The London Borough of Southwark

Where ancient history meets modern London on the south bank of the Thames

Where Is Southwark? A Riverside Borough With Prime Positioning

The London Borough of Southwark lies immediately south of the River Thames in Central London, giving it a strategic and cultural importance that stretches back centuries.

It shares its northern boundary with the City of London and the City of Westminster, across the Thames. To the west lies the Borough of Lambeth, while to the east, Southwark meets Lewisham. The borough's southern neighbours include Bromley and Croydon.

Its central location and excellent transport links make Southwark one of the most accessible boroughs in the capital.

How to Pronounce Southwark

Although it is spelled "Southwark," the name is famously not pronounced as it appears. The correct pronunciation is “Suthuk” Click to hear

, with the "th" as in "think" and a very soft, almost dropped "r" sound. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it is transcribed as /ˈsʌðək/. This idiosyncratic pronunciation is typical of many English place names, where historic spellings have outlived changes in spoken language. Locals will immediately recognize the difference, so getting it right is a great way to sound in-the-know.

Read "Places in London that aren't pronounced the way they're spelled" for other examples!

The History of Southwark: From Roman Outpost to Modern Borough

The name “Southwark” is thought to derive from Old English—Sūþ geweorc—meaning “southern defensive works.” This is a nod to its strategic position just south of London Bridge, where it served as a defensive settlement during early medieval times.

Historically, Southwark was outside the jurisdiction of the City of London and developed a reputation for being more relaxed in its regulation—leading to the growth of inns, theatres, and even brothels in Elizabethan times.

The modern London Borough of Southwark was created in 1965 by merging three former metropolitan boroughs: Southwark, Camberwell, and Bermondsey. This rich combination of histories has given the area a layered and dynamic character.

Map of the London Borough of Southwark

Population and Size: A Densely Populated Inner London Borough

Southwark spans an area of approximately 11 square miles (28.85 km²), making it relatively compact in size.

Despite this, it is home to a substantial population—around 330,000 residents, according to recent estimates. It’s one of the most densely populated boroughs in the capital, reflecting its inner-city nature and diverse housing stock.

The borough is ethnically and culturally diverse, with strong communities of African, Caribbean, Latin American, and South Asian heritage.

Real Estate and Wealth: A Tale of Two Southwarks

Southwark presents a complex picture when it comes to wealth and real estate.

On the one hand, areas like Bermondsey, Bankside, and parts of Dulwich command high property prices and attract affluent professionals. On the other, parts of Peckham, Walworth, and Camberwell are still undergoing regeneration and face socioeconomic challenges.

In terms of property prices, Southwark ranks around the middle tier among London boroughs. According to recent data, average house prices hover around £600,000—more than the national average but relatively moderate by London standards.

Tourist Attractions in Southwark: A Cultural Powerhouse

Southwark is a major tourist hub, offering a variety of attractions for visitors of all interests.

Borough Market – One of London’s most beloved food markets, offering artisan produce, street food, and global cuisine.
Shakespeare’s Globe – A faithful reconstruction of the Elizabethan theatre where Shakespeare’s plays were originally performed.
The Shard – Western Europe’s tallest building with an observation deck offering panoramic views across London.
Tate Modern – Housed in a former power station, it is one of the most visited modern art galleries in the world.
Southbank – A scenic stretch along the Thames that includes riverside walks, pop-up events, and public art.

Modern Architecture: Skyscrapers and Iconic New Builds

Southwark is home to some of the most iconic buildings in modern London.

The Shard – Designed by Renzo Piano, it stands at 310 metres tall and is a landmark on the London skyline.
One Blackfriars – A striking curved tower nicknamed “The Vase,” located on the riverfront near Blackfriars Bridge.
Neo Bankside – A luxury residential development next to Tate Modern with bold modern design.

These buildings highlight the borough’s transformation from post-industrial to ultra-modern.

Churches and Cathedrals: Sacred Spaces in a Secular City

One of the borough’s most historic sites is Southwark Cathedral, located near London Bridge.

The cathedral has Christian roots dating back over 1,000 years and has been a place of worship for many eras. Notable figures connected to it include William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens.

Many smaller churches can also be found throughout the borough, serving its diverse religious communities.

Museums and Performing Arts: Culture at Every Corner

Southwark is a cultural destination packed with museums and performing arts venues.

Tate Modern – As mentioned, one of the world’s top destinations for modern and contemporary art.
Imperial War Museum – A sobering yet fascinating museum that explores conflict from WWI to the present day.
The Old Vic – A historic theatre known for high-quality productions and big-name performers.
Young Vic – A sister venue offering innovative and experimental theatre.
South London Gallery – Located in Camberwell, showcasing contemporary art and community engagement.

Major and Notable Roads in Southwark

Several important and historic roads run through the borough:

Old Kent Road – A historic Roman route and a famous property on the Monopoly board.
Walworth Road – A busy commercial street with a mix of shops, restaurants, and residential buildings.
Borough High Street – An ancient route leading from London Bridge through the heart of Southwark.
Camberwell Road – Connecting central Southwark with the southern parts of the borough.

Underground and Railway Stations

Southwark is exceptionally well-connected, with numerous rail and tube stations throughout the borough.

London Bridge – One of London’s major rail terminals and a key transport hub.
Elephant & Castle – Serves both National Rail and two Underground lines.
Southwark Station – Located on the Jubilee Line, near the South Bank.
Bermondsey, Borough, Kennington, and Canada Water – All served by the Underground network.

London Underground Lines and Rail Services

Southwark is served by multiple Underground lines:

Jubilee Line – Includes Southwark, Bermondsey, and Canada Water stations.
Bakerloo Line – Stops at Elephant & Castle.
Northern Line – Runs through Kennington, Borough, and Elephant & Castle.

In terms of rail services:

London Bridge Station – Offers services on Thameslink and Southeastern, with routes to Kent, Sussex, and beyond.
Peckham Rye and Denmark Hill – Serve London Overground and Southern Railway lines.

Fun Fact: The Birthplace of British Theatre

Did you know that Southwark was the birthplace of mainstream British theatre?

Before the theatres of the West End, Elizabethan drama flourished on the south side of the Thames. The original Globe Theatre, the Rose, and the Hope were all located in Southwark, drawing crowds in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Today, Shakespeare’s Globe continues that tradition, offering performances in a faithful reconstruction of the original open-air theatre.