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Graduates standing on the Riverside Terrace with the London Eye in the background

Welcome to the Southbank Centre

Everything you need to know about visiting the Southbank Centre, all in one place

While you’re with us

During your visit

So everyone can enjoy our spaces, we ask you to please follow our house rules, and any requests from our Visitor Experience team, during your visit.

Your safety

We believe in respect and safety for all. We will take action if anyone on our site experiences harassment, intimidating behaviour or discrimination. To talk about your experience, ask for the Duty Manager, email us on [email protected] or call us on 020 3879 9555.

Personal belongings

Please keep your personal belongings with you at all times. Security will be called if you leave your items unattended.

Multiple bags or very large luggage items encroach on the space available to other visitors. Please be considerate to others and avoid taking up more space than you need.

Food & drink

You are welcome to bring your own food and soft drinks to the Royal Festival Hall foyers. However, please note that only alcoholic drinks purchased at the Southbank Centre can be consumed here.

Our Hayward Gallery Cafe is for visitors who are purchasing food and beverages from the venue. No food and beverages bought outside can be consumed in these areas.

Closed-off spaces

Sometimes you may find some of our foyer spaces closed off and only accessible to people with tickets. This is to provide space for audiences as they arrive for performances.

Please look out for signs and listen to announcements; they’ll give you more information about closure times and where else you’ll be welcome to sit.

For everyone's comfort

All visitors are asked to sit on a seat. Sitting on the floor is not permitted. We’ve increased the amount of furniture in our buildings, and there are plenty of seats for all.

Shoes must also be worn at all times while inside our buildings, and please don’t put your feet on our furniture, so that it stays clean and undamaged for everyone.

Sleeping is not permitted in our foyer spaces.

Smoking of e-cigarettes or other products that produce a vapour or smoke are not allowed inside our buildings.

Free events