Discover Four Iconic Pubs in London’s History

London , United Kingdom

Discover Four Iconic Pubs in London’s History

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(14 reviews)

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About this experience

Take a walk into London's wild side with pub expert and blogger, Niall.

Niall was born the son of Irish landlords in London and spent his early years living over a pub. This sparked a life long fascination and led to him starting a cult instagram page @Proper_Boozers that celebrates real London pubs.

Explore Southwark through this lenses with four stops in some of the areas most iconic pubs.

Uncover the vibrant history of Southwark, London’s southern gateway. Stroll the Thames where the original London Bridge once stood, explore Borough Market’s thousand years of trade, and hear the tale of the Winchester Geese. Step into historic pubs to relive stories of press gangs, body snatchers, and lively locals. A perfect tour for history enthusiasts and curious travellers keen to discover the gritty, colourful past that shaped this unique district.

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Discover Four Iconic Pubs in London’s History

What's included

Expert Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We begin on the banks of the River Thames, the lifeblood of London for nearly two millennia. Here we uncover how the river shaped the city — from Roman crossings and medieval marvels to executions, sayings like “one for the road”, and the darker side of Southwark life.

Stop 2

Discover the many lives of London Bridge: once a medieval wonder lined with houses, shops, and pubs; later a stage for grisly executions with traitors’ heads displayed on spikes. We’ll trace its decline, its surprising sale to an American businessman, and how part of it now stands in Arizona.

Stop 3

London’s larder for a thousand years. Once the rowdy domain of traders, porters, and early-opening boozers, Borough Market fell into decline in the late 20th century before reinventing itself as today’s foodie mecca. Still noisy, still chaotic — just swap fish heads for focaccia.

Crossbones Graveyard on Redcross Way is where the unlicensed, the unloved, and the unrecorded of Southwark were buried — especially the Winchester Geese. Once a byword for vice, now a place of remembrance, it stands as a haunting marker of the stories London tried to forget.

The King’s Arms is one of Borough’s best-kept secrets: a little timber-fronted pub that’s been serving pints since Shakespeare’s day. It’s the kind of place where you can actually feel London’s drinking history seeping out of the walls — and the beer’s not half bad either.

The Royal Oak is one of Southwark’s great old-school boozers. Tucked away on Tabard Street, it’s a Georgian-era pub with a real Victorian feel inside — dark wood, tiled floors, and a warm welcome. Long associated with the brewery tradition of the area, it’s now famed for serving Harvey’s ales direct from the cask, keeping the Sussex brewery’s name alive in the heart of London.

Stop 7

The Marshalsea was Southwark’s debtors’ prison — a grim place where you could end up locked away for life just for being broke. Dickens’ dad did time here, and the memory haunted him into his writing. Today, only fragments of the wall remain, but the stories still hang heavy in the air.

The Glad is a proper Southwark survivor — a Victorian pub named after Prime Minister Gladstone, nearly knocked down a few times but always brought back to life. These days it’s all about good beer, good music, and that snug, old-school charm you only get in a neighbourhood boozer.

Stop 9

We save the best for last: the Lord Clyde. A gem of a Victorian pub on London’s shortest street. Beautifully tiled outside, warm and welcoming inside, it’s the perfect spot to raise a final glass and toast Southwark’s drinking past.

What's not included

All drinks

Meals

Bottled water

Lunch

Snacks

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

14 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Are children allowed?

Meeting point

Under the main gate of Borough Market - 6 Southwark St, London SE1 1TQ

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