‘Detour-ism’ is taking off on Instagram and TikTok
A company has put together a guide of lesser-known spots around London’s Bankside following a recent trend of what is known as detour-ism.
Better Bankside has put together This is Bankside, with a focus on uncovering the locations which are “hidden in plain sight”.
The Bankside neighbourhood covers the area from the Thames riverside in the north, Great Suffolk Street to the south, Blackfriars Road to the west and east to Borough High Street.
The area is looked after and promoted by Better Bankside and the guide will have tips and insider knowledge to allow visitors to find the secret parks, cultural spaces and sun-spots tourists often take for granted.
Bankside is currently experiencing a new social media-driven tourism trend, which is seeing visitors to the area look not just at its popular Tate Modern and Borough Market landmarks, but take detours to its lesser-known cultural and historical sites.
For example, a 320-year-old ‘tiny house’ at 67 Hopton Street has become a must-visit spot.
Interest in Bankside’s Crossbones Gardens, an ancient burial site containing the remains of more than 15,000 paupers, has also caught on, especially among TikTok users.
This is Bankside offers a destination guide of 26 places of interest and area attractions such as secret parks and restaurants with incredible views, usually only known to local residents.
The trend has its roots in the pandemic when people, unable to travel abroad, started to explore their own neighbourhoods, digging more closely and finding out the history behind buildings, streets and locations.
Nicole Gordon, chief executive of Better Bankside, said: “Bankside is a place where you never stop discovering.
“The medieval network of streets and spaces encourages exploration.
“This is a neighbourhood where people have come to be entertained and experience culture for over 1,000 years. There is so much of historic and cultural significance to uncover, as well as a diverse mix of food and drink to enjoy.”
Pictured top: Better Bankside’s view of The Shard (Picture: Better Bankside)
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