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South Bank Lion — Attraction in London

Name
South Bank Lion
Description
The South Bank Lion is an 1837 sculpture in Central London. Since 1966 it has stood next to County Hall, on the South Bank of the River Thames. It is a significant depiction of a lion, along with the four that surround Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square just across the river.
Nearby attractions
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
London Eye
Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
The Paddington Bear Experience
Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
Shrek's Adventure London
Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
Westminster Bridge
Westminster Bridge, London SW1A 2JH, United Kingdom
The London Dungeon
Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
Big Ben
London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom
Witness for the Prosecution - County Hall
County Hall, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 7GP, United Kingdom
County Hall
County Hall, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 7GP, United Kingdom
Florence Nightingale Museum
The Nightingale School, 2 Lambeth Palace Rd, London SE1 7EP, United Kingdom
Nearby restaurants
Westminster Kitchen
Unit 3A, County Hall, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 7GP, United Kingdom
The Strings
Belvedere Rd, London SE1 7GA, United Kingdom
Gillray's Steakhouse & Bar
County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
Locale Southbank
County Hall, 3B Belvedere Rd, London SE1 7GP, United Kingdom
Troia Southbank
Unit 3F-3G, County Hall, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 7GQ, United Kingdom
Cafe Carmen
County Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
All Bar One Waterloo
1-3 Chicheley St, Greater, London SE1 7PY, United Kingdom
Donabe Hannah
Southbank Riverside, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
Slug & Lettuce - Waterloo
5 Chicheley St, London SE1 7PY, United Kingdom
JEUX JEUX okonomiyaki restaurant
3 Belvedere Rd, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
Nearby local services
etc.venues County Hall
County Hall, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
Bridge Arch Photo
London SE1 7GL, United Kingdom
London Eye Ticket Office
Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
Thames Rockets
Boarding Gate One, The London Eye Millennium Pier, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
London Eye Waterloo Pier
London 1SW1A 1AE, United Kingdom
River Thames Bird Watching Point
London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
Westminster
Underground Ltd, Westminster Station, Bridge St, London SW1A 2JR, United Kingdom
London Eye 4D Show
County Hall, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 7GP, United Kingdom
Westminster Souvernirs
252 Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PD, United Kingdom
Thames River Boats - Westminster Pier
Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JH, United Kingdom
Nearby hotels
London Marriott Hotel County Hall
County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
Marlin Waterloo
111 Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7HR, United Kingdom
NOX Waterloo
25 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RJ, United Kingdom
Point A London, Westminster
118-120 Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7RW, United Kingdom
Stow Away Waterloo
137 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7AE, United Kingdom
Corinthia London
Corinthia Hotel, 10 Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD, United Kingdom
Raffles London at The OWO
57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX, United Kingdom
Waterloo Hub Hotel & Suites
54 Kennington Rd, London SE1 7BJ, United Kingdom
Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo
157 Waterloo Rd, London SE1 8XA, United Kingdom
Citadines Trafalgar Square London
18-21 Northumberland Ave, London WC2N 5EA, United Kingdom
Related posts
Keywords
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South Bank Lion things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
South Bank Lion
United KingdomEnglandLondonSouth Bank Lion

Basic Info

South Bank Lion

Westminster Bridge, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 7GA, United Kingdom
4.6(70)
Open 24 hours
Save
spot

Ratings & Description

Info

The South Bank Lion is an 1837 sculpture in Central London. Since 1966 it has stood next to County Hall, on the South Bank of the River Thames. It is a significant depiction of a lion, along with the four that surround Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square just across the river.

Cultural
Scenic
Family friendly
Accessibility
attractions: SEA LIFE London Aquarium, London Eye, The Paddington Bear Experience, Shrek's Adventure London, Westminster Bridge, The London Dungeon, Big Ben, Witness for the Prosecution - County Hall, County Hall, Florence Nightingale Museum, restaurants: Westminster Kitchen, The Strings, Gillray's Steakhouse & Bar, Locale Southbank, Troia Southbank, Cafe Carmen, All Bar One Waterloo, Donabe Hannah, Slug & Lettuce - Waterloo, JEUX JEUX okonomiyaki restaurant, local businesses: etc.venues County Hall, Bridge Arch Photo, London Eye Ticket Office, Thames Rockets, London Eye Waterloo Pier, River Thames Bird Watching Point, Westminster, London Eye 4D Show, Westminster Souvernirs, Thames River Boats - Westminster Pier
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Live events

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Nearby attractions of South Bank Lion

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

London Eye

The Paddington Bear Experience

Shrek's Adventure London

Westminster Bridge

The London Dungeon

Big Ben

Witness for the Prosecution - County Hall

County Hall

Florence Nightingale Museum

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

4.3

(10.8K)

Closed
Click for details
London Eye

London Eye

4.5

(62.9K)

Closed
Click for details
The Paddington Bear Experience

The Paddington Bear Experience

4.5

(1.5K)

Closed
Click for details
Shrek's Adventure London

Shrek's Adventure London

4.1

(3K)

Closed
Click for details

Nearby restaurants of South Bank Lion

Westminster Kitchen

The Strings

Gillray's Steakhouse & Bar

Locale Southbank

Troia Southbank

Cafe Carmen

All Bar One Waterloo

Donabe Hannah

Slug & Lettuce - Waterloo

JEUX JEUX okonomiyaki restaurant

Westminster Kitchen

Westminster Kitchen

4.1

(1.5K)

Open until 10:00 PM
Click for details
The Strings

The Strings

4.5

(770)

Open until 9:30 PM
Click for details
Gillray's Steakhouse & Bar

Gillray's Steakhouse & Bar

4.0

(644)

$$$

Open until 10:00 PM
Click for details
Locale Southbank

Locale Southbank

4.1

(1.1K)

Open until 10:00 PM
Click for details

Nearby local services of South Bank Lion

etc.venues County Hall

Bridge Arch Photo

London Eye Ticket Office

Thames Rockets

London Eye Waterloo Pier

River Thames Bird Watching Point

Westminster

London Eye 4D Show

Westminster Souvernirs

Thames River Boats - Westminster Pier

etc.venues County Hall

etc.venues County Hall

4.5

(376)

Click for details
Bridge Arch Photo

Bridge Arch Photo

4.7

(91)

Click for details
London Eye Ticket Office

London Eye Ticket Office

4.4

(883)

Click for details
Thames Rockets

Thames Rockets

4.9

(566)

Click for details
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Posts

T attsT atts
The South Bank Lion, also known as the Red Lion, is a prominent and historic sculpture located on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. This majestic statue stands proudly near the south end of Westminster Bridge, close to the entrance of the County Hall complex. Originally crafted in 1837 by the sculptor William F. Woodington, the lion was commissioned by the owner of the Lion Brewery, which stood on the site now occupied by the Southbank Centre. The lion was made from Coade stone, a type of ceramic stoneware known for its durability and weather resistance. When the Lion Brewery was demolished in 1949, the lion statue was preserved due to its historical and artistic significance. It was moved to its current location in 1966, where it has since become an iconic landmark. The South Bank Lion is notable for its detailed craftsmanship and impressive size, standing over 13 feet tall and weighing approximately 13 tons. The statue is painted in a distinctive red color, which has contributed to its colloquial name, the Red Lion. It is a popular spot for photographs and serves as a reminder of the area's industrial past and its transformation into a cultural and recreational hub. The South Bank Lion is situated near several major attractions, including the London Eye, the Sea Life London Aquarium, and the Southbank Centre, making it an easily accessible and well-visited site. Its presence adds to the rich tapestry of historical and modern landmarks that characterize the South Bank area.
Arun GuptaArun Gupta
You just can't miss to notice this majestic sculpture of lion, as you walk across the Westminster Bridge towards the South Bank side of Thames, and admire its fine details. Prominently located at the southend of the bridge, this magnificent sculpture has its own history as I gathered later. Crafted in 1837 by the sculptor William Woolington for the Lion Brewery, it was retained on brewery's closure in 1924, and was shifted to its present location in 1966. One can try to find similarities, if any, between this one and the nearby sculptures of four lions around the Nelson column in the Trafalgar Square.
Chris GledhillChris Gledhill
The South Bank Lion is a sculpture of a lion that was made in 1837 by William Frederick Woodington. It is made of Coade stone, a type of artificial stone that is very durable and resistant to weathering. The lion was originally part of the Lion Brewery on the South Bank of the River Thames, but was moved to its current location next to County Hall in 1966. The lion is a significant symbol of London, along with the four lions that surround Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square
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Pet-friendly Hotels in London

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The South Bank Lion, also known as the Red Lion, is a prominent and historic sculpture located on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. This majestic statue stands proudly near the south end of Westminster Bridge, close to the entrance of the County Hall complex. Originally crafted in 1837 by the sculptor William F. Woodington, the lion was commissioned by the owner of the Lion Brewery, which stood on the site now occupied by the Southbank Centre. The lion was made from Coade stone, a type of ceramic stoneware known for its durability and weather resistance. When the Lion Brewery was demolished in 1949, the lion statue was preserved due to its historical and artistic significance. It was moved to its current location in 1966, where it has since become an iconic landmark. The South Bank Lion is notable for its detailed craftsmanship and impressive size, standing over 13 feet tall and weighing approximately 13 tons. The statue is painted in a distinctive red color, which has contributed to its colloquial name, the Red Lion. It is a popular spot for photographs and serves as a reminder of the area's industrial past and its transformation into a cultural and recreational hub. The South Bank Lion is situated near several major attractions, including the London Eye, the Sea Life London Aquarium, and the Southbank Centre, making it an easily accessible and well-visited site. Its presence adds to the rich tapestry of historical and modern landmarks that characterize the South Bank area.
T atts

T atts

hotel
Find your stay

Affordable Hotels in London

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

Get the Appoverlay
Get the AppOne tap to find yournext favorite spots!
You just can't miss to notice this majestic sculpture of lion, as you walk across the Westminster Bridge towards the South Bank side of Thames, and admire its fine details. Prominently located at the southend of the bridge, this magnificent sculpture has its own history as I gathered later. Crafted in 1837 by the sculptor William Woolington for the Lion Brewery, it was retained on brewery's closure in 1924, and was shifted to its present location in 1966. One can try to find similarities, if any, between this one and the nearby sculptures of four lions around the Nelson column in the Trafalgar Square.
Arun Gupta

Arun Gupta

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Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

hotel
Find your stay

Trending Stays Worth the Hype in London

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

The South Bank Lion is a sculpture of a lion that was made in 1837 by William Frederick Woodington. It is made of Coade stone, a type of artificial stone that is very durable and resistant to weathering. The lion was originally part of the Lion Brewery on the South Bank of the River Thames, but was moved to its current location next to County Hall in 1966. The lion is a significant symbol of London, along with the four lions that surround Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square
Chris Gledhill

Chris Gledhill

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Reviews of South Bank Lion

4.6
(70)
avatar
5.0
1y

The South Bank Lion, also known as the Red Lion, is a prominent and historic sculpture located on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. This majestic statue stands proudly near the south end of Westminster Bridge, close to the entrance of the County Hall complex.

Originally crafted in 1837 by the sculptor William F. Woodington, the lion was commissioned by the owner of the Lion Brewery, which stood on the site now occupied by the Southbank Centre. The lion was made from Coade stone, a type of ceramic stoneware known for its durability and weather resistance.

When the Lion Brewery was demolished in 1949, the lion statue was preserved due to its historical and artistic significance. It was moved to its current location in 1966, where it has since become an iconic landmark. The South Bank Lion is notable for its detailed craftsmanship and impressive size, standing over 13 feet tall and weighing approximately 13 tons.

The statue is painted in a distinctive red color, which has contributed to its colloquial name, the Red Lion. It is a popular spot for photographs and serves as a reminder of the area's industrial past and its transformation into a cultural and recreational hub.

The South Bank Lion is situated near several major attractions, including the London Eye, the Sea Life London Aquarium, and the Southbank Centre, making it an easily accessible and well-visited site. Its presence adds to the rich tapestry of historical and modern landmarks that characterize the...

   Read more
avatar
5.0
26w

You just can't miss to notice this majestic sculpture of lion, as you walk across the Westminster Bridge towards the South Bank side of Thames, and admire its fine details. Prominently located at the southend of the bridge, this magnificent sculpture has its own history as I gathered later. Crafted in 1837 by the sculptor William Woolington for the Lion Brewery, it was retained on brewery's closure in 1924, and was shifted to its present location in 1966. One can try to find similarities, if any, between this one and the nearby sculptures of four lions around the Nelson column in the...

   Read more
avatar
5.0
1y

A majestic sentinel of the South Bank, the South Bank Lion is a sculptural masterpiece crafted in 1837 by William Frederick Woodington. Constructed from durable Coade stone, this iconic lion has weathered the elements for nearly two centuries, standing as a testament to both its artistry and the material's resilience.

Originally a part of the Lion Brewery, the lion was relocated to its current position next to County Hall in 1966. Today, it serves as a prominent symbol of London, joining the ranks of other iconic feline figures, such as the four lions guarding Nelson's Column in...

   Read more
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