South Bank Tour 

When you take the Southbank tour you will be entering what was once known as the outlaw borough. Where in Tudor times Shakespeare’s plays were performed and drinking and wenching were the main activities of the area along with crime. 

You will hear stories of rebellion, the Canterbury Tales, a re-discovered operating theatre and the area’s links to Harvard University in America.

You’ll also see one of London’s oldest markets and the grand Southwark Cathedral.

Front entrance to St Paul's Cathedral
Tate Modern Art Gallery on the South Bank
The Rose Window of Winchester Palace on the South Bank
St Paul's Cathedral from the south

History of the area

I’ll be explaining the history of the Southbank area and how it came to evolve into such a unique place, at once part of and yet separate from London of old.

We shall visit the site of Shakespeare’s original Globe theatre and the new Globe where plays are still performed.

We will also visit a paupers graveyard and pass the site of Tate Modern and finish at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Along the way, we’ll also pass a few movie locations from Harry Potter, Bridget Jones to James Bond.

The George Inn on the South Bank
Shakespeare's Globe on the South Bank
Guy's Hospital part of the South Bank Walk
Blue Plaque of the site of the Tabard Inn on the South Bank

 The tour starts at the Duke Street entrance of London Bridge station will take about 2. 5 hours. Apart from one slope, it is all on level ground although there are some cobblestones in some parts.

You should be aware that there will be some content mentioned which may not be suitable for children, as the area was historically a hotbed of crime and prostitution and these will be discussed.

For those of you who count your steps each day this will account for about 5000 of them and hopefully, you’ll also be informed and entertained by the end.