Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
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.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
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.
This self guided audio tour ends at the bottom of Horsleydown steps.
Itinerary
-
(Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
London Bridge (Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
On this tour, you'll pass The Horniman at Hays. You'll hear about it as you walk.
Admission ticket free -
HMS Belfast (Pass by)
As you make your way along the South Bank of the Thames, you’ll see historic structures including HMS Belfast (a former World War II cruiser, now a museum) and several dramatic modern developments.
Admission ticket free -
Tower of London (Pass by)
On this self-guided audio tour, you'll have a chance to view the Tower of London across the river and the famous Traitor’s Gate, where condemned people were landed before being executed on Tower Hill.
Admission ticket free -
Tower Bridge (Pass by)
The tour ends next to Horsleydown Steps, with a stunning close-up view of Tower Bridge.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
You'll have a chance to stroll along St Saviours Dock and hear its history.
Admission ticket free -
Shad Thames (Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
Tower Bridge Piazza (Pass by)
On this self-guided audio tour, you'll have a chance to enjoy a drink in Tower Bridge Piazza with a view of the rather erotic fountain statues by the modern sculptor, Donaldson.
Admission ticket free -
Horsleydown Steps (Pass by)
The tour ends next to Horsleydown Steps, with a stunning close-up view of Tower Bridge.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
Hay's Galleria (Pass by)
On this self-guided audio tour, you'll have a chance to admire the reconstructed wharf now known as Hay’s Galleria, with its steel and glass canopy and massive maritime sculpture.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
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.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Top Searches
Company
Get our app
