London Bridge & Southwark: Private Half-Day Walking Tour
Explore some of London’s most iconic buildings, markets, theatres, and fabulous views on this private walking tour in the London Borough of Southwark along the south bank of the River Thames and discover the London Bridge, Southbank, Borough Market, and more!
On your private half-day walking tour you will:
Start your tour beside the river on the beautiful Bankside footpath and enjoy incredible vistas of London's finest bridges, castles, and cathedrals;See Blackfriars Railway Bridge with its red pillars – and learn how it was demolished during the war;Walkthrough the Founder's Arms, a lovely pub with incredible views across to St Paul's Cathedral;Have a look at Bankside Beach and enjoy the marvellous view of the Thames;Pass by the incredible Tate Modern art museum, and the iconic wobbly Millennium Bridge – made famous by the last Harry Potter book/movie;Stop at Shakespeare’s Globe and the now-iconic mural of the Bard for a fantastic photo and to hear all about life in Elizabethan London.;See the Golden Hind pirate ship, and hear the tales of Sir Francis Drake, Queen Elizabeth I’s favourite sailor who circumnavigated the globe;Visit Southwark Cathedral, the oldest Gothic church in London where Shakespeare’s brother is buried;See HMS Belfast from the outside as you stroll along the river;Explore Southwark's treasure trove of galleries, historic buildings, and pubs. Visit the Hay's Galleria, an impressive Grade II listed mixed-use building and desirable warehouse in London;Learn about the area's strong connection with Shakespeare and Dickens, see the Globe theatre and the infamous Clink prison where Dickens's father was imprisoned for debt;See the old prison walls, the haunting pauper’s burial grounds of the ‘Winchester Geese’ and London's last surviving coaching inn;Visit Borough Market - where your tour ends - and learn the history of the historic market before enjoying its many fares. Begin at London Bridge, where the small trading town built by the Romans stood upon the river Thames. Hear the stories of how the Thames helped Britain take command of the oceans - from Sir Francis Drake and his journey on the Golden Hind to the HMS Belfast, the most significant surviving Royal Navy warship from the Second World War.
For centuries, London has stood at the centre of the world’s commerce, adapting to the shifting tides of power and technology. A former dockland and industrial slum, and now an icon of successful regeneration, London Bridge is one of London’s most historic and storied districts.
Move west along the river and into the time of Shakespeare, as you pass by one of the world's most famous theatres, known for the timeless words penned by arguably the greatest playwright of all time.
A few blocks east and several centuries later, step into the world of Southwark, which was built on industrial, smoky origins. Grand Victorian wharves, granaries, and shipyards once spanned its shores, amassing the trade and treasures of Her Majesty's Empire.
Now, the area has evolved into one of London's most trendy and exciting districts. The neighbourhood has arguably the best vistas across the city, its finest riverside walk, and London's most beloved food and fresh produce at Borough Market.
Overview
Explore some of London’s most iconic buildings, markets, theatres, and fabulous views on this private walking tour in the London Borough of Southwark along the south bank of the River Thames and discover the London Bridge, Southbank, Borough Market, and more! On your private half-day walking tour you will: Start your tour beside the river on the beautiful Bankside footpath and enjoy incredible vistas of London's finest bridges, castles, and cathedrals;See Blackfriars Railway Bridge with its red pillars – and learn how it was demolished during the war;Walkthrough the Founder's Arms, a lovely pub with incredible views across to St Paul's Cathedral;Have a look at Bankside Beach and enjoy the marvellous view of the Thames;Pass by the incredible Tate Modern art museum, and the iconic wobbly Millennium Bridge – made famous by the last Harry Potter book/movie;Stop at Shakespeare’s Globe and the now-iconic mural of the Bard for a fantastic photo and to hear all about life in Elizabethan London.;See the Golden Hind pirate ship, and hear the tales of Sir Francis Drake, Queen Elizabeth I’s favourite sailor who circumnavigated the globe;Visit Southwark Cathedral, the oldest Gothic church in London where Shakespeare’s brother is buried;See HMS Belfast from the outside as you stroll along the river;Explore Southwark's treasure trove of galleries, historic buildings, and pubs. Visit the Hay's Galleria, an impressive Grade II listed mixed-use building and desirable warehouse in London;Learn about the area's strong connection with Shakespeare and Dickens, see the Globe theatre and the infamous Clink prison where Dickens's father was imprisoned for debt;See the old prison walls, the haunting pauper’s burial grounds of the ‘Winchester Geese’ and London's last surviving coaching inn;Visit Borough Market - where your tour ends - and learn the history of the historic market before enjoying its many fares. Begin at London Bridge, where the small trading town built by the Romans stood upon the river Thames. Hear the stories of how the Thames helped Britain take command of the oceans - from Sir Francis Drake and his journey on the Golden Hind to the HMS Belfast, the most significant surviving Royal Navy warship from the Second World War. For centuries, London has stood at the centre of the world’s commerce, adapting to the shifting tides of power and technology. A former dockland and industrial slum, and now an icon of successful regeneration, London Bridge is one of London’s most historic and storied districts. Move west along the river and into the time of Shakespeare, as you pass by one of the world's most famous theatres, known for the timeless words penned by arguably the greatest playwright of all time. A few blocks east and several centuries later, step into the world of Southwark, which was built on industrial, smoky origins. Grand Victorian wharves, granaries, and shipyards once spanned its shores, amassing the trade and treasures of Her Majesty's Empire. Now, the area has evolved into one of London's most trendy and exciting districts. The neighbourhood has arguably the best vistas across the city, its finest riverside walk, and London's most beloved food and fresh produce at Borough Market.
Location
Your guide will meet you outside Caffè Nero next to Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, G4/G9, London SE1 9PH, United Kingdom
Duration
3 hours
Start Times
09:00, 10:00, 14:00, 15:00
Address
12-14 Barge House St, London SE1 9PH, UK
Inclusions
- - A friendly, professional English Speaking tour guide for your own private group
- - Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places.
Exclusions
- - Food and drink
- - Gratuities
- - Hotel pick up and drop off
Venues
- London Bridge
Bridging the gapLondon Bridge – not to be confused with the more extravagant Tower Bridge – has perhaps the richest history of any bridge in London. Nearly 2000 years ago, the Romans constructed a succession of wooden crossings over the river and established the settlement called Londinium which became the Roman-British capital. With the end of Roman rule in the early 5th century, this early incarnation of our bridge fell into disrepair; it was rebuilt some time during the 9th or 10th centuries, possibly by Alfred the Great or Ethelred the Unready, and played an important role in conflicts with the Danish invaders. Throughout the early years following the Norman conquest of England the bridge was destroyed - by a tornado in 1091, and a fire in 1136 - and was rebuilt and strengthened with timber a number of times. Eventually, Henry II had it rebuilt in stone and created a special guild known as the Brethren of the Bridge to be responsible for its maintenance and upkeep. This arched structure had a drawbridge to allow large vessels to pass through, defensive gates at each end, and a chapel in the centre dedicated to the martyr Thomas Becket. Within a few years many shops and houses took up residence there and flourished. By the year 1500 there were about 200 buildings on the Bridge, making it look more like a floating town between London and Southwark. Murders and martyrsFrom the reign of Edward I until the reinstatement of King Charles in 1660, the south gate of the Bridge gruesomely displayed the spiked heads of executed criminals. The Scottish freedom fighter William Wallace was the first head to be placed there. This medieval bridge remained in use for an impressive 622 years until it was deemed necessary to rebuild in the 19th century. The resulting ‘New Bridge’ was then packed up and sold in sections to an American oil and motor tycoon in 1968, after it was decided that the location needed to change when the bridge started sinking. It remains in use in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, to this day. The London Bridge we see now, a concrete and steel box girder construction, was opened in 1973 and is about 30 meters upstream from the original location. Tombs and restaurantsOne of the best features the Bridge has to offer is ‘The London Bridge Experience’. This celebrated attraction gives tourists the history of the Bridge and takes you through the eerie hidden tunnels where actors will impersonate historical figures like the Keeper of Heads, who was responsible for displaying traitors’ heads on spikes during medieval times. This unique tour also takes you through the tombs underneath London. Terrifying ghouls and creeps of all kinds will jump out at you as you make your way through the underground labyrinth. The 19th century Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret is also located just by the bridge and is an interesting attraction for anyone keen on the history of modern surgery. Borough Market on Bankside is open Wednesday to Sunday and is always buzzing with people. It is the oldest food market in this ancient city, where you can find the best fresh produce from around the country, including cakes, cheeses, ciders, vegetables, meat and fish. There are also fantastic English restaurants close by such as Londinium, Roast, and Blueprint Café, which boasts excellent views. Many of the most famous buildings on the London skyline are accessible from London Bridge, including the Shard, a pyramidal glass structure which is the tallest building in Western Europe. Visitors to the Shard can climb to the top floors for exceptional views over London in all directions. Close by you can also find Southwark Cathedral, the oldest Gothic church in London, and celebrated wine-tasting centre Vinopolis.
- HMS Belfast
An iconic battleship permanently moored on the Thames ,that once served in WW2.
- The Golden Hinde
Step back over 400 years in time as you duck below the top deck of Sir Francis Drake’s magnificent Golden Hinde. She was originally known, rather less grandly, as the Pelican, but upon reaching the coast of Brazil in 1578 Drake renamed her in honour of his patron, Sir Christopher Hatton, whose crest was a hind, or female deer. SwashbucklerIn 1577, Drake set off aboard his Pelican at the head of a fleet of five ships, personally tasked by Queen Elizabeth I to pass through the Strait of Magellan at the bottom of South America and explore the ocean beyond. At least, this was the plan that was broadcast. In fact, the two of them intended to cause as much damage to the Spaniards as possible, since tensions between the two nations had been brewing for several years. Drake spent three years circumnavigating the globe, buccaneering as he went, and capturing an enormous amount of Spanish loot. When he returned to Plymouth in 1580, Elizabeth personally went about the Hind and bestowed a knighthood on him. Walk the PlanksSadly, that original vessel ultimately rotted away after staying on display for over 100 years. However, the ship that sits just west of London Bridge today is an exact replica, named the Golden Hinde II. Stepping down into the bowels of the ship, you’ll get a fantastic insight into how the men would have lived here, and marvel at how an 80-strong crew could have existed together in such tight quarters for three whole years. Superb character actors are often put on to bring the displays to life, including barber-surgeons, privateers, and even Sir Francis himself.
- Shakespeare's Globe
The Globe Theatre was built by William Shakespeare's playing company in the 16th century, and its unique design inspired the current Shakespeare's Globe, which was rebuilt to be as close as possible to the original.It opened in 1997 with the production of Henry V as the opening play and was founded by actor and director, Sam Wanamaker.
- Borough Market
Borough market is one of the oldest and largest markets in the UK, having celebrated its 1,000th birthday in 2014. You can find it on the southern side of Southwark cathedral, near London Bridge – you’ll often be able to hear it before you can see it. Fresh off the ShipsThe market has had a rollercoaster ride of riots, closures and changes of fortune over the centuries, but it was in the early 19th century that it really came into its own. Having recently been abolished by an act of parliament, local parishioners took the opportunity to move it to a nearby location. Their chosen site was near the burgeoning wharves near the Thames’ Pool of London, and trade soon began to flourish as tons of fresh produce were brought in from the ships every day. To cope with the boom, a grand set of market buildings was completed in 1851, and are still in use today. The famous Art-Deco entrance on Southwark Street was added in 1932. Taster TimeThese days, Borough Market is a prime location for foodies of all stripes, especially if you’re into speciality foods. Take wander down its crooked little streets and labyrinthine alleyways and you’ll find rare-breed meats from all over the world, as well as a superb range of fresh fish, fantastic cheese and, of course, the usual high-quality produce. Be sure to come with an appetite – there’s an excellent range of hot food traders here, and many of the stalls selling fresh stuff put out enticing trays of tasters to draw you in
- Millennium Bridge
Nick-named by Londoners 'the wobbly bridge' due to unexpected swaying in its early days, this pedestrian walkway over the Thames opened in June 2000.
- Southwark Cathedral
With over a thousand years of history, Southwark Cathedral first shows up in history in the Domesday Book of 1086.
- Globe Theatre
The Globe Theatre was built in 1599 in London. William Shakespeare most famous plays were performed here.
Cancellation Policy
No refund is possible if you cancel.
Related Attractions
Explore similar attractions that other travelers have enjoyed. Discover more options to enhance your travel experience

Warner Bros. Studio Tour and Morning Train TicketWarner Bros. Studio Tour and Morning Train Ticket
*************************************************** 【IMPORTANT INFORMATION】 1. No need to meet our staff at London Euston station. 2. The confirmation of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London and Return train e-ticket will be sent to you by e-mail less tha...
$176
per adult
Houses of Parliament & Westminster Abbey Skip-the-Line TourHouses of Parliament & Westminster Abbey Skip-the-Line Tour
Have the special chance to visit two of London's most important (and UNESCO-listed) landmarks on this guided tour of Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. With your included, skip-the-line admission, you'll bypass the crowds at the ...
$116
per adult
Westminster Royal Parks & Palaces E-Bike TourWestminster Royal Parks & Palaces E-Bike Tour
Avoid the crowds and still see all the top tourist destinations and iconic sights of London on this e-bike tour around the center of the capital. See historic monuments and buildings like Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and Big B...
$84
per adult

6-Course Luxury Dinner Bus Tour6-Course Luxury Dinner Bus Tour
After meeting your bus at the Victoria Embankment bus stop 40B, you will be greeted personally and seated at your own table aboard the top deck of the glass-roofed, luxury coach. During the 3-hour tour, a full 6-course meal, all prepared and cooked ...
$142
per adult

Emirates Stadium Entry Ticket and Audio GuideEmirates Stadium Entry Ticket and Audio Guide
Explore behind the scenes at Arsenal Football Club and let a host of Arsenal stars share their match-day experiences with you with an audio guide of Emirates Stadium. Get ready to take your place in the changing room, walk down the tunnel and imagine...
$41
per adult
Oxford Private Day Tour from LondonOxford Private Day Tour from London
Take a break from the city with a private day trip to Oxford, led by a professional driver/guide. You'll see many of the most important sights in the historic university city, including the historic All Souls College and the Bodleian Library,...
$554
per adult
West End Musicals Silent Disco Walking TourWest End Musicals Silent Disco Walking Tour
Set off from central London with a guide and a headset, ready to explore the city’s vibrant West End theater district. Along a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) walking route, listen to iconic show tunes that play through your headphones, while your gui...
$42
per adult
London Foodie Adventure: +10 dishes with Sherpa Food ToursLondon Foodie Adventure: +10 dishes with Sherpa Food Tours
Embark on a unique London food tour, beginning at Seven Dials. Discover a hidden bakery in Neal's Yard, owned by the most famous restaurant in London, for a delightful treat. Wander through Soho, exploring its rich culture and history. Visit ...
$118
per adult
Drag Queen Disco Diva Tour - Silent Disco Walking TourDrag Queen Disco Diva Tour - Silent Disco Walking Tour
Step into a world of glitz and groove as you join a silent disco walking tour led by the fabulous Ms Christina Draguleira. Slip on your high-tech headphones and follow your sparkling host through the vibrant streets of Soho and Fitzrovia, bop...
$37
per adult
London Private Custom Foodie Walking and Tasting TourLondon Private Custom Foodie Walking and Tasting Tour
Tailor a dining adventure in London to suit your palate with this private, customizable food tour. Choose from themed itineraries—maybe you’ll dive into the multicultural flavors of the East End or explore the hip eateries of Soho and Chinato...
$259
per adult
London Small-Group Thames Rocket Sunset Speedboat TourLondon Small-Group Thames Rocket Sunset Speedboat Tour
See London at its most majestic on a thrilling sunset speedboat tour on the Thames River with a small group. You’ll travel on the Thames at a quieter time of day, when most boats have departed for the day. Alternate between going fast and slo...
$82
per adult
Soho Historic Pubs and Music Themed TourSoho Historic Pubs and Music Themed Tour
Join a guided stroll through Soho’s buzzing streets and discover an array of pubs packed with cultural history. Follow in the footsteps of iconic artists, musicians, writers, and actors who once frequented these very spots. Imagine The Beatle...
$38
per adult
London Small-Group Rock n' Roll Walking TourLondon Small-Group Rock n' Roll Walking Tour
Many of rock’s greatest bands have London roots, and on this small-group tour, you’ll go on a deep-dive of their haunts on foot. Led by a local musician, you’ll wander through Soho, Mayfair, and beyond, getting a look at the land that created...
$33
per adult
Private and Customizable Black Cab TourPrivate and Customizable Black Cab Tour
Few people know London better than its black cab drivers, but hailing taxis to get from place to place can be time-consuming. On this customizable experience, your driver-guide takes you past city highlights such as Buckingham Palace, Westmin...
$398
per adult

Speedboat Tour Through Heart of the CitySpeedboat Tour Through Heart of the City
Meet your friendly skipper and crew at Tower Bridge Quay and collect your waterproof jacket, along with the latest automatic inflatable life jacket. Listen to the safety briefing before you board the power boat and sit in the state-of-the-art suspens...
$58
per adult

Private Photoshoot with Video Clip OptionPrivate Photoshoot with Video Clip Option
Feel like a star during your trip to London and capture the moment with share with friends and family with the help of a private photoshoot. Pick from locations like the Tower Bridge, London Eye, Big Ben, or Westminster. Meet your photographer and ge...
$159
per adult
Canary Wharf Bubble Private Trip fom Embankment PierCanary Wharf Bubble Private Trip fom Embankment Pier
See London from a perspective that most visitors miss on this private boat ride for up to 12 passengers. Pass under Tower Bridge and past famous sights such as the Tower of London, Canary Wharf, the HMS Belfast, the London Eye, and the Houses...
$656
per adult

Thames Rockets Speedboat ExperienceThames Rockets Speedboat Experience
Why gently drift along the Thames when you can sightsee at rocket speed? With the Ultimate London Adventure, see landmarks and get your adrenaline fix at the same time. Set off from London Eye Pier and whoosh past Big Ben, Tower Bridge, St. Paul's...
$85
per adult
Thames Rockets Speedboat ExperienceThames Rockets Speedboat Experience
Why gently drift along the Thames when you can sightsee at rocket speed? With the Ultimate London Adventure, see landmarks and get your adrenaline fix at the same time. Set off from London Eye Pier and whoosh past Big Ben, Tower Bridge...
$86
per adult
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace ExperienceChanging of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Experience
Join our fun and informative Changing of the Guard walking experience! We'll secure the best viewing spots for the entire ceremony and even give you the chance to walk alongside the guards and band as they march down The Mall. Our expert loca...
$25
per adult

Sightseeing Black Cab Tour with Hotel PickupSightseeing Black Cab Tour with Hotel Pickup
London Sight Seeing Tour: A Journey Through Time in a Black Cab Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of London in the comfort of a modern, black cab. Our London Sight Seeing Tour offers a unique perspective of the city’s most iconic land...
$375
per adult

Southampton Port to London via Stonehenge & Windsor CastleSouthampton Port to London via Stonehenge & Windsor Castle
You will be picked up at your designated cruise terminal. Within the terminal your chauffeur will be waiting your arrival with your name printed clearly. Once your chauffeur has made contact,they will escort you to your luxury transportation, where t...
$1003
per adult
Dover Port Private Transfer to or From London With PickupDover Port Private Transfer to or From London With Pickup
Enjoy a stress-free London journey to or from the cruise port at Dover with the help of your very own private chauffeur. Travel in a comfortable car rather than worrying about navigating public transport or hailing a cab with all your bags. G...
$416
per adult
Southampton Cruise Port Private Transfers To/From LondonSouthampton Cruise Port Private Transfers To/From London
Skip the stress and pre-book a private transfer to or from Southampton Cruise Port. Enjoy exclusive service with a dedicated driver who will be ready to transport you—and your luggage—to your destination. Swap crowded trains for complete comf...
$404
per adult
Luton Airport - To & From Central London - Meet & GreetLuton Airport - To & From Central London - Meet & Greet
Immerse yourself in a tailor made journey that transcends ordinary travel. Our commitment revolves around comprehending and fulfilling the distinctive requirements and preferences for you and your family, ensuring a flawless and safe journey....
$217
per adult

From Heathrow Airport to Southampton Port - Private TransferFrom Heathrow Airport to Southampton Port - Private Transfer
Enjoy a stress-free transfer between London Heathrow Airport and Southampton Port. Relax on a trip with a professional driver who will wait for you with a name board at the London Heathrow Airport. Meet your driver at the arrivals area of the airpor...
$271
per adult

Gatwick Airport to Central London Airport TransferGatwick Airport to Central London Airport Transfer
We offer a stress-free and hassle-free experience, with a professional driver meeting you at the airport and taking care of all your transportation needs. Our vehicles are spacious, modern, and fully air-conditioned, ensuring your journey is as comfo...
$295
per adult
Heathrow Airport To/From Central London private taxi transfersHeathrow Airport To/From Central London private taxi transfers
When Booking with us, Passengers will get these additional services as well.Meet & Greet: We are offering a meet and greet service for airport pick-ups from inside the arrival halls. Flight monitoring: We monitor the flights...
$123
per adult
Central London to Heathrow Airport Private Taxi TransferCentral London to Heathrow Airport Private Taxi Transfer
Travel between London and Heathrow Airport with ease by opting for a private transfer. Your licensed driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Heathrow in a private vehicle exclusively for your party. Rates are per car, not per pa...
$143
per adult
London Private Round-Trip Transfer from Stansted AirportLondon Private Round-Trip Transfer from Stansted Airport
Skip hailing a taxi—twice—and make getting to and from London a worry-free breeze. With this round-trip private transfer service, you’ll land at Stansted Airport, meet your private driver, and be off to the city in style. When you’re ready, y...
$302
per adult

Mamma Mia! The MusicalMamma Mia! The Musical
This is one trip down the aisle you won't soon forget
$43
per adult

Les MisérablesLes Misérables
Imagine stepping into a world of passionate love, fierce rivalry, and political rebellion, all set to the tune of the world's most beloved musical. This is the magic that awaits with a ticket to Cameron Mackintosh's fully staged new production of...
$63
per adult

MJ: The MusicalMJ: The Musical
The unparalleled magic and showmanship of Michael Jackson now illuminates London's West End. *MJ: The Musical* is fresh from Broadway, in a critically-acclaimed, multi Tony Award®-winning musical sensation. It's a trip back in time – focusing on the ...
$45
per adult

ABBA Voyage Dance Floor TicketABBA Voyage Dance Floor Ticket
Experience a concert like no other and see ABBA on stage in a concert 40 years in the making. Blending cutting-edge technology, spectacular lighting, and some of the most beloved songs ever written, ABBA takes to the stage in a whole new way, as digi...
$65
per adult

Moulin Rouge The MusicalMoulin Rouge The Musical
This stunning production of *Moulin Rouge, The Musical* breathes life into Baz Luhrmann’s iconic movie, mesmerizing audiences in the buzzing heart of London's West End. The Piccadilly Theatre has undergone a magical metamorphosis into a palace of...
$47
per adult

Tina the MusicalTina the Musical
Tina Turner, a small-town girl from Nutbush, Tennessee transformed into the global Queen of Rock 'n' Roll. Watch as her story unfolds in this gripping new stage musical. You'll learn the story of a fearless woman who challenged the limits of her gend...
$31
per adult
London Theatre: Mrs Doubtfire The MusicalLondon Theatre: Mrs Doubtfire The Musical
Out-of-work actor Daniel will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. As his new character takes on a li...
$50
per adult

The Lion KingThe Lion King
Hakuna Matata! Disney’s award-winning musical The Lion King explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and some of the most fantastic costumes ever seen on stage. Come join the journey of young lion cub Simba as he grows from wide-eyed cub ...
$71
per adult