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Offered languages
- English
- English
This self-guided walking tour traces nearly 2000 years of history along the Thames, between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, once Britain's busiest port.
You'll hear about the traitors, prisoners and warships once moored here, and see how old warehouses now hold restaurants and flats.
The tour starts at the Southern Gatehouse, where traitors' heads were once displayed on spikes. You'll cross London Bridge, pass Billingsgate Market and the Custom House, then continue over Tower Bridge to Shad Thames, Butlers Wharf and HMS Belfast, before returning to the Southern Gatehouse.
Along the way, learn about Doggett's Coat and Badge, Britain's oldest sporting event, spot a Thames sailing barge, and see the safety chains that have lined the tidal river for centuries.
Wear comfortable shoes and give yourself 90 minutes to follow the river where London's fortune, and infamy, began.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
This tour starts at The Southern Gatehouse. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Tour ends at Final 2 Tooley St, London, UK
Itinerary
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London Bridge (Pass by)
Cross London Bridge as you begin tracing how the Pool of London built the City of London's fortunes. Learn about the deadly 1212 Great Fire of Southwark, which trapped and killed hundreds right here.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Follow the north bank past Billingsgate Market, the historic fish market. Take in this landmark, once at the heart of London's bustling river trade.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Pass by the Custom House, where Geoffrey Chaucer worked as customs controller in the 1370s. Discover this unexpected literary connection to London's centuries-old trading history.
Admission ticket free -
Tower of London (Pass by)
Pass Traitors' Gate at the Tower of London. Please note that admission to the Tower is not included in this tour.
Admission ticket free -
Tower Bridge (Pass by)
Cross Tower Bridge, learning how its towers still lift for tall ships that give 24 hours' notice. Take in this iconic landmark as your journey continues along the river.
Admission ticket free -
Shad Thames (Pass by)
Descend into Shad Thames, a cobbled lane of former spice warehouses used as a film set for Oliver! and The Elephant Man. Discover this atmospheric corner of London's old riverside trade district.
Admission ticket free -
HMS Belfast (Pass by)
Pass HMS Belfast, the WWII cruiser moored here since 1971. Please note that admission aboard the ship is not included in this tour.
Admission ticket free -
Hay's Galleria (Pass by)
Discover the Navigators, a 60-foot ship-man sculpture at Hays Galleria marking London's old Larder wharf. Take in this striking piece of public art, a nod to the area's maritime history.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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