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If you're looking for somewhere to stay in London this summer, Stow Away Waterloo is an eco-friendly aparthotel right in the heart of the South Bank — steps from the Thames, the London Eye, and the city's best cultural venues; in summer, the area bursts to life with open-air festivals, rooftop bars, live music, and riverside markets, meaning you can walk out the door of your Stow Away waterloo studio and straight into the action.
Summer in London is something special. And nowhere feels it more than Waterloo.
The South Bank transforms every June, July and August. Streets fill with music. Bars spill onto the riverside. Festivals take over parks and concert halls. If you're staying at Stow Away Waterloo, you're right at the centre of it all.
Here's your guide to the best summer events on your doorstep.
This is the big one. Meltdown is the world's longest-running artist-curated music festival, and this year runs from 11th to 21st June. Every year, a cultural icon selects the entire line-up. Past curators include David Bowie, Patti Smith and Yoko Ono.
In 2026, it's Harry Styles.
Running across the Southbank Centre's multi-venue site, the festival spans electronic, jazz, indie pop and experimental sounds — all personally chosen by Styles himself. He also performed a headline show at the Royal Festival Hall on 16 June.
The Southbank Centre is a five-minute walk from your Stow Away Waterloo studio. You could catch a show and be back in bed before midnight.
Meltdown is just the start. The Southbank Centre's full summer programme runs until the end of August. It includes:
• Anish Kapoor at the Hayward Gallery — a major exhibition of the world-renowned sculptor's immersive works (16 June–18 October)
• South Asian Sounds — contemporary and classical music from India and Pakistan (1–5 July)
• Poetry International Festival — poetry off the page and onto the stage (10–12 July)
• Rough Trade 50 — a takeover celebrating 50 years of the iconic record shop (17–19 July)
• Steel Scenes — a weekend of steel pan music marking 75 years of the instrument in the UK (24–26 July)
• Free Riverside Sessions — live music on the outdoor terrace curated by young people, running all summer
Many events are free. All are within walking distance of the apartment hotel Waterloo.
More info: southbankcentre.co.uk/events/summer
One of London's best-kept secrets. Head up to the QEH Roof Garden for views across the Thames, cocktails among wildflowers, and a quiet spot away from the crowds below.
It's a hidden oasis in the middle of the city. Perfect for a slow afternoon between events.
The Royal Festival Hall hosts one of London's most loved outdoor food markets: street food, independent traders, and some of the best people-watching in the capital.
As Stow Away Waterloo guests like to say, the best eats really are on your doorstep.
After browsing the stalls, pop back to Unwined Waterloo — the resident wine bar on the ground floor of Stow Away — for a glass of something from their unusual and carefully curated selection. The team at Unwined is on hand to help you find something you'll love.
Not every summer highlight needs a ticket. The Queen's Walk — a pedestrianised riverside path between Lambeth Bridge and Tower Bridge — is one of London's great free walks.
In summer, it comes alive. Bookshops, market stalls, street performers, and stunning views of the Thames. The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Tate Modern are all within easy reach.
Hire a TfL bike directly outside Stow Away Waterloo to explore further. It's one of the perks of staying at this eco-friendly aparthotel, Waterloo — sustainable travel is built into the experience.
If you want a dose of classic London excitement, the South Bank delivers. Thames Rockets depart from the London Eye Pier for the fastest speedboat tour on the river. Alternatively, step into a pod at the London Eye for 360-degree views of the city.
Both are less than 10 minutes on foot from Stow Away Waterloo.
The location says it all. Stow Away sits in the heart of London's cultural district. The National Theatre, Shakespeare's Globe, Tate Modern and the BFI IMAX are all nearby. Waterloo Station is moments away — meaning the whole of London is within easy reach too.
Every room comes with a super king-sized bed, a mini kitchen, air conditioning, luxury toiletries, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. The building itself is made from 26 repurposed shipping containers, fitted with solar panels and energy-recycling systems — so you can enjoy your summer break knowing your stay has a light footprint.
And when you're done exploring? Head downstairs to Unwined for a seasonal glass of wine and a dish from the guest chef's menu. It's the perfect end to a South Bank summer day.
Book direct at Stow Away Waterloo