Historic walk of East Londons Wapping Docks and its famous Pubs
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Wapping has a long history that goes all the way back to Anglo Saxon times, before it was even part of London and it takes its name from the old word Wapol, meaning ‘Marsh’.
This whole area has been shaped by the river whether it is the great voyages of exploration, Victorian heavy industry and the docks, terrible Dickensian slums that hugged the river, the dreadful destruction of the Blitz or its modern day resurgence with big business and leisure.
We will visit famous old pubs, places of execution and great philanthropy as well as visiting locations relating to some of the most famous names in history such as Captain Cook, Thomas Jefferson, Martin Frobisher, Sir Walter Raleigh, Charles Dickens, Hanging Judge Jeffers and Captain Bligh.
See a part of real London that tourists could never find, well away from the bright lights of the West End, theatres, museums and palaces.
Available options
Historic walk of East Londons Wapping Docks and its famous Pubs
What's included
Private Guided Tour
Detailed itinerary
1
We start off in the futuristic Docklands
2
Stop 2
Once the docks where ships from the Canary Islands plied their trade.
3
We will pass by the Museum of London Docklands and learn of the history of these old buildings and wharves.
4
Stop 4
Before we get here, we will visit the famous Grapes Pub from where Sir Walter Raleigh set sail and with links to Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, Sherlock Holmes and many others.
5
Stop 5
This old trading dock is now a luxury marina.
6
This old pub has strong links with famous painters, writers and even royalty. Sat right by the river, we can go down onto the shore if the tide is out.
7
Stop 7
From the old stairs at the end of Narrow Street we can see where Martin Frobisher set off to discover The Northwest Passage.
8
The Thames River Police are the oldest police force in the world. They still patrol the rivers keeping an eye out for crimes such as murder and suicide.
9
Stop 9
On the corner of Dundee Street we will see the old court for murders and suicides before hearing about William Peckover who perhaps performed the most incredible piece of maritime navigation in history.
10
Stop 10
This famous old pub is the birthplace of perhaps our greatest painter. Before that it was the site of witchcraft!
11
Stop 11
A beautiful old Roman Catholic Church
12
Stop 12
Henry Raine was a wealthy brewer and owned a family business and a generous philanthropist who set up a school for the poor girls and boys in Wapping which is now one of the finest in the country.
13
Stop 13
It is here the convicted pirates had there last drink before being hanged on the river Thames down the steps that we will be visiting shortly. Then on to St Johns Church with connections to Captain Cook and President Jefferson
14
Stop 14
Dating from 1460, this old pub and the nearby stairs has seen more history than some cities. Captain Bligh (whose house site we visit) boarded HMS Bounty here. A crook who stole the Crown Jewels was caught here along with the hated Hanging Judge Jeffers. Many a pirate and criminal met their grisly end here too.
15
Stop 15
The tour finishes in the shadow of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London in an old docks which is now the home to luxury yachts and boats belonging to the rich and famous.
What's not included
Tube tickets to and from your hotel.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
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Tripadvisor
5.0
8 reviews
5★
8
4★
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We have earmarked this tour as especially safe during the Coronavirus outbreak due to generally quiet places that we visit where social distancing is generally not a problem. All of our tours are private so it is just you/your family and your guide. To make it easier and safer for all concerned we would suggest starting this tour a little later than the usual time, perhaps around 10.30-11am which allows us all to miss rush-hour. We are happy to still come to your hotel to meet you but for the moment we would suggest meeting us at the tour starting point. This allows you to arrive by a taxi or uber rather than public transport. Please feel free to wear masks throughout or at times during the tour. Your guide will also have a mask with them.
Meeting point
Just outside the entrance/exit of Canary Wharf Underground 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
