or any other event happening. 
Address: 139 Vauxhall WalkLondon, SE11 5HL United Kingdom

Bonnington Café

It can be a bother to find a vegan spot in a new place, but hey we got you! Bonnington Café is a vegan-friendly hidden catch. Humble yet imaginative, this cafe serves Syrian, American, Moroccan and many more cuisines.
This one is for vegans and vegetarians looking for a humble yet imaginative place to eat in Vauxhall. Established in the 1980s, this Café serves a number of cuisines from Syrian, American, Moroccan to Polish.
Address: 11 Vauxhall Grove, London SW8 1TD, United Kingdom

Daebak

You can enjoy Korean cuisine at Daebak in Vauxhall. Perfectly situated near the Kia Oval, this place is best known for its Korean fried chicken, Korean stew, bulgogi, ramen and bibimbap.
Address: 316-318 Kennington Ln, London SE11 5HY, United Kingdom

6. Stroll Along the River Thames: description, highlights, insider tips

River Thames

You might be scratching your head wondering about things to do in Vauxhall. It might seem simple but one of the things you just can’t skip is a serene stroll along River Thames. Take a detour and try terrace pubs, restaurants and more along the riverside. 
If you have the power, let your feet take you to Lambeth Palace just past Tamesis Dock. 
Things to do: 

  • Take a peaceful stroll, enjoy the scenery and stop for exquisite food at restaurants and pubs on the way. 
  • Walk the long path and get greeted by Nine Elms.
  • Enjoy the river from close, by opting for a Thames River cruise and enjoy breathtaking views. 

7. New Covent Garden Market: Where Food Meets Florals 

Image of covent garden market flower

Shopping is what makes us go gaga and the best spot is right here in the heart of Vauxhall, London, the New Covent Garden Market. As the name suggests here you will find everything from a ‘garden’. Popular as the largest wholesale market for fruits, vegetables and flowers in London, New Covent Garden Market is the one-stop for all your needs.
Things to do:

  • Flower enthusiasts buy your flowers, foliage, plants, floral accessories, and sundries 
  • Indulge in scrumptious food at the eateries and food stalls in the market. 
  • Find everything on your grocery list in one place, shop your heart out!

Address: Nine Elms Ln, Nine Elms, London SW8 5BH, United Kingdom
Timings: 4 am to 10 pm; Closing and opening times are different for fruits, vegetables, flowers and food and drinks market. 
Tip: Buy your festive stuff before Christmas Day, as the New Covent Garden Market remains closed from Christmas to New Year’s. 
How to reach: Take the Tube to Vauxhall station and walk 10 minutes to the New Covent Garden Market. You can also reach the market by bus, train (Vauxhall station) or road. 

8. Channel your cricket love at the Kia Oval

an image of a stadium in London

Another thing you must add to your to-do list for when you are in Vauxhall, London is seize the chance of watching a cricket match live at the Kia Oval. 
Cricket fans can feel the history being created here as the first Test match in England took place at the Oval. Creating history is its thing, so it also hosted the first FA Cup final and an international rugby match.
Things to do:

  • Book a ground tour and dive into the rich history of Kia Oval. Get the chance to explore exclusive areas like Micky Stewart Member’s Pavillion, Dressing rooms etc.
  • Catch an international match at the stadium. 
  • Get a glimpse of Surrey Cricket Club's behind-the-scenes practice. 
  • Buy original merchandise at the Kia Oval shop or buy a souvenir to remember the day.

Ticket: Tickets need to be purchased for tours and matches.
Address: Kennington Oval, London SE11 5SS, United Kingdom
How to reach: You can reach the Kia Oval by Underground (Oval TubeStation), by bus (routes 36, 185 and 436) or by car. 

9. Pride spot: LGBTQ+ Friendly Venues

Pride movement

Vauxhall is renowned for its LGBTQ+ scene! You can find one of the most iconic queer venues right here in Vauxhall, London, aka The Royal Vauxhall Tavern. The Royal Vauxhall Tavern is one of the most popular pubs in Vauxhall and offers a lit night scene with drag, cabaret, comedy and burlesque. 

Royal Vauxhall Tavern

  • Address: 372 Kennington Lane, London, SE11 5HY
  • Timings: Sunday: 4 pm – 11 pm, Monday to Thursday: 7 pm-midnight, Friday 9 pm – 4 am, Saturday: 9 pm – 4 am
  • How to reach: Reach the Royal Vauxhall Tavern by Tube or bus (Vauxhall station) or by car. 

Vauxhall is truly the go-to spot for a memorable night out with its happening nightlife scene, especially for folks who prefer LGTBQ+-friendly venues. Two other venues include the famous nightclubs, FIRE and The Eagle. You can easily the night at either of these venues. 

FIRE

  • Address: 39 Parry Street, South Lambeth Road SW8 1RT
  • Timings: Open 7 days a week, from 10 am to 6 pm
  • How to reach: Reach there by Tube and get off at Vauxhall station. 

The Eagle 

  • Address: 349 Kennington Ln, London SE11 5QY
  • Timings: Thursday: 8 pm to 2 am, Friday: 8 pm to 3 am, Saturday: 9 pm to 4 am, Sunday: 8 pm to 3 am
  • How to reach: Take a bus, Tube or train to the Vauxhall hub station and then walk five minutes to reach The Eagle


Why and where to Stay in Vauxhall? Convenience and Comfort

It is not only the happening nightlife that calls people to Vauxhall, it is the sheer connectivity of this neighbourhood to the rest of London. Vauxhall, London has a dense web of Tubes, rails, buses and roadways to connect it to other popular spots. Learn more from the guide about the London underground.
The neighbourhood is London’s riverside gem with several exciting things to do in Vauxhall. Now when you are looking for housing in this charming riverside town, then look no further, we have Serviced Apartments in Vauxhall for enhanced convenience and comfort. 
You will get to live in key locations of the neighbourhood near transport and popular tourist spots for an easy commute. Enjoy the perfect blend of homely comfort and luxury with four-star-like amenities, making your stay both relaxing and hassle-free.
So when are you hoping on that trip to Vauxhall, London? Let us know in the comments!!



blog banner