Beyond the bustling stalls of Borough Market lies a fascinating district packed with stories of trade, theatre, and resilience. Southwark has long been a gateway to London, a place where medieval pilgrims gathered, Shakespearean theatre thrived, and some of the city’s most intriguing figures left their mark.

This 90-minute guided walk uncovers hidden histories, literary connections, and remnants of the past, revealing the area's significance beyond its modern-day vibrancy. Discover how Southwark became the entertainment hub of Tudor London, with its playhouses, taverns, and bear-baiting pits drawing crowds from both sides of the river. Hear how Shakespeare found inspiration here, creating works that would define English theatre, and how his rivals sought to outshine him.

The area has a rich literary past, featuring in The Canterbury Tales, Little Dorrit, and David Copperfield, with traces of these stories still visible in the streets today. Explore a surviving 17th-century galleried inn mentioned by Dickens, and find out why pilgrims, playwrights, and prisoners all had their place in Southwark’s past.

Along the way, we will uncover the lost world of Southwark’s ancient taverns, its historic hospitals, and the role of influential figures who shaped the area. Learn about social reformers, debtors' prisons, and the forgotten communities that lived in the shadows of the City, as well as how Southwark’s churches, graveyards, and almshouses reflect centuries of change.

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, literature lovers, and those who enjoy discovering layers of London’s past in the places they least expect.

🗺️ Start: London Bridge Station 🏁 End: The Globe Theatre ⏳ Duration: 90 minutes 🎓 Led by a qualified London tour guide

Southwark Walk Reviews:

Marilyn (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A gentle walk, with fascinating insights into the changing landscape of this area and some colourful characters who lived or worked here. Hazel is clearly very well-informed, but wears his erudition lightly and is a friendly, cheerful group leader."

Margaret (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A fascinating visit to a very interesting part of Central London, this was a great way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon. Hazel was very informative, and punctured a few myths about the homes of the famous. She is also very up to date, with contemporary art locations as well as the burial place of Shakespeare's brother. This walk is highly recommended, even if you have lived in London a long time."

Joanna (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This was a really fascinating walk. We are born and bred Londoners and thought we knew the area around Southwark fairly well, but we were treated to new and very interesting facts. Owing to the occasional torrential rain showers, Hazel took us to some places where we could be under cover while he told some of the stories, and kept us away from the big crowds in Borough Market by circling us around the interesting alleys and small streets around it. Hazel is an informed and interesting guide, and tells a great story! Would definitely recommend."