• Hay’s Galleria - This beautifully restored area, once a warehouse, now hosts shops, restaurants, offices, and apartments. As you exit onto Queens Walk from the back of the Galleria, you are greeted with stunning views of the River Thames and the City of London on the north bank.
• The Queen’s Walk - Walking along the section between Tower and London bridges offers a chance to admire London’s iconic skyline, featuring buildings that span over 900 years of history! On one side, the White Tower of the Tower of London stands as a testament to Norman power from the 12th century, while the neighboring City of London boasts buildings that are yet to celebrate their 12th anniversaries! This delightful contrast between old and new invites reflection on the area’s history, once one of the world’s busiest dockyards.
• Borough Market - This historic market, once a lively hub for wholesale trading of cattle, fish, and grain, now offers a vibrant atmosphere. As you explore the bustling market today, you can imagine its lively past.
• Southwark Cathedral - One of London’s oldest churches, it remarkably survived the infamous purge by King Henry VIII. Designated a cathedral since 1905, its interior is breathtaking with soaring arches and a dramatic ceiling that evoke a sense of space and wonder. Highlights include a stained glass window dedicated to Shakespeare, a Diamond Jubilee window celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s 60-year reign, and the Harvard Chapel, commissioned by Harvard University alumni to honor its founder, John Harvard, who was baptized here when it was St Saviour’s church. Visitors can explore the Cathedral for about 20 minutes, with a small photography fee payable upon entry.
• Golden Hinde - This majestic replica of the ship that circumnavigated the globe in the 1570s stands proudly by the River Thames. Once you grasp that a ship of this size could undertake such a challenging journey, it’s fascinating to learn fun facts about the voyage: the ship’s original name, the crew, and how many of the original fleet returned to England. A brief 5-minute stop allows for sharing these intriguing details!
• Winchester Palace - Observe the ruins of what was once the grand and luxurious residence of the Bishops of Winchester. In an area once filled with sleaze and narrow, rundown alleys, this beautiful palace stood as proof that the privileged lived alongside the poor. Discover the power of the Bishops and the meaning of “Winchester geese”—you might be surprised by the activities within the Bishop’s lands!
• Clink Prison Museum - Located on the site of the original Clink prison, which was within the Bishops of Winchester’s lands and next to their opulent palace, this museum highlights the stark contrast between the two. The Clink evolved from housing wrongdoers to imprisoning heretics for opposing the Bishops’ views. Learn about the prison’s conditions, how inmates could buy better accommodations, and how this notorious place was eventually closed.
• Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre - Enjoy two Globe theatres on this tour! Pass by the site of the original Globe from the late 1500s and, within half a mile, admire the magnificent modern Globe, brought to life by the dedication of American actor Sam Wanamaker. After seeing the exterior, you’ll want to book a performance inside!
• Tate Modern - This towering former power station now houses London’s largest art museum. It is one of four Tate museums in England, focusing on international artists’ works since the 1900s.
• Menier Chocolate Factory - Now a beloved theatre, this historic building was once a chocolate factory run by Meniers, the largest chocolate manufacturer in France in the late 1800s. Unfortunately, during the World Wars, neutral countries like Switzerland advanced with new chocolate recipes, leaving Meniers behind. The building became derelict but was preserved as a grade II listed building in the 1990s, preventing demolition. It has since been revitalized as a successful off-West End theatre, with an intriguing history to explore.
• Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance - Discovered during the Jubilee line extension by Transport for London, archaeologists from the Museum of London estimated 15,000 bodies were buried here. This is where you’ll learn more about those Winchester Geese!

• Experienced, fun, accredited local guide

• 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

Today’s Southwark is a refined district of London, concealing a captivating history where sleaze and glamour once coexisted. In the past, Southwark emerged as the entertainment hub for the City of London, where strict regulations prohibited activities such as drinking, gambling, brothels, theatres, and bear baiting. However, Southwark had no such limitations, attracting young men from the City who crossed London Bridge to indulge in its offerings. Southwark was not solely about catering to its affluent neighbor; alongside Southwark’s impoverished residents lived the Bishops of Winchester in their opulent palace, adjacent to the splendid Southwark Cathedral they supported. Today, remnants of this bygone era remain: the magnificent cathedral, the ruins of the once opulent Winchester Palace, the splendid Globe Theatre, and the life-sized replica of the Golden Hinde.

• 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 3.5 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 160 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.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.