Shakespeare in the City Walk, London
Discover Shakespeare’s London through hidden alleys, historic sites, and live performances on this immersive two-hour walking tour starting at Blackfriars Station.
The Shakespeare in the City Walk is a guided two-hour walking tour starting outside Blackfriars Underground Station in London. It explores Shakespeare’s life and legacy on the north bank of the Thames, visiting hidden alleys, historic sites, and lesser-known memorials connected to the Bard. Led by a former professional actor, the tour includes live performances of Shakespeare’s speeches and reveals intimate stories about his personal and professional life.
A brief summary to Shakespeare in the City Walk
- Underground Ltd, Blackfriars station, Blackfriars Rd, London, EC4R 2BB, GB
- +447905746733
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Friday 11 am-1 pm
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on cobblestones and climbing stairs.
- Bring layered clothing to prepare for changing weather, as the tour is outdoors.
- The tour is moderately physically demanding; be prepared for brisk walking and some stair climbing.
- Arrive a few minutes early at Blackfriars Underground Station to meet the guide outside the only station exit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground
Take the London Underground Circle or District lines to Blackfriars Station. The tour meeting point is just outside the only exit. Journey times vary depending on your starting location but typically range from 15 to 40 minutes from central London areas. No parking is available at the station.
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Bus
Several London bus routes stop near Blackfriars Station, including routes 40, 63, N63, and N89. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with travel times varying based on traffic, generally between 20 and 45 minutes from central London.
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Cycling
Santander Cycles bike hire is available with docking stations at Blackfriars Underground Station. Cycling offers a flexible and eco-friendly way to reach the tour start, with cycle lanes and bike parking provided.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking to Blackfriars Station is convenient. The area features cobblestone streets and some stairs, so wear comfortable shoes. Walking times vary but expect 10 to 30 minutes from central London landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Shakespeare in the City Walk location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Shakespeare in the City Walk
Exploring Shakespeare’s London Beyond the Globe
The Shakespeare in the City Walk offers a unique perspective on the life and times of William Shakespeare by focusing on the north bank of the River Thames, an area less frequented by tourists compared to the Southwark district where the Globe Theatre stands. This walking tour uncovers hidden alleys, courtyards, and passageways that Shakespeare would have known, many of which are now forgotten or obscured by modern development. The route includes visits to sites such as Blackfriars Playhouse, Shakespeare's only known London home, and various churches and streets tied to his personal history.A Living History Brought to Life by Performance
What sets this tour apart is its engaging guide, a former professional actor who enriches the experience by reciting Shakespeare’s speeches at historically relevant locations along the route. This theatrical element adds depth and atmosphere, allowing visitors to connect emotionally with the Bard’s works while walking through the city’s historic fabric. The guide also shares anecdotes about Shakespeare’s relationships, friendships, and the cultural context of Elizabethan London.Discovering Hidden Memorials and Literary Landmarks
Along the walk, participants encounter a variety of memorials dedicated to Shakespeare, including statues, plaques, busts, and an unusual totem pole situated in a car park. These lesser-known tributes provide a tangible link to Shakespeare’s enduring influence. The tour also passes by significant landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and the site of Blackfriars Theatre, highlighting the theatrical and social environment that shaped Shakespeare’s career.The Physical and Cultural Journey
The tour covers approximately two hours on foot, involving brisk walking and climbing stairs, making it suitable for visitors with moderate fitness. Cobblestone streets and historic stairways add to the authentic atmosphere but require comfortable footwear. The walk ends at Barbican Underground Station, offering convenient access to other parts of London. This journey through Shakespeare’s London is both a cultural immersion and a physical exploration of the city’s rich theatrical heritage.Contextualizing Shakespeare in London’s Urban Landscape
By focusing on the City of London rather than the more famous Southwark area, the walk reveals how Shakespeare’s life intersected with the commercial, religious, and residential heart of Elizabethan London. It highlights the interplay between the playwright’s personal experiences and the urban environment, providing insight into how the city influenced his works and legacy.Engaging for History and Literature Enthusiasts
Ideal for those interested in English literature, history, and theatre, the Shakespeare in the City Walk offers an enriching experience that combines storytelling, performance, and exploration. It reveals a side of Shakespeare’s London rarely seen on typical tourist routes, making it a distinctive cultural attraction in the capital.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Victoria Embankment
0.1 km
A historic riverside promenade in London blending Victorian engineering, scenic gardens, iconic monuments, and stunning Thames views.
Blackfriars Bridge
0.2 km
Historic and widest Thames crossing in London, blending Victorian engineering with medieval heritage and stunning river views.
Ludgate Circus
0.3 km
Historic Victorian junction where London's ancient Ludgate once stood, blending rich legend, architecture, and urban vitality.
Queen Anne Statue
0.4 km
Historic statue commemorating Queen Anne’s reign and the completion of St. Paul’s Cathedral, symbolizing Britain’s royal heritage and resilience.
The National Firefighters Memorial
0.4 km
A solemn tribute in London honoring the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who served during the Blitz and beyond.
Temple Bar London
0.4 km
Explore Temple Bar, London’s historic ceremonial gateway rebuilt by Christopher Wren, rich with royal heritage and striking 17th-century architecture.
Hare Pl
0.5 km
Discover Hare Place in Temple, London—a serene historic enclave steeped in centuries of legal tradition and architectural charm.
3 Gunpowder Square
0.5 km
A modern square in London’s financial district commemorating the dramatic history of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot and Guy Fawkes’ daring conspiracy.
South Bank Community Area
0.5 km
A vibrant riverside cultural and historic district in central London, home to iconic landmarks, arts venues, and scenic Thames views.
Prince Henry's Room
0.5 km
Discover a rare Jacobean timber-framed treasure on Fleet Street, rich with history, ornate plasterwork, and tales from London's past.
King's Reach commemoration memorial
0.6 km
Historic riverside memorial honoring King George V’s Silver Jubilee and the naming of London’s Thames stretch as 'King’s Reach'.
Holborn Viaduct
0.6 km
A grand Victorian bridge spanning London's hidden Fleet valley, blending engineering innovation with ornate artistry and rich history.
St Clement Danes Church
0.7 km
Historic London church and Central Church of the Royal Air Force, famed for its Wren architecture, RAF memorials, and iconic 'Oranges and Lemons' bells.
Southwark Bridge
0.7 km
A graceful steel-arched Thames crossing with a rich history, distinctive green-and-yellow detailing, and a key role in London’s illuminated river landscape.
Bomber Harris Memorial
0.7 km
A solemn tribute to RAF Bomber Command’s leader and airmen, set within the historic St Clement Danes Church in London’s Temple district.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Blackfriar
0.1 km
A Grade II* listed Art Nouveau pub on the site of a medieval Dominican friary, packed with friar-themed carvings, mosaics, and stained glass in the heart of London.
Apothecaries' Hall
0.2 km
Historic 17th-century livery hall near St Paul’s, blending rich heritage with elegant event spaces and timeless charm.
Church Entry
0.2 km
Discover Church Entry, a narrow medieval alley in Blackfriars tracing the ancient Blackfriars Priory’s sacred church line beneath modern London.
St Bride's Church, Fleet Street
0.3 km
Discover the historic heart of Fleet Street, where journalism, printing, and London’s past converge in a stunning Wren-designed church.
City of London Distillery & Bar
0.3 km
Discover London’s historic gin distillery and cocktail bar, blending tradition, innovation, and over 130 gins in a stylish subterranean setting.
Punch Tavern
0.3 km
Discover The Punch Tavern, a historic pub on Fleet Street, serving traditional British fare and a vast selection of drinks in a charming atmosphere.
St Martin Ludgate
0.3 km
Discover St Martin Ludgate, a serene Wren church blending Roman history and 17th-century elegance in the heart of London’s ancient city.
College of Arms
0.4 km
Explore centuries of heraldic tradition at the historic College of Arms, London's official authority on coats of arms and genealogy.
Stationers' Hall
0.4 km
Historic Grade I listed venue near St Paul’s Cathedral offering elegant event spaces and a secluded garden for weddings and corporate events.
Fleet St
0.4 km
Historic London street famed as the traditional home of British journalism, rich in literary heritage and hidden urban secrets.
Millennium Bridge
0.4 km
Explore the Millennium Bridge, a modern architectural gem in London, linking iconic landmarks with stunning river views and cultural experiences.
Monument Queen Victoria
0.4 km
Historic gateway memorial with majestic statues of Queen Victoria and Edward VII, crowned by the iconic City of London dragon.
St. Paul's Cathedral
0.5 km
Explore the architectural beauty and spiritual significance of St. Paul's Cathedral, a must-visit landmark in the heart of London, offering stunning views and rich history.
Big Belly Bar & Comedy Club London
0.5 km
Experience top-tier comedy, delicious street food, and lively drinks at Southbank’s Big Belly Bar & Comedy Club, a hub for laughter and creativity.
Hodge The Cat Statue
0.5 km
Discover the charming bronze statue of Hodge, Samuel Johnson's beloved cat, perched on a dictionary in historic Gough Square, London.
Essential places to dine
Sea Containers Restaurant
0.4 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
0.6 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Madison
0.6 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Ikoyi Restaurant
0.8 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
Wahaca Southbank
1.0 km
Experience vibrant Mexican street food in a unique riverside setting with scenic Thames views and lively atmosphere at Wahaca Southbank.
St. John
1.0 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Brasserie Blanc - Southbank
1.0 km
Authentic French brasserie dining with hearty seasonal dishes and rustic charm on London’s lively South Bank.
Southbank Centre Food Market
1.1 km
A lively weekend street food market on London’s South Bank offering diverse global cuisines in a vibrant riverside setting.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
1.1 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
The Archduke
1.1 km
Lively steakhouse and wine bar in Waterloo with superb Scotch beef, classic desserts, and live jazz in a buzzy, inviting atmosphere.
Ping Pong Southbank
1.1 km
Lively Southbank dim sum and cocktail bar blending traditional Chinese flavors with modern Asian fusion in a bustling riverside setting.
Strada Southbank
1.1 km
Authentic Southern Italian flavors served with vibrant riverside views in the heart of London’s Southbank.
Sarastro
1.1 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
wagamama southbank
1.1 km
Lively riverside pan-Asian dining with fresh, bold flavors and stunning Thames views at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
1.2 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bankside Arches Boutique
0.3 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
0.5 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
0.5 km
Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.
j-me original design ltd
0.5 km
Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
Sugar And Style
0.6 km
Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
Twinings - The Strand
0.6 km
Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
The Store X
0.8 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
London Silver Vaults
0.9 km
The world's largest underground marketplace for fine antique and contemporary silver, hidden beneath historic Chancery Lane.
Smithfield Market
0.9 km
London’s oldest wholesale meat market, where history and commerce meet in the heart of the city.
1 Poultry
0.9 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
The Old Curiosity Shop
1.0 km
Step into a Tudor-era timbered cottage steeped in Dickensian lore, nestled amidst the vibrant heart of modern London.
Borough Yards
1.0 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
not just a shop
1.1 km
Discover unique, handcrafted art and design by UAL’s students and alumni at this creative retail hub in central London.
Southbank Centre Shop, Mandela Walk
1.1 km
Discover creative gifts, sustainable homewares, and arts-inspired souvenirs on vibrant Mandela Walk, opposite Royal Festival Hall—a stylish treat amid South Bank's cultural heartbeat.
The Royal Exchange
1.2 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Parrot
0.3 km
Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
0.4 km
A large, riverside Nicholson’s pub on Blackfriars Bridge offering classic British fare, real ales and a rooftop terrace with strong Thames views.
Lyaness
0.4 km
Innovative cocktails and sustainable mixology with stunning Thames views in London’s stylish South Bank hotspot.
The Understudy
0.8 km
Riverside craft beers, KERB street food, and Thames views at the National Theatre's lively bar – perfect for pre-show bites or late-night hangs on London's South Bank.
honestfolk Cocktail Bar (Southbank Centre Food Market)
1.1 km
Seasonal cocktails and classics from a cozy mobile bar at Southbank Centre Food Market, where Thames breezes mingle with market buzz and craft libations.
Southbank Centre, Members Bar
1.1 km
Elevated wine bar with Thames panoramas and cultured calm atop Royal Festival Hall—perfect for drinks amid London's arts heartbeat.
Be At One - Covent Garden Lyceum
1.1 km
Shake up your night in Covent Garden with 100+ cocktails, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclasses in a historic spot pulsing with theater-district energy.
Plume Wine Bar
1.1 km
Covent Garden speakeasy in Dickens' old offices: sparkling wines from afar, cheesy sharing plates, and note-passing to strangers in candlelit luxury.
The Chocolate Cocktail Club
1.1 km
London’s intimate chocolate cocktail bar blending rich flavors, stylish ambiance, and over 20 unique chocolate-infused drinks.
Beaufort Bar
1.2 km
Step into the Beaufort Bar’s jet-black and gold Art Deco glamour for exquisite cocktails, live sultry music, and a timeless London night out.
American Bar
1.2 km
Step into London’s oldest cocktail bar, where over a century of mixology mastery meets elegant Art Deco charm at The Savoy.
Be At One - Russell Street
1.2 km
Covent Garden’s vibrant cocktail bar with 100+ drinks, late-night parties, and unbeatable 2-for-1 happy hours in a stylish basement setting.
Dirty Martini - Covent Garden
1.2 km
Glamorous Covent Garden cocktail haven pulsing with martini magic, bottomless brunches, and late-night DJ vibes under sparkling chandeliers.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
1.2 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
Eve Bar Covent Garden
1.3 km
Subterranean Covent Garden cocktail bar tempting with zero-waste elixirs, decadent snacks, and Eden-inspired glamour beneath a Michelin-starred haven.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
1.0 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
Proud Late
1.0 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Carwash Nightclub
1.2 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
London Best Night Clubs
1.3 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Cirque Du Soul
1.3 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
1.3 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
1.3 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
1.4 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Heaven
1.5 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
1.5 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
1.5 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
The Roxy
1.6 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Ministry of Sound
1.6 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
1.6 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
The Ivy Club
1.7 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Cultural Heritage
- Scenic
- Entertaining
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
