West End and South Bank Theatre Walking Tour in London
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover 400 years of stage history in the theatre capital of the world! A journey across the West End and the South Bank featuring the biggest names, greatest successes & most infamous disasters.
Theatres covered on the tour include: The Coliseum, Duke of York's, Noel Coward, Wyndham's, Her Majesty's, Theatre Royal Haymarket, Harold Pinter, Prince of Wales, Lyric, Apollo, Gielgud, Sondheim, Palace, Ambassadors, St Martins, The Arts, ROH, Fortune, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Lyceum, The National, Shakespeare's Globe...plus a top-secret final location!
Available options
The London Theatre Walking Tour
Duration: 3 hours: A journey through the West End & the South Bank (typically lasts 3.5 hours.)
What's included
Historic programmes & theatre artefacts
Detailed itinerary
1
Learn the history of the Coliseum. The largest theatre in the West End!
2
Discover the many stars who made their debuts on this West End stage. Including Peter Pan!
3
Hear of the great productions of the past. The only theatre where two significant theatre giants ever shared a stage.
4
Stop 4
Learn of the history of this beautiful theatre. See the bust of Shakespeare on the front - the only one in the West End!
5
Stop 5
Discount ticket booth - how to get great West End seats at low prices! Old music hall spots - historic theatres such as The Alhambra & The Empire.
6
A theatre favoured by both Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Judi Dench. There's also rumour of a haunting...
7
Stop 7
The second oldest active theatre site in London. Also home to the second-longest running musical - The Phantom of the Opera!
8
Opening in 1881, the Harold Pinter Theatre is one of the oldest playhouses in the West End. Hear of the stars that have caused a great sensation here - including Marilyn Monroe!
9
Stop 9
Now home to The Book of Mormon, the Prince of Wales has had a rich history of comedy & musical spectacles. Famous names who've appeared here include The Beatles, Peter Sellers and Barbara Streisand!
10
The road with more theatres than any other! Hear about the history of Shaftesbury Avenue and theatres including The Lyric, Apollo, Gielgud, Sondheim & The Palace.
11
Stop 11
The oldest surviving theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue! Also the place where a British comedy icon tragically died...
12
The first Edwardian Theatre, opening in 1901. Also once home to a truly legendary production of our time!
13
Now named after the great Sir John, the Gielgud has seen a few famous faces give their West End debuts. Including Harry Potter himself!
14
Stop 14
Learn the history of Les Miserables, the world's longest-running musical. Also - a few famous faces who debuted here in the 80s!
15
Stop 15
Once a famous music hall venue, now home to Harry Potter & the Cursed Child. Discover the origin of the phrase 'bring the house down'.
16
Stop 16
Although unremarkable on the outside, the Ambassadors has had a rich theatre history. Legendary theatre stars who debuted here include Vivien Leigh & Paul Robeson.
17
Stop 17
Home of The Mousetrap - the world's longest-running play! Discover the history of this unlikely theatrical hit.
18
The West End's smallest theatre. Also once home to the most controversial play of all time!
19
Stop 19
See the legendary Covent Garden Market! Also, London's official Actors Church, street theatre spots and two of the oldest theatre sites in London.
20
Stop 20
One of the oldest theatre spots in London - est 1732. Now home to the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet.
21
Home to The Woman in Black - the longest-running horror play ever. Hear of the spooky stories that have occurred during the play's 30+ year history...
22
Stop 22
The oldest active theatre spot in the West End. Discover the legends of the past who made their names on its legendary stage.
23
Stop 23
Now home to The Lion King, going since 1999 and still a hot ticket! Hear of the leading actors of the Victorian era who once dominated the Lyceum's stage - Sir Henry Irving & Dame Ellen Terry - and also the genesis of a famous gothic horror creation.
24
Stop 24
Hear about the history of our National Theatre. Also, the founder of the National, Laurence Olivier, stated the opposite.
25
Stop 25
Discover the history of Bankside - where Shakespeare made his name. See the famous reconstruction of Shakespeare's Globe and a final top-secret theatre location!
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
7 reviews
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Tripadvisor
5.0
27 reviews
5★
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meeting point
Across the street from Charing Cross Station.
About London
London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and dynamic cultural scene. From the ancient Tower of London to the modern Shard, the city offers a blend of the old and the new, making it a fascinating destination for travelers from around the world.
Top Attractions
Tower of London
A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury. The Crown Jewels are also housed here.
Historical
2-3 hours
£28 (adult ticket)
Buckingham Palace
The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the State Rooms during the summer.
Historical
1-2 hours
£27.50 (adult ticket for State Rooms)
The British Museum
One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe.
Museum
2-3 hours
Free (special exhibitions may have a charge)
The London Eye
A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.
Entertainment
30 minutes
£27-£33 (adult ticket)
Westminster Abbey
A large, mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the UK and the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and, later, British monarchs.
Religious
1-2 hours
£27 (adult ticket)
Tower Bridge
An iconic symbol of London, this combined bascule and suspension bridge spans the River Thames. Visitors can explore the bridge's walkways and the Tower Bridge Exhibition.
Architecture
1-2 hours
£11 (adult ticket for the exhibition)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Fish and Chips
A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).
Dinner
Contains gluten and fish
Full English Breakfast
A hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast.
Breakfast
Contains meat and gluten
Afternoon Tea
A quintessential British tradition involving a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, all served with tea.
Snack
Can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets
Sunday Roast
A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.
Dinner
Contains meat and gluten
Popular Activities
Rock climbing
Kayaking on the Thames
Cycling tours
Afternoon tea
Spas and wellness centers
Punting on the River Cam
Museum visits
Theater performances
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season in London, with long daylight hours and a variety of festivals and events. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be unpredictable.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
British Pound (GBP)
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
London is generally safe for travelers, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
- • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- Heathrow Airport • 23 km from city center
- Gatwick Airport • 40 km from city center
By train
London Waterloo, London King's Cross
By bus
Victoria Coach Station, Earls Court, Farringdon
Getting around
Public transport
The Tube is the fastest and most efficient way to get around London. It operates from early morning until late at night and covers all major attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Westminster
Camden Town
Soho
Notting Hill
Shoreditch
Greenwich
Day trips
Windsor Castle
34 km from London • Half day to full day
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it's one of the official residences of the British monarch.
Stonehenge
130 km from London • Full day
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, located in the English county of Wiltshire.
Brighton
80 km from London • Full day
Brighton is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Festivals
Notting Hill Carnival • Last Sunday and Monday of August
London Film Festival • October
New Year's Eve Fireworks • December 31
Pro tips
- Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper and more convenient public transportation
- Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to skip the queue and save money
- Explore the city's neighborhoods and markets for a unique and authentic experience
- Try the local street food and international cuisine at markets like Borough Market and Camden Market
- Visit the city's parks and gardens for a peaceful escape from the bustling streets
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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