Theatre
Big Day Out
A Big Day Out at Into The Woods
Make the most out of your day seeing Into The Woods in London, including restaurants, shopping and things to do near the theatre
Sondheim is back in London, with innovative venue The Bridge Theatre staging an immersive version of his fairytale classic. Their version of Into The Woods leads audiences between the trees to get a fresh perspective on familiar stories, and learn how the tales of Cinderella, Rapunzel and other famous names intersect in surprising ways.
Found at the base of Tower Bridge, the Bridge Theatre offers audiences the chance to explore a different part of the city, away from the chaos of the West End. If you’re still getting your bearings, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to make a big day out of seeing Into The Woods at the Bridge Theatre, including restaurants, shopping, transport and things to do nearby.
Things to do near Into The Woods
Restaurants near Into The Woods
Shopping near Into The Woods
Bars and pubs near Into The Woods
Tube stations and bus stops near Into The Woods
On-theme activities for Into The Woods
Things to do near Into The Woods
There’s no better excuse to visit Tower Bridge than seeing a show at the Bridge Theatre. Rising over the theatre, the iconic bridge offers stunning views of the Thames, making it a popular photo spot. There are also plenty of surprises to discover inside, including the bridge’s preserved Victorian Engine Rooms, interactive exhibitions and glass walkways. A ten-minute stroll along the bridge will bring you to the Tower of London, one of London’s most important historic sites. Exploring the fortress makes for a great day out – you can meet the Tower’s famous ravens, learn about the famous figures that have walked the corridors, and even pay a visit to the Crown Jewels.
Six minutes away from the Bridge Theatre on the River Thames, you’ll find HMS Belfast, a former WW2 vessel that’s now a Royal Navy museum ship. A beautifully-preserved piece of British history, its nine decks contain plenty of fascinating exhibits, interactive displays and family activities.
If you’re after an better perspective on London than you’ll get from Tower Bridge, the View from the Shard experience is a thirteen-minute walk from the theatre. Enjoy 360 degree panoramic views of the city from one of the building’s observation decks – you can even visit their open air sky deck if you’re feeling brave.
A fifteen-minute walk from the Bridge Theatre, you’ll discover one of London’s best-kept secrets, a historic open-air sightseeing spot with a history dating back almost a thousand years. St Dunstan In The East is a 12th-century church, the remains of which have become a stunning public garden. Rebuilt after the Great Fire in 1666 and then damaged further in the Blitz, the church site is now overgrown and full of nature, an oasis in the middle of the city.
Restaurants near Into The Woods
There are lots of great places to eat within walking distance of the Bridge Theatre, catering to all occasions and diets. For something really special, you can’t do better than Restaurant Story, the two-Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant from chef Tom Sellers. Sellers’ gastric project takes guests on a nostalgic journey through British food, with an ever-evolving menu of seasonal dishes. If you’re looking for something just a tad more lowkey, The Ivy can always be relied on to elevate the occasion. Their riverside Tower Bridge location serves up seasonal British classics alongside stunning views of the Thames.
Two minutes from the Bridge Theatre, Gunpowder offers a great pre-theatre menu for those after sophisticated Indian dining, or a group feasting experience if you’re looking to share. Their menu is built around interpretations of family recipes, serving up home-style Indian cooking in an elegant setting. Rosa’s Thai similarly bases their dishes on real family recipes from their founder, Saiphin, offering a selection of Thailand’s favourite regional dishes made with authentic ingredients.
The Coal Shed, only two minutes away, is a buzzy spot for pre-theatre dining, serving signature tartare, cheeseburgers and grills alongside flavourful small plates, with a heated and covered terrace for true riverside dining. For a quick, casual London favourite, try Vapiano just a minute from the theatre and enjoy one of their fresh pastas or pizzas.
If a sit-down meal isn’t what you fancy, the famous Borough Market is just fifteen minutes from the Bridge Theatre. Here you’ll find an overwhelming selection of street food and deli stands, with something to satisfy every craving.
Shopping near Into The Woods
On either side of Tower Bridge, you’ll find some of London’s most interesting curated shopping experiences. Eight minutes away is Hay’s Galleria, housing a selection of restaurants and cafes along with boutique stores and market stalls selling arts, crafts and souvenirs, backdropped by the Thames. The wider London Bridge area offers lots of great shopping as well, with many of your favourite high street brands dotted in and around the station.
Fifteen minutes from the theatre is Borough Yards, a stunning modern shopping development near Borough Market stocking luxurious skincare, unique jewellery, stationary, fashion and homeware – the perfect place to go after picking up a few treats at the market.
If you fancy a longer walk, you’ll find Leadenhall Market twenty-five minutes away. Famously featured in Harry Potter, this magical spot houses a curated selection of fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands, along with a great selection of restaurants, bars and cafes, all tucked away in one of central London’s most uniquely beautiful locations.
Bars and pubs near Into The Woods
You’ll find a great selection of bars and pubs within walking distance of the Bridge Theatre, and most of our recommended restaurants are also great places for a drink.
The best place nearby to toast a special occasion is Prosecco House, London’s first bar dedicated to premium Prosecco. You’ll of course find plenty of great bubbles here, along with handcrafted cocktails, Italian nibbles and sharing boards. For a quality cocktail, you might also want to visit Courtroom Bar, located inside the old Tower Bridge Magistrate’s Court (you may be able to guess what inspired the name). As well as their signature creations you’ll find a wide range of high-quality spirits here.
The Vault 1894 is one of the most popular pubs in the area. A family-run establishment built into the base of Tower Bridge, it offers great pints, cocktails and a lively atmosphere, as well as stunning views of the river. Classic British pub Anchor Tap can also pour you up a great pint to go with one of their hearty pies, in a characterful, welcoming space. Another great pub near the theatre is Dean Swift Pub, which prides itself on pouring some of London’s best craft beers. If you happen to be in the area on a Sunday, its also a great place for a roast.
Tube stations and bus stops near Into The Woods
There are two tube stations within twelve minutes’ walk of the Bridge Theatre. London Bridge is served by the Jubilee, Northern and Windrush lines, and is also your closest National Rail station. Tower Hill is served by the Circle and District lines. Multiple buses also drop off and pick up nearby. It’s best to plan your route with TFL.
On-theme activities for Into The Woods
If you’re looking to make the most of your visit and fit in another West End show, Wicked makes the most sense as a double feature. Another witchy tale, it’s also concerned with how the real stories can differ from the ones we come to accept as truth, and just like Into The Woods, it reminds us that sometimes the right people come into our lives when we need them the most. You can catch Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.
To venture Into The Woods yourself, we suggest making your way to Queen’s Wood, a 52-acre area of ancient woodland in the London borough of Haringey. Here you’ll find children’s play areas, an idyllic café, and lots of tranquil forestry to explore.
One of the show’s defining moments is Cinderella’s dilemma on the steps of the palace – whilst we’re not too confident you’ll be allowed to re-enact this moment at Buckingham Palace, the historic site is worth a visit all the same. You can admire it from the lawns outside or take a guided tour at certain points in the year – make sure to double check what’s on before you plan your visit.
If you’re seeing Into The Woods as a family from 27 March onwards, you definitely have to make time to visit the Fairy Tales exhibit at the British Library. This interactive exhibit takes families through a history of folk stories and familiar characters, books and artwork from some of the UK’s most beloved writers and illustrators. It’ll be a great way to refresh your fairytale memories – before the show turns the stories on their heads.
Into The Woods is now playing at the Bridge Theatre until 30 May – find your tickets here
