Wapping Historical Pub and River Tour
Discover Historic Wapping on a Guided Three Hour Walking Tour Through London's Hidden Gems

Gtr London
people
1 participant
hours
- • Explore Wapping's Rich History in London
- • Enjoy a 3 Hour Private Guided Tour of Unique Landmarks
- • Discover London's Hidden Gems Away from the Tourist Crowds
Why We Love This Unique Experience
Embark on a captivating journey through East London's historic Wapping Docks, where rich maritime history meets vibrant pub culture. This walking tour is a delightful opportunity to uncover the secrets of a bygone era while enjoying the charm of the area’s most famous pubs. With tales that stretch back to Anglo-Saxon times and mesmerizing views along the Thames, this experience promises a perfect blend of education, entertainment, and exploration.
The adventure begins in the heart of the Docklands, where the fascinating story of Wapping unfolds. As you stroll through this historic area, explore the significant landmarks tied to iconic figures such as Captain Cook, Thomas Jefferson, and Charles Dickens. Visit legendary old pubs that have served patrons for centuries and hear tales of intrigue, philanthropy, and even controversy. Each stop offers a unique insight into Wapping's colorful past, illuminating the impact of Victorian industry, the dark days of the Blitz, and the vibrant present that has emerged in this long-forgotten part of London. Discover stories of execution, exploration, and legacy while sipping a drink in a pub that echoes with history.
This historic walk through Wapping Docks is not just an experience; it’s a memorable gift that indulges the senses and sparks curiosity. Perfect for history buffs, food and drink lovers, or anyone seeking a unique day out, this tour offers an engaging way to celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy a different side of London. Delight loved ones with a gift that takes them off the beaten path, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
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Experience Overview:
Historic Walk Of East Londons Wapping Docks And Its Famous PubsWapping has a long history that goes all the way back to Anglo Saxon times, before it was even part of London and it takes its name from the old word Wapol, meaning ‘Marsh’.
This whole area has been shaped by the river whether it is the great voyages of exploration, Victorian heavy industry and the docks, terrible Dickensian slums that hugged the river, the dreadful destruction of the Blitz or its modern day resurgence with big business and leisure.
We will visit famous old pubs, places of execution and great philanthropy as well as visiting locations relating to some of the most famous names in history such as Captain Cook, Thomas Jefferson, Martin Frobisher, Sir Walter Raleigh, Charles Dickens, Hanging Judge Jeffers and Captain Bligh.
See a part of real London that tourists could never find, well away from the bright lights of the West End, theatres, museums and palaces.
Meeting Point
Canary Wharf
Underground Ltd, Heron Quays Rd, London E14 4HJ, UK
Just outside the entrance/exit of Canary Wharf Underground Station.
What's included:
- Private Guided Tour
Not included:
- Tube tickets to and from your hotel.
What to expect:
Duration: 3 hours
Docklands
London
We start off in the futuristic Docklands
15 minutes
Canary Wharf
London
Once the docks where ships from the Canary Islands plied their trade.
10 minutes
London Museum Docklands
No. 1 Warehouse, Hertsmere Road, West India Quay, London, E14 4AL
We will pass by the Museum of London Docklands and learn of the history of these old buildings and wharves.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Wapping
Wapping, London, UK
Before we get here, we will visit the famous Grapes Pub from where Sir Walter Raleigh set sail and with links to Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, Sherlock Holmes and many others.
10 minutes
Limehouse Waterside & Marina
The Harbourmasters Office, 46 Goodhart Pl, London E14 8EG, UK
This old trading dock is now a luxury marina.
5 minutes
The Prospect of Whitby
57 Wapping Wall, , London, E1W 3SH
This old pub has strong links with famous painters, writers and even royalty. Sat right by the river, we can go down onto the shore if the tide is out.
10 minutes
Wapping
Wapping, London, UK
From the old stairs at the end of Narrow Street we can see where Martin Frobisher set off to discover The Northwest Passage.
10 minutes
Thames River Police Museum
Wapping Police Station 98 Wapping High Street, Wapping Police Station, London, E1W 2NE
The Thames River Police are the oldest police force in the world. They still patrol the rivers keeping an eye out for crimes such as murder and suicide.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Metropolitan Police Marine Policing Unit
98-102 Wapping High St, London E1W 2NE, UK
On the corner of Dundee Street we will see the old court for murders and suicides before hearing about William Peckover who perhaps performed the most incredible piece of maritime navigation in history.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Turner's Old Star
14 Watts St, London E1W 2QG, UK
This famous old pub is the birthplace of perhaps our greatest painter. Before that it was the site of witchcraft!
5 minutes
St Peter's Church, London Docks
Wapping Ln, London E1W 2RW, UK
A beautiful old Roman Catholic Church
10 minutes
Raine's House
Raine St, London E1W 3RL, UK
Henry Raine was a wealthy brewer and owned a family business and a generous philanthropist who set up a school for the poor girls and boys in Wapping which is now one of the finest in the country.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Bistro Bardot (The Turk's Head)
1 Green Bank, London E1W 2PA, UK
It is here the convicted pirates had there last drink before being hanged on the river Thames down the steps that we will be visiting shortly. Then on to St Johns Church with connections to Captain Cook and President Jefferson
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Town of Ramsgate
62 Wapping High St, London E1W 2PN, UK
Dating from 1460, this old pub and the nearby stairs has seen more history than some cities. Captain Bligh (whose house site we visit) boarded HMS Bounty here. A crook who stole the Crown Jewels was caught here along with the hated Hanging Judge Jeffers. Many a pirate and criminal met their grisly end here too.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
St Katharine Docks
50 St Katharine's Way, London, E1W 1LA
The tour finishes in the shadow of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London in an old docks which is now the home to luxury yachts and boats belonging to the rich and famous.
10 minutes
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Details & Important Info
Additional Experience Details & Important Information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We have earmarked this tour as especially safe during the Coronavirus outbreak due to generally quiet places that we visit where social distancing is generally not a problem. All of our tours are private so it is just you/your family and your guide. To make it easier and safer for all concerned we would suggest starting this tour a little later than the usual time, perhaps around 10.30-11am which allows us all to miss rush-hour. We are happy to still come to your hotel to meet you but for the moment we would suggest meeting us at the tour starting point. This allows you to arrive by a taxi or uber rather than public transport. Please feel free to wear masks throughout or at times during the tour. Your guide will also have a mask with them.
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
Ye Olde England Tours
Product SKU: UK-15392-0064
Google Business Profile: Service Area Supplier
Wapping Historical and Pub Walking Tour
Gtr London
people
1 participant
hours
- • Explore Wapping's Rich History in London
- • Enjoy a 3 Hour Private Guided Tour of Unique Landmarks
- • Discover London's Hidden Gems Away from the Tourist Crowds
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