Southwark - an exclusive private walking tour full of surprises!
London, GB
100% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Fascinating history of sleaze and glamour
- Exclusive private walking tour
- Magnificent cathedral and ruins of Winchester Palace
- Glorious Globe theatre
- Life-sized replica of the Golden Hinde
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Private Tour
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Duration 3 hours
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Experienced local guide
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Includes visit to Southwark Cathedral
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Small group size (max 5)
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Explore iconic Southwark sites
Embark on a captivating journey through the hidden history of Southwark with this exclusive private walking tour. Discover the secrets of this sophisticated area of London, where sleaze and glamour coexisted for centuries. While the City of London imposed strict rules on entertainment, Southwark became a hub of drinking, gambling dens, brothels, theatres, and even bear baiting. Young men from the City flocked to Southwark to indulge in its forbidden delights. As you explore, you'll encounter the grand palace of the Bishops of Winchester, the magnificent Southwark Cathedral, the ruins of Winchester Palace, the iconic Globe Theatre, and a life-sized replica of the Golden Hinde. Your experienced local guide, accredited by the Institute of Tourist Guiding, will bring this bygone era to life, sharing fascinating stories and hidden gems along the way. Immerse yourself in history and book this unforgettable walking tour of Southwark.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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3 hours 30 minutes
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English
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Mobile voucher
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Private Tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Discover Southwark's hidden history with a private walking tour, exploring its fascinating blend of glamour and sleaze over 3 hours.
Included
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A fun, experienced professional, local guide, accredited by the Institute of Tourist Guiding
Excluded
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Gratuities - optional -
Transportation to/from the start and end points of the walk
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Food and drink - we can enjoy a break together but your food and drink purchases are at your expense
Meeting Point
Go to the lower concourse of London Bridge station and I will be beside the finger post between Pret a Manger and the Body Shop
Station Approach Rd, London SE1 9SP , United Kingdom
End Point
The tour ends close to the only remaining Southwark inn, the original of which dates back to the 1600s. An ideal place to toast the tour with a well earned drink!
24 Southwark St, London SE1 1TY , United Kingdom
What to expect
Hay's Galleria
A beautifully renovated space, this converted warehouse is now home to shops, restaurants, offices and apartments. Emerging onto Queens Walk at the back of the Galleria, there are fantastic views of the River Thames and the City of London on the north bank.
10 minutes
Admission Included
Following the part of this path between Tower and London bridges gives us a chance to enjoy views of London's iconic skyline with buildings spanning a timeline of more than 900 years! On the one hand, the White Tower of the Tower of London is a reminder of Norman power from the 12th century whilst the City of London next door is filled with buildings yet to celebrate their 12th birthdays! A wonderful contrast between old and new, something to look at as we consider the history of this area back to a time when this was one of the busiest dockyards in the world.
15 minutes
This centuries old market used to be a raucous market place for the wholesale trading of cattle, fish and grain. As we wander through the vibrant market of today, we can enjoy its hustle and bustle and imagine how things used to be.
10 minutes
This is one of the oldest churches in London which somehow survived the purge by that most notorious of kings, Henry VIII. Designated a cathedral since 1905, nothing prepares you for the sheer beauty of the interior: soaring arches and a dramatic ceiling give the feeling of space and wonder. There is much to experience here: a stained glass window dedicated to the playwright Shakespeare who lived and worked in the Borough; a Diamond Jubilee window to celebrate the late Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne and Harvard Chapel commissioned by alumni of Harvard University to honour its founder John Harvard who was baptized in St Saviour's church as it was then. We will go inside the Cathedral for about 20 minutes and although entry is free, there is a small charge for photography which is payable on entry.
20 minutes
Golden Hinde
A replica of the ship which circumnavigated the globe in the 1570s stands majestically beside the River Thames. Once you have come to terms with the fact that a ship this size could possibly complete such a tough and challenging journey, it is interesting to catch up with a few fun facts about the voyage: what was the famous ship called originally, who was on board and how many of the original fleet made it back to England? We will stop for about 5 minutes so that I can answer these questions plus pass on a few other interesting facts!!
10 minutes
You will gaze on the ruins of what used to be the large and luxurious home of the Bishops of Winchester. In an area full of sleaze and narrow, run down alleys and yards, once stood this beautiful palace proof that the privileged lived right next door to the poor. You will learn about the power of the Bishops and the meaning of the term Winchester geese - you might be a little surprised by what went on inside the boundaries of the Bishop's lands!
10 minutes
The Museum stands on the site of the original Clink prison which was inside the lands of the Bishops of Winchester and next door to their luxurious palace. There could not be a greater contrast between the two. The Clink went from being a prison housing wrongdoers to one housing heretics for daring to espouse views contrary to the Bishops' own. I'll tell you about the prison's conditions, how you could buy your way to a more comfortable stay inside and how this most gruesome of places was finally put to rest.
5 minutes
You get two Globe theatres for the price of one on this tour! We pass by the location of the original Globe built towards the end of the 1500s and within half a mile, get to admire the magnificent modern Globe which exists because of the perseverance of an American actor called Sam Wanamaker. Having seen the outside, you will want to book to see a performance on the inside too!
15 minutes
As this old power station towers above, it is possible to imagine that it houses London's biggest museum of art. It is one of four Tate museums in England concentrating on the display of the work of international artists since the 1900s.
5 minutes
Admission Not Included
A much loved theatre today, this historic building used to be home to a chocolate factory run by Meniers who, in the latter half of the 1800s, was the largest chocolate manufacturer in the France. Sadly, as the two World Wars raged in Europe, neutral countries like Switzerland gained the advantage formulating new recipes for chocolate with delicious fillings, an advance which Meniers could not complete with. The building became derelict but was designated a grade II listed building in the 1990s meaning that it could not be demolished. It then began its new life as a successful, off-West End theatre and I'll explain Menier's interesting history.
5 minutes
This graveyard was only discovered when Transport for London was working on the Jubilee line extension. Archaeologists from the Museum of London who joined the excavations estimated there were 15,000 bodies buried on the site. This is where you'll hear more about those Winchester Geese!
10 minutes
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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100% of my Trip Advisor/Viator reviews are graded 'excellent' and as I now have over 160 reviews in total, I must be doing something right! -
I ALWAYS contact my customers before a tour so if you have not heard from me one week before the date of the tour, please contact me instead.
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I only accept bookings directly from customers. Any bookings made by a travel agent on behalf of a customer will be cancelled.
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I prefer to guide small groups of up to five family or friends so everyone can hear what I am saying above the usual street noises of a busy city. Also, everyone can ask as many questions as they like.
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Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Service animals allowed
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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The tour is an outside walking tour but does include one internal stop to see the inside of Southwark Cathedral.
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The tour will cover a distance of about 2 - 3 miles in total.
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The tour will go ahead come rain or shine so please don't be put off by the weather. Do wear comfortable shoes and clothing. If needs be, bring waterproofs and an umbrella!
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The tour will last up to 3.5 hours.
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Unlike some other guides, I specialise in just five areas of London, Southwark being one of them. This means that I have detailed knowledge of the area which I pass on to my clients in a fun and interesting way.
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When your booking is confirmed, you will receive contact details for me (Sandy) your guide on this tour. My aim is to give you, the client, the best experience you could possibly have so if you have any special requests, be sure to let me know what they are!
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Your comfort is my priority - if you need to stop for a coffee or a comfort break, just let me know.
What our experts say
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking. -
Consider a coffee break at Borough Market.
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Check out the views at Hay's Galleria.
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Bring waterproofs; the tour runs rain or shine.
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Don't miss the intriguing Clink Prison Museum.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Welcome to the Southwark - an exclusive private walking tour full of surprises! This tour takes you through the sophisticated area of Southwark in London, revealing its fascinating history of sleaze and glamour from centuries past. While modern-day Southwark may seem like any other part of London, it holds secrets and stories that will captivate your imagination.What to expect?
During this walking tour, you can expect to uncover the hidden gems of Southwark. Your experienced and knowledgeable guide will lead you through the enchanting streets, sharing intriguing tales of the area's past. Discover how Southwark became the entertainment center for the City of London, where strict rules didn't apply, allowing for drinking, gambling dens, brothels, theaters, and even bear baiting.Who is this for?
This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and anyone looking to explore the lesser-known side of London. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this experience will immerse you in the captivating history of Southwark. Don't worry if you're not a history buff, as the tour is designed to be inclusive and enjoyable for all.Why book this?
Embark on this exclusive private walking tour to truly understand the allure of Southwark. Marvel at the magnificent Southwark Cathedral and witness the ruins of the once lavish Winchester Palace. Immerse yourself in the world of Shakespeare as you visit the glorious Globe Theatre. And don't forget to explore the life-sized replica of the Golden Hinde, a ship that played a significant role in English maritime history. This tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history and hidden stories of Southwark, creating memories that will last a lifetime.Good to know
Joining this tour means you'll be accompanied by a fun and experienced professional guide, accredited by the Institute of Tourist Guiding. While the tour does not include food and drink, your guide can recommend great spots for a break along the way. Please note that transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the walking tour is not included, so plan accordingly.Reviews
Previous participants of this tour have raved about the knowledgeable guides, who bring the history of Southwark to life with their storytelling skills. Travelers have expressed their satisfaction with the itinerary, highlighting the chance to see iconic landmarks such as Southwark Cathedral and the Globe Theatre. Overall, the tour has received glowing reviews for its ability to transport visitors back in time and provide a unique perspective on London's history. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!
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