There isn’t another tour that is quite like this one where we will visit some of the most historic yet less visited sites in London. This walking tour takes places entirely along and around the South Bank of the River Thames which has two thousand years of rich if sometimes less glamerous history which makes for a fascinating tour that opens the door on this less visited part of London.
From theatres to churches and cathedrals. Palaces to prisons, hangings and slums. Voyagers of discover to engineering marvels. Markets, smugglers and bodysnatchers to the birthplace of America.
Pickup included
The newest bridge in London, connecting St Pauls Cathedral and the Tate Modern, the largest Modern Art gallery in the world. You ight recognise the bridge from Harry Potter and other shows.
The worlds biggest Modern Art Gallery, housed in an old power station. Many of the places we will pass have been converted into new use!
See the ruins of the once magnificent palace that miraculously survived centuries of industry and WW2.
We'll visit the eerie and atmospheric site of what may have been the most horrendous prison in Britain if not the world. You don't have to use too much imagination to see how it must have been even though the area now is extremely fashionable.
A replica of the famous ship of exploration, giving an insight to what these parts used to be like.
We will visit the resting place of thousands of plague victims, criminals and 'fallen' women who were buried unceremoniously here and learn of the dreadful poverty that so inspired social reform and the writings of Charles Dickens
Visit the small park that was once the location of a dreaded Debtors prison where Charles Dickens family was incarcerated.
See the only remaining Galleried Tavern in London, the haunt of many a famous writing. The yard in front is where the pilgrims assembled in the Canterbury Tales.
Now part of London, Southwark was once and still is its own city and here is its beautiful and often overlook Cathedral.
The site of the world famous food market with food from around the world. There has been a market here of some sorts for at least 1,000 years and possibly since Roman times.
The world famous London Bridge, find out why it is here at all and learn about the awful things that used to happen here.
Once the worlds first covered dockyard, now a place of leisure and good-eating.
See the old WW2 Royal Navy Cruiser, now berthed up as a tourist attraction.
The home of the Mayor of London and the London Assembly. You'll see why it has the nick name of the Armadillo.
From the outside, we will see the old Tower of London, sat right next to the Thames.
One of Londons very modern outdoor theatres.
We will walk under the famous hydraulic lifting bridge, an icon of London.
Explore the streets and creeks of what was once the Venice of Drains and the site of murders and executions and all things Charles Dickens.
Centuries ago this was all swamp land and Kind Edward III built a hunting lodge here, the remains of which were relatively recently unearthed.
This old pub was a smugglers den and reaches out over the Thames where the trap doors can still be seen. Captain Cook set sail from here on his Voyages of Discovery whilst the Hanging Judge use to sit nearby to watch his sentences be carried out.
This beautiful old church in what was once the village of Rotherhithe has a monument to the Pilgrim Fathers. The 'Captain' of the Mayflower is buried here and the ship was beached up on the Thames behind.
Visit the famous old pub from where the crew of the Mayflower ship departed for the new world. Perhaps return here after the tour to have a great drink or pub meal.
The famed Victorian Engineer Brunel built the very first under water tunnel here... the trains still use it today. At one point it could take days if not weeks for ships to dock on the Thames and this was hoped to be part of the solution.
This funky organic cafe is a great place to drink or grab a cheeky snack. It was once though a Watch House where dead bodies washed up on beaches of Rotherhithe were brought to protect them from thieves and body snatchers until the authorities arrived.
In this old industrial building amongst the warehouses is now a jewel of cinema and heritage costuming as well as having a lovely old cafe. Many period costumes are made here for television and movies and the reference library is full of photos of how this part of London used to look.
The tour starts from just outside Mansion House Tube Station.
• Dress code is smart casual
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
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.
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.
The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the State Rooms during the summer.
One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe.
A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.
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.
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.
A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).
A hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast.
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.
A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.
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.
British Pound (GBP)
GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time
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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.
London Waterloo, London King's Cross
Victoria Coach Station, Earls Court, Farringdon
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.
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Car, Bike, Scooter
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 is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, located in the English county of Wiltshire.
Brighton is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
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