Southwark Historic Pubs and River Walk
Discover Historic Pubs and Vibrant History on a Southwark Walking Tour in London

Gtr London
people
1 participant
hours
- • Explore Iconic Pubs in Southwark, London
- • Enjoy a 3-Hour Historical Pub Tour
- • Discover the Grittiest Tales from London's Southern Gateway
Why We Love This Unique Experience
Step into the vibrant world of London's pub culture with an exciting journey through four of the city's most iconic pubs. This experience takes you on a captivating tour that features rich history, captivating stories, and the unique atmosphere that has made these establishments beloved by locals and visitors alike. With every pint raised, uncover the tales of historical figures, local legends, and the colorful life of the streets around them. This is the ultimate opportunity to experience a side of London that remains alive through its historic watering holes.
Embark on a delightful stroll through Southwark, an area steeped in history and bursting with character. This three-hour tour dives deep into the past, revealing the role of these iconic pubs in shaping the local community. From the banks of the River Thames, where history unfolds with each step, to pubs that have stood the test of time and witnessed unforgettable moments, each stop on this tour offers a unique glimpse into London's gritty and lively heritage. Expert guides will share fascinating stories, allowing participants to enjoy great drinks while soaking in the ambiance of some of the city’s finest establishments.
Whether searching for a unique experience for a friend or family member or seeking a special outing for yourself, this pub tour is the perfect gift for history buffs and those who appreciate the charm of London's social scene. Treat someone to a fun-filled adventure that combines history, culture, and a taste of the city's finest brews. Make memories that will last a lifetime with a gift that truly brings London's rich past to life!
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Experience Overview:
Discover Four Iconic Pubs In London’s HistoryTake a walk into London's wild side with pub expert and blogger, Niall.
Niall was born the son of Irish landlords in London and spent his early years living over a pub. This sparked a life long fascination and led to him starting a cult instagram page @Proper_Boozers that celebrates real London pubs.
Explore Southwark through this lenses with four stops in some of the areas most iconic pubs.
Uncover the vibrant history of Southwark, London’s southern gateway. Stroll the Thames where the original London Bridge once stood, explore Borough Market’s thousand years of trade, and hear the tale of the Winchester Geese. Step into historic pubs to relive stories of press gangs, body snatchers, and lively locals. A perfect tour for history enthusiasts and curious travellers keen to discover the gritty, colourful past that shaped this unique district.
Meeting Point
SE1 1TQ
Southwark St, London SE1 1TQ, UK
Under the main gate of Borough Market - 6 Southwark St, London SE1 1TQ
What's included:
- Expert Guide
What to expect:
Duration: 3 hours
Thames River
, , London
We begin on the banks of the River Thames, the lifeblood of London for nearly two millennia. Here we uncover how the river shaped the city — from Roman crossings and medieval marvels to executions, sayings like “one for the road”, and the darker side of Southwark life.
10 minutes
London Bridge
London, EC4R 9HA
Discover the many lives of London Bridge: once a medieval wonder lined with houses, shops, and pubs; later a stage for grisly executions with traitors’ heads displayed on spikes. We’ll trace its decline, its surprising sale to an American businessman, and how part of it now stands in Arizona.
10 minutes
Borough Market
8 Southwark Street, , London, SE1 1TL
London’s larder for a thousand years. Once the rowdy domain of traders, porters, and early-opening boozers, Borough Market fell into decline in the late 20th century before reinventing itself as today’s foodie mecca. Still noisy, still chaotic — just swap fish heads for focaccia.
10 minutes
Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance
Junction of Redcross Way and Union Street, Entrance by the Golden Gates on Union Street, London, SE1 1TA
Crossbones Graveyard on Redcross Way is where the unlicensed, the unloved, and the unrecorded of Southwark were buried — especially the Winchester Geese. Once a byword for vice, now a place of remembrance, it stands as a haunting marker of the stories London tried to forget.
20 minutes
Kings Arms
23 Poland Street, London, W1F 8QJ
The King’s Arms is one of Borough’s best-kept secrets: a little timber-fronted pub that’s been serving pints since Shakespeare’s day. It’s the kind of place where you can actually feel London’s drinking history seeping out of the walls — and the beer’s not half bad either.
30 minutes
The Royal Oak
73 Columbia Road, , London, E2 7RG
The Royal Oak is one of Southwark’s great old-school boozers. Tucked away on Tabard Street, it’s a Georgian-era pub with a real Victorian feel inside — dark wood, tiled floors, and a warm welcome. Long associated with the brewery tradition of the area, it’s now famed for serving Harvey’s ales direct from the cask, keeping the Sussex brewery’s name alive in the heart of London.
30 minutes
Marshalsea Prison South Wall
Angel Pl., London SE1 1JA, UK
The Marshalsea was Southwark’s debtors’ prison — a grim place where you could end up locked away for life just for being broke. Dickens’ dad did time here, and the memory haunted him into his writing. Today, only fragments of the wall remain, but the stories still hang heavy in the air.
10 minutes
The Gladstone Arms
64 Lant Street, London, SE1 1QN
The Glad is a proper Southwark survivor — a Victorian pub named after Prime Minister Gladstone, nearly knocked down a few times but always brought back to life. These days it’s all about good beer, good music, and that snug, old-school charm you only get in a neighbourhood boozer.
30 minutes
Lord Clyde Southwark
27 Clennam St, London SE1 1ER, UK
We save the best for last: the Lord Clyde. A gem of a Victorian pub on London’s shortest street. Beautifully tiled outside, warm and welcoming inside, it’s the perfect spot to raise a final glass and toast Southwark’s drinking past.
30 minutes
Details & Important Info
Additional Experience Details & Important Information
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Are children allowed?
Cancellations & Refunds
Reservation Changes, Cancellations & Refunds
Changes to reservations for tickets can be made until 3 days prior to the date scheduled. Reservations may be re-scheduled by the operator of the activity due to reasons such as weather, minimum participation requirements, mechanical issues or other interruptions beyond their control.
Organized by
Proper Boozer Tour
Product SKU: UK-45611-0001
Southwark Historic Pubs and River Walk
Gtr London
people
1 participant
hours
- • Explore Iconic Pubs in Southwark, London
- • Enjoy a 3-Hour Historical Pub Tour
- • Discover the Grittiest Tales from London's Southern Gateway
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