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Booze, Brothels & The Bard: A Walking Tour of London's Bawdy Borough

5 (42)
London, GB
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Booze, Brothels & The Bard: A Walking Tour of London's Bawdy Borough

5 (42)
London, GB
Share
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Step back in time and journey through a millennium of scandal and intrigue with the Booze, Brothels & The Bard: A Walking Tour of London's Bawdy Borough. Explore the dark underbelly of London's history as you meet the infamous characters who once roamed these streets. Join William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, and even the ghost of a pub landlady on this captivating two-hour walking tour. Discover the seedy goings-on in the areas around Borough and Bankside, including its notorious prisons, medieval palace remains, and the iconic Shakespeare's Globe Theatres. With limited ticket sales to ensure an intimate experience, this tour promises maximum enjoyment for all attendees. Don't miss your chance to immerse yourself in the secrets of London's past on this unforgettable adventure.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • 2 hours
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Explore the seedy and scandalous history of London
  • Visit the remains of the Marshalsea Prison
  • Discover the Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance
  • Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Borough Market
  • Step back in time at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
  • Walking Tour Guide
  • Gratuities

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More about this experience

Introduction

Step back in time and embark on a captivating journey through the fascinating history of London's bawdy borough. Introducing "Booze, Brothels & The Bard: A Walking Tour of London's Bawdy Borough," a two-hour immersive experience that will transport you through a thousand years of scandalous tales, iconic figures, and hidden gems. This walking tour will take you through the vibrant areas of Borough and Bankside, where seedy goings-on and intriguing stories have shaped the city's history.

What to Expect?

Prepare to be enthralled as you walk in the footsteps of literary legend William Shakespeare, encounter medieval Winchester Geese prostitutes, and even cross paths with Charles Dickens himself. This unique tour will unravel the secrets of Southwark's notorious past, where prostitution has thrived since Roman times. Visit the remnants of two infamous prisons, witness the hustle and bustle of a millennium-old market, explore the remains of a medieval palace, and discover both the original and modern incarnations of Shakespeare's Globe Theatres.

Who is This For?

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a Shakespeare aficionado, or simply someone with an insatiable curiosity for the hidden stories of a city, this walking tour is perfect for you. It caters to every adventurer seeking a deeper understanding of London's rich past. Join fellow explorers from all walks of life, as this tour is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all who wish to delve into the captivating history of the bawdy borough.

Why Book This?

This isn't your typical touristy walking tour; it's an immersive experience that transports you back in time. Led by expert guides who possess a wealth of knowledge and a passion for storytelling, "Booze, Brothels & The Bard" promises a truly unforgettable adventure. Uncover the hidden underbelly of London's history, where scandal and intrigue lurked around every corner. From the fascinating tales of prostitutes to the ghostly presence of a pub landlady, this tour offers a unique perspective on the city's past. Prepare to be captivated by the vivid narratives, atmospheric locations, and the opportunity to step into the world of literary greats.

Good to Know

This walking tour commences outside Borough Station and concludes near London Bridge Station, covering a distance of approximately two miles. To ensure an intimate and enjoyable experience for all participants, ticket sales are limited to fifteen attendees per tour. Comfortable footwear is recommended, as you'll be strolling through the historical streets and absorbing the ambiance of the bawdy borough. Don't forget to bring your camera, as there will be plenty of photo-worthy moments along the way.

Reviews

Previous attendees have raved about their experience on the "Booze, Brothels & The Bard" walking tour. One delighted customer exclaimed, "This tour exceeded all my expectations! The guide's storytelling skills brought history to life, and I felt as though I had traveled back in time. Truly an enchanting experience!" Others praised the knowledgeable guides, the carefully curated itinerary, and the unique insight into London's scandalous past. Join the ranks of satisfied travelers who have discovered the hidden gems of the bawdy borough and left with a newfound appreciation for London's captivating history.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Your Itinerary

St George the Martyr

The only remaining part of the Marshalsea Prison

Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance

The final resting place for thousands of Southwark's outcast dead

The Hop Exchange

The largest extant reminder of Southwark's beer trade

George

London's last surviving galleried coaching inn

Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret

Europe's oldest surviving operating theatre

London Bridge

The world famous and iconic London Bridge

Southwark Cathedral

London's oldest surviving gothic church

Borough Market

A one thousand year old food market

Winchester Palace

The remains of one of the most prestigious homes in medieval England

Clink Prison Museum

The site of the notorious Clink Prison

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

The reconstruction of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Reviews

(42)

5 (42)

478abbiej

Thank you so much Tom, what an interesting tour we really enjoyed it. Very informative and historical, we are really looking forward to your next tour that we will surely book on.

kimberlytY5026CM

This was a great way to see a part of London that we hadn't toured before. I would definitely do another tour with this group again.

mcdanio

The virtual tour was so excellently run by Tom, that I felt like it was in real life. The tour give me many new tips and information, I was not aware of, even though know few things about historical London and the City of London too. Tom’s skills to present and vast knowledge made my experience incredible. Most recommended London guide among very few great one.

anahib89

The tour guide, Tom, was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. The tour itself was full of interesting information, and he was more than happy to answer all our questions and elaborate on the stories he was sharing. Would definitely recommend.

Flyer106171

The tour was great. Our guide, Tom, was very knowledgeable, prompt and great communication. It was really interesting to be guided around a part of London I wouldn’t normally go to. Will definitely book Tom’s other walks when visiting London again.

DittoDitto789

Despite a cold day with a bitter wind we greatly enjoyed the "Booze, Brothels & The Bard" tour. Tom was a very knowledgeable and friendly guide leading us around a fascinating area. There is history at every turn from as far back as the Romans but taking in Dickens and Shakespeare and much else.

M4682WKsamw

An incredibly interesting and engaging tour. We saw some very interesting sites, thay I had never seen before. Saw a whole new side to a part of the city i have spent quite alot of time in. Which was great! Highly recommended.

johnq276

Interesting and informative walk around a less well-known part of London, conducted at a reasonable pace. Tom was knowledgeable, easily heard and did a great job of unravelling fact from fiction. Would thoroughly recommend.

anndrourr

I've been to London many times over the past 25 years and this was one of the very best tours that I have done. Tom was funny, easy to talk to, happy to answer questions, and a great companion to an area of London that was very new to me. The tour was expertly paced, full of information, and guidance for things to do on your own. This was my last day of a two week trip to Europe and before I arrived I was quite tired and ready to head home. In fact, I almost skipped it. I am so glad that I didn't - it was great. I will definitely do another tour with Tom on my next trip to London.

Seaside41128653768

Another fantastic walking tour of the Southwark areas of London.. 2 hrs just sped by ! Was so interesting and again left us with the feeling of being a little more knowledgeable about some of the history to our capital city! Tom’s a great guide … brings to every tour the right level of informative but also appreciate the back history to places we’d have just walked by without knowing it’s past ‘usage’ Just brilliant!
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-01 00:09