Bankside Pier, London, UK
On the south bank of the Thames, the great brick chimney of Tate Modern stands over the water like a lighthouse for walkers. At its foot, a short gangway leads down to a floating landing where the river bus nudges in, ropes are thrown and a handful of passengers step off into the bustle of Bankside. This is Bankside Pier.
It is a modest stop, but a useful one. Today we look at where it sits, what surrounds it and the three river services that call here.
A Landing on the South Bank
Bankside Pier is a stop for river services in London, on the south bank of the River Thames and close to the Tate Modern museum. The pier is a good starting point for anyone who wants to see the city from the water rather than from the pavement.
The stretch of riverside around it is among the most walkable in London. The Thames Path runs along the embankment, and the pier sits within easy reach of several of the capital's best-known sights. Arriving by boat gives you a view of the skyline that is hard to match from the street. [check: confirm the pier's opening date and current operator before publication]
Beside the Turbine Hall
The pier's best-known neighbour is Tate Modern, housed in the former Bankside Power Station. The building was designed by Giles Gilbert Scott and closed as a power station in 1981. It reopened as a gallery of modern and contemporary art in 2000, and its tall central chimney remains one of the most recognisable shapes on the south bank.
Within a short stroll are other landmarks that make a river trip here worthwhile:
- Shakespeare's Globe, the reconstructed playhouse that opened in 1997, stands close by on the riverfront.
- The Millennium Bridge, the pedestrian footbridge that opened in 2000, leads from Bankside across the river towards St Paul's Cathedral.
- The Thames Path offers an easy riverside walk in either direction, with views across the water.
Three Services, Three Journeys
Three services call at the pier. Two are river bus routes, and the third is a sightseeing cruise.
| Service | Route |
|---|---|
| RB1 river bus | Between Embankment and Woolwich Arsenal |
| RB2 river bus | From Bankside to St George Wharf Pier and Millbank Pier, for Tate Britain |
| Circular Cruise Westminster | To Westminster via St Katherine's |
The RB1: East and West along the Thames
The RB1 links Embankment with Woolwich Arsenal. For a visitor, that means a single boat can carry you between the central London riverfront and the far reaches of the river downstream.
The RB2: From one Tate to the other
The RB2 runs from Bankside to St George Wharf Pier and Millbank Pier. Millbank is the stop for Tate Britain, so the route neatly connects the two Tate galleries by water. It suits a day of art, with Tate Modern in the morning and Tate Britain in the afternoon.
The Circular Cruise Westminster
The third service is the Circular Cruise Westminster, which goes to Westminster via St Katherine's. It is more of a sightseeing trip than a commuter link, and it makes a pleasant way to reach the Houses of Parliament and the north bank.
Planning Your Visit
A few practical points help make the most of a trip from Bankside:
- Decide whether you want a simple crossing between stops or a longer cruise, then choose between the river buses and the Circular Cruise.
- If your destination is Tate Britain, take the RB2 to Millbank Pier.
- Check timetables, fares and ticket options with the operators before you travel, as these can change. [check: confirm current routes and operators]
Bankside Pier Today
Bankside Pier remains a small but dependable link between the south bank and the rest of London's river network. For a few minutes you are a passenger rather than a pedestrian, watching the city slide past from the deck. With Tate Modern, the Globe and the Millennium Bridge on the doorstep, it is a fine place to begin or end a day beside the Thames.