Secrets of South Bank: An Audio Tour of London's Old Port
Just 40 years ago, London’s South Bank was known as the ‘Pool of London’, home to a number of wharves that received cargo from all over the world. Today, this pedestrian-friendly area is a hive of completely different activity.
On this South Bank walking tour, you’ll find out the history behind the area and see how it’s been sensitively converted to allow us to appreciate its industrial architecture, and even some of the atmosphere of the old Port of London.
As you make your way along the South Bank of the Thames, you’ll see historic structures including HMS Belfast and several dramatic modern developments. You’ll follow the cobbled street of Shad Thames, surrounded by former dock wharves and high-level bridges linking to distribution depots – now all converted into apartments or eateries such as the famous Pont de la Tour restaurant.
By the end, you’ll have covered 2,000 years of English history and seen how the former docks have been transformed into 21st-century attractions.
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Secrets of South Bank: An Audio Tour of London's Old Port
What's included in Secrets of South Bank: An Audio Tour of London's Old Port
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
This self-guided audio tour starts near London Bridge in front of St Olaf House, once a church and now an Art Deco office block with a connection to early Viking invaders.
London BridgePass-by Only
I’ll tell you about the many structures that’ve been built across the river from Roman times onwards, from the medieval Old London Bridge (once considered one of the ‘wonders of the world’), to today’s reinforced concrete bridge.
On this tour, you'll pass The Horniman at Hays. You'll hear about it as you walk.
Inclusions
- VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
- Lifetime access to this tour in English
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- Smartphone and headphones
- Transportation
- Food and drink
- Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- This tour starts outside St. Olaf House. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
End Points
- This self guided audio tour ends at the bottom of Horsleydown steps.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
VOICEMAP CODE ─── Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour. This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code. DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS ─── Once you've received your code, please follow these steps: 1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app 2. Create an account 3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes 4. Enter your code then select Download Now PLEASE NOTE ─── • You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point. • This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next. • When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point. • Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour. SUPPORT ─── For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]
