Southwark - an exclusive private walking tour full of surprises!
The Southwark of today is a sophisticated area of London which hides a fascinating history of sleaze and glamour sat side by side in centuries gone by. Southwark became the entertainment centre for the City of London where the strict rules meant drinking, gambling dens, brothels, theatres and bear baiting were simply not allowed. Southwark had no such restrictions and so the young men from the City came tripping across London Bridge to sample its delights. But Southwark was not just about supplying its wealthy neighbour: living side by side with Southwark's poor were the Bishops of Winchester in their grand palace next to the magnificent Southwark Cathedral which they supported. Nowadays, there is still so much to see of a bygone era: the magnificent cathedral; the ruins of the once lavish Winchester Palace, the glorious Globe theatre and the life sized replica of the Golden Hinde.
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Southwark - an exclusive private walking tour full of surprises!
What's included in Southwark - an exclusive private walking tour full of surprises!
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
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.
The Queen's Walk
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.
Borough Market
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.
Inclusions
- A fun, experienced professional, local guide, accredited by the Institute of Tourist Guiding
- Food and drink - we can enjoy a break together but your food and drink purchases are at your expense
- Gratuities - optional
- Transportation to/from the start and end points of the walk
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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!
- Your comfort is my priority - if you need to stop for a coffee or a comfort break, just let me know.
- The tour will last up to 3 hours.
- The tour will cover a distance of about 2 - 3 miles in total.
- 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!
- The tour is an outside walking tour but does include one internal stop to see the inside of Southwark Cathedral.
- 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.
- 100% of my Trip Advisor/Viator reviews are graded 'excellent' and as I now have over 100 reviews in total, I must be doing something right!
- 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.
- 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.
- I only accept bookings directly from customers. Any bookings made by a travel agent on behalf of a customer will be cancelled.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- 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
End Points
- 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!
