Southwark Walk

Explore the history of the famous Borough Market and its surroundings. This walk will uncover the hidden histories of Borough and Bankside, from breweries to brothels.
  • Discover Roman London to present day
  • Follow in the footsteps of Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens
  • Qualified London tour guide
90 mins linear walk
Step-free
Individual tickets £24 inc. fees

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Embark on a captivating journey through the historical tapestry of Southwark, where each cobblestone holds secrets of centuries past. Our walking tour invites you to traverse the vibrant heart of London’s oldest district, unveiling the captivating tales that have shaped its character. 

Wander beneath the shadow of the Old London Bridge, a bridge that stood witness to the passage of time and the river’s stories. Stroll past St Thomas’s Hospital, a beacon of compassion and healing, and discover the fascinating artefacts within the Old Operating Theatre, where the echoes of medical history resonate. 

As we meander through the streets, Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales come to life, and the spirits of Charles Dickens, Shakespeare, and Octavia Hill seem to whisper from every corner. Immerse yourself in the allure of age-old pubs, where lively stories and hearty laughter still reverberate within the walls. Marvel at archaeological treasures that have risen from the earth to tell tales of forgotten epochs, and stand in reverence by the mass graveyard, a poignant reminder of lives long gone. 

Behold the splendour of the last remaining galleried tavern in London, a portal to an era of elegance and indulgence. Delve into the footsteps of John Keats, a poet who found solace and inspiration amidst these very streets. And as we conclude, the iconic Globe Theatre awaits, a shrine to the immortal works of Shakespeare, beckoning you to relive the magic of his plays. Join us on this odyssey through Southwark, where history breathes, and legends live on.

Southwark Walk Reviews

Jill

“Really enjoyed learning the history of Southwark with our guide, Hazel, who is a font of historical knowledge. Now that summer is around the corner am intending doing more of these really interesting walks and learning more of London, especially the hidden parts.”

Anne

“Hazel was an excellent kind and helpful guide. She marshalled the group tactfully and delivered her fascinating mine of information at a perfectly modulated volume so everyone could hear without problems. We learnt about the history of Southwark over the centuries including Chaucer, Shakespeare, Thomas Guy and Keats amongst others and Hazel even read a passage of Middle English for us from The Canterbury Tales. We saw the site of the original Globe theatre and many other historic buildings and sites. A highly recommended Guide, thankyou, I will soon be retracing the area and exploring further.

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Susan

“A well paced and informative walk in an area I thought I was familiar with! Hazel is an enthusiastic, extremely knowledgeable and competent guide who delights in revealing the hidden ‘gems’ of the various back-streets and alleyways. History and fun facts galore ..highly recommend.”

Sheila

“Very interesting walk around Borough and Beyond. Even though I have been to this area often the information regarding the history of the back streets I did not know. Also the influence of the City of London had during the Tudor and Stewart periods towards this area. The tour guide was friendly, professional and entertaining. I fully recommend these London walks.”

Margaret

“A very enjoyable afternoon. I thought I was quite familiar with Borough and Bankside, but the walk took us through numerous back streets and alleys, away from the Saturday crowds, highlighting many overlooked sites and intriguing traces of the area’s history. Despite the chilly weather, the pace was well judged, keeping everyone moving while providing just the right amount of fascinating detail at each stop. Highly recommended.”

Helen

“An interesting walk led by a personable and knowledgeable guide. Even if you know the area well, there are many fascinating details and lesser-known sights that are easy to overlook without expert guidance. We always come away from a London Guided Walk having learned something new and inspired to return and explore the area further. Thank you.”

Marilyn

“A gentle walk with fascinating insights into the changing landscape of the area and the colourful characters who lived and worked there. The guide was clearly very knowledgeable, sharing their expertise in an engaging and approachable way, while leading the group with warmth and enthusiasm.”

Steve

“Great walk by Hazel with lots of variety and interest, delivered with energy and wit.”

Julia

“Hazel is an excellent guide – enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I went on the walk with a friend who was born in the area and still lives locally who, like me, who unaware of the hidden historical gems Hazel revealed to us. It left me wanting to know more. My group all agreed that we would love to go on another of Hazel’s guided walks. Highly recommended.”

Suzie

“I enjoyed this walk so much! It was just amazing that Hazel managed to fit so many unknown gems of the area into a mere 90 minutes – and to impart so much knowledge to us, without leaving us feeling ‘lectured to’. I worked in this area for years, and was never aware of any of these hidden places before – now I can’t wait to go back for a closer look! Thanks so much for this truly unique experience!”

Susan

“Hazel is an excellent guide – enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I went on the walk with a friend who was born in the area and still lives locally who, like me, who unaware of the hidden historical gems Hazel revealed to us. It left me wanting to know more. My group all agreed that we would love to go on another of Hazel’s guided walks. Highly recommended.”

Qualified London Tour Guides

City of London Tour Guide Badge
City of Westminster Guide
Clerkenwell & Islington Guide
Lambeth Tour Guide Badge
Camden Tour Guides Association

All Upcoming Guided Walks

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