London Bridge History and Walking Tour

Did an American really buy London Bridge by mistake? What is buried in Crossbones Graveyard? How many Globe Theatres have there been? How did trade on the Thames bring in The Great Plague? What links Bridget Jones’ flat to a Harry Potter nightclub? What is a Ghost Sign? All these questions answered and more!
Walk with me through the rich, dark and intense history of London bridge. We’ll start at London Bridge Station and walk the footsteps of Shakespeare, Kings, Queens and criminals. You’ll find out about the city’s fascinating past through stories, anecdotes and real life locations along the way (and some hidden gems).

You’ll be guided through the streets of London at a gentle pace to see some amazing locations and be shown pictures on an iPad to bring the people and the history to life.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking and be aware that there are no public toilets on the route. Some topics may be unsuitable for young children.

Meeting Point

London Bridge Station (LBG)

Colechurch House, London SE1 2SS, UK

After arriving at London Bridge station, follow signs for the Tooley Street exit. It’s the same direction as the signs for The Shard and Guy’s Hospital.
You’ll come out onto Tooley Street. Right by the entrance, there’s a quieter area just outside the main doors.

What's included:

• Written Guidebook

Not included:

• Entrance fees to any attractions

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour, 45 minutes

London Bridge

London, EC4R 9HA

Find out about the areas links from its Roman heritage to the present day and The City, across the river

Pass by without stopping

Southwark Cathedral

1 London Bridge, Montague Close, London, SE1 9DA

Discover the history of this ancient religious building

Pass by without stopping

Golden Hinde

Cathedral Street, St Mary Overie Dock, London, SE1 9DE

find out about sir Francis Drake and why the ship has that name

Pass by without stopping

Winchester Palace

Clink Street, London, SE1 9DG

Find out about the bishops who governed the area as well as the Winchester Geese and the brothels which ran in the area

Pass by without stopping

Shakespeare's Globe

21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT, UK

Find out where the Globe theatre started and the history of Shakespeares famous plays

Pass by without stopping

Borough Market

8 Southwark Street, , London, SE1 1TL

Discover the history of the market as well as some film locations in the area

Pass by without stopping

Bermondsey Street

Bermondsey St, London, UK

Discover the leather and tanning industry which ran from the area and the connections to some bleak stories of murder

Pass by without stopping

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 2UP

Find out about why it was built and some stories of events which happened

Pass by without stopping

HMS Belfast

The Queen's Walk, London, SE1 2JH

Hear about the history of the famous ship and why it is berthed at London Bridge today

Pass by without stopping

Hay's Galleria

Tooley St, 1 Battle Bridge Lane, London, SE1 2DA

Discover the past of the old wharf and its place in the area

Pass by without stopping