Historic Blackfriars Walks by London Guided Walks
Difficulty
easy
Duration
90 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for individuals with basic mobility; minimal physical exertion required as it is a guided urban walk.
Overview
Step into centuries of London history with London Guided Walks Private Tours’ Best of Blackfriars—a focused 90-minute walk revealing Roman ruins, Tudor architecture, and hidden stories along the Thames.
Best of Blackfriars
90 mins • Private Tour
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About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 90-minute journey through Blackfriars, where history unfolds from Roman temples to Tudor palaces. Guided by an expert, discover hidden gems and architectural marvels while walking in the footsteps of literary legends. Experience the rich tapestry of London’s past and present in this unique exploration.
Best of Blackfriars: a Private Tour
Suitable for all age groups. Please note all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Duration
90 Minutes
About
Explore the areas hidden past covering Roman, Tudor, Medieval, Victorian and Modern day London. We visit the King's Wardrobe, two theatres, priory remains and an ancient Guild.
In the early part of the 13th century a group of black-robed friars attached to the Order of St Dominic settled in London. By 1276 they had become a prosperous community building a church, cloisters and other priory buildings including their own quay.
- Discover Roman London to present day
- Follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare, Pepys and Dickens
- Qualified guide
Best of Blackfriars Tour Reviews:
David (4/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Very informative, visiting interesting areas around Blackfriars which I never knew about. The guide had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the area"
Tudor and Patricia (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A very interesting walk which took us to lots fascinating sites. Our guides were very knowledgeable and were very informative. A very pleasant hour and a half discovering an area of London that was new to us."
Ruth (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Highly recommended. The guide is very knowledgeable and also entertaining. The 90 minutes flew by. I will definitely go on more of her walks."
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes
The tour involves urban walking on paved and uneven historic surfaces, so sturdy shoes improve comfort and safety.
Bring a compact umbrella or rain jacket
London weather can change quickly; being prepared for rain ensures the tour stays enjoyable rain or shine.
Arrive 10 minutes early
Starting promptly ensures you don’t miss any key introductions or early highlights on the tour.
Carry a water bottle
While the walk is relatively short, staying hydrated is important especially in warmer months.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban foxes active at dawn and dusk
- Pigeons and sparrows common along the riverfront
History
Blackfriars is named after the Dominican friars ('Black Friars') who established a priory here in the 13th century, marking this combined spiritual and commercial hub.
Conservation
Efforts are underway to protect and stabilize historic facades and the Roman archaeological sites exposed during recent urban development projects.
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Adventure Hotspots in London
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Crucial for navigating the city’s varied pavement and cobbled streets.
Light rain jacket or umbrella
Keeps you dry during frequent London showers.
spring|fall|winter specific
Water bottle
Staying hydrated during warmer months enhances comfort.
summer specific
Camera or smartphone
Capture architectural details, street scenes, and your journey through history.