Shakespeare in the City Walk - In Shakespeare's footsteps North of the Thames
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 125 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Shakespeare in the City Walk - In Shakespeare's footsteps North of the Thames worth booking?
Shakespeare in the City Walk - In Shakespeare's footsteps North of the Thames is a 2-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $15 per person. It scores 84 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 125 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 84 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (125)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $15 per person
Your Guide, Declan McHugh, has spent 40 years studying and researching William Shakespeare, and is especially knowledgeable about Shakespeare's London life. He will take you to hidden, beautiful places In London connecte
What you get
About this experience
Your Guide, Declan McHugh, has spent 40 years studying and researching William Shakespeare, and is especially knowledgeable about Shakespeare's London life. He will take you to hidden, beautiful places In London connected to Shakespeare. His passionate and knowledgeable words will summon up for you Shakespeare's life in his London: his friends, the places he knew, his work, his language, even his intriguing love-life! You walk in William Shakespeare's footsteps NORTH of the river Thames. You will be shown many memorials to Shakespeare including statues, plaques, busts, and even a 20 foot (7 metre) aluminium totem pole incorporating one of his greatest speeches! Plus - the icing on the cake - Declan, is a former professional actor and delivers some of Shakespeare's most famous speeches - just for you...
What's included
Included
- Live entertainment
- Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
- Professional Guide
Not included
- Image already added
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Shakespeare In The City Walk
This is the starting point for the 'Shakespeare in the City Walk'. Meet me outside Blackfriars UNDERGROUND Station. Blackfriars underground station is on the Circle & District Lines. (Be careful - do NOT go South of the river to Blackfriars overground station). There is only one exit so you won't miss me. I will be standing metres away from that underground station exit, with a sign on my rucksack featuring Shakespeare's face.
2 minutes here
A Shakespeare statue most people miss. Shakespeare's popularity. Why you should ignore the conspiracy theories.
5 minutes here
The location of the original Blackfriars Theatre, and why you had to be rich to attend; plus how rich Shakespeare himself became.
10 minutes here
The remaining fragment of the Blackfriars Monastery. Shakespeare's thematic obessions.
5 minutes here
A really lovely, hidden quiet location connecting Shakespeare and King James.
5 minutes here
The site of a Shakespeare house in London, and its fate. The play likely written here. PLUS, a church with a hidden sculpture of Shakespeare praying, and a very important document. The Researcher who makes Americans proud. The play 'Richard 111' and its connections to the area.
15 minutes here
An extraordinary hidden totem pole made from a very famous William Shakespeare speech. You would NEVER find this weird and wonderful monument by yourself! Declan, who used to be a professional actor, gives the entire speech. Next, The College of Arms and the Shakespeare family's coat of arms. Why that honour came two months too late. Plus Ben Jonson's joke at Shakespeare's expense. Also information about Shakespeare's children.
15 minutes here
On to a plaque revealing Shakespeare's generosity, why you should keep looking in dusty attics, plus the background to Shakespeare's two daughters and their very different fortunes.
7 minutes here
St. Paul's Cathedral
To the magnificent St Pauls Cathedral and a breathtaking revelation about it (although we don't go inside). Shakespeare's best ever seller, plus his sonnets and a reasonable interpretation of his sexuality. Declan's favourite words by anyone EVER (clue: it's only 4 words and they are by William Shakespeare. And they are cosmic).
10 minutes here
Next a section on Shakespeare's amazing vocabulary, and why it just wasn't enough. The location of a pub he drank in and who else drank there. Plus a section on Shakespeare's religion, and why he was lonely and reclusive.
12 minutes here
Up next, a bust of William Shakespeare, and the men who honoured him; which plays we would lack without them. Plus revelations about his writing style. Also why you should NOT get all starry-eyed thinking about Love Lane!
7 minutes here
The location of Shakespeare's second house, and why Shakepeare ended up in this area. Plus the full story of how Shakespeare made a marriage and then regretted it.
7 minutes here
St. Giles Cripplegate
Finally, at a church he knew, the two best known actors of his age, and the sad case of his brother Edmund. Declan finishes with another complete and hauntingly beautiful speech from Shakespeare's last play, in which Shakespeare gets cosmic again. The speech is perfect because it is about saying goodbye...
7 minutes here
Declan then walks to Barbican underground station if you want to accompany him to join the underground train system. Barbican is on three different underground lines: The Circle, Metropolitan, and Hammersmith & City Lines. By the end of this magical tour I promise - and the rave reviews here on TripAdvisor agree - that you will know William Shakespeare, and his London, infinitely better!
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
Meet me outside the ONLY EXIT at Blackfriars underground station. Blackfriars underground station is on the Circle and District lines.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Right at Barbican underground station on the 1) Circle, 2) Metropolitan and 3) Hammersmith & City lines.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Fri
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- City Secrets Walks
Know before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult. Recommended age for a child: 10 years and above.
- A maximum of 15 people per booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 125 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
125 verified traveler reviews for Shakespeare in the City Walk - In Shakespeare's footsteps North of the Thames. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Shakespeare’s London
Declan was excellent very passionate about his subject William Shakespeare. He’s enthusiasm & knowledge were contagious!! Would highly recommend. From a fellow London Taxi Tour guide Rod & Mandy
Response from the operator: Thanks Rod and Mandy. Great people to have along. as part of what was a very pleasant tour group today. When a fellow Tour guide gives you 5 stars that really means something, and I really appreciate it! Declan
via Tripadvisor
Great walking tour.
Declan gave us a great walking tour in trying weather due heat wave. He's a very knowledgeable and entertaining guide. Full of background info on life and times of Shakespeare. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: You're welcome, and thank you so much! No type of weather holds me back. I've see it all! Declan
via Tripadvisor
Shakespeare Tour With Declan
This was one amazibg very interesting tour. Declan, the guide, was absolutely amazing. He is very passionate about his job and you can really tell he enjoys it. The tour was interactive, fun and really just brilliant. I would 10/10 recommend!
Response from the operator: This is just a great review. I appreciate it so much when people bother to review my tour. Declan
via Tripadvisor
Very interesting experience
The tour guide (Declan) was absolutely amazing. He kept us interested, and was very enthusiastic about the things he was talking about, showing how much he enjoys what he does. Brilliant experience!
Response from the operator: How lovely of you! Thanks! Declan
via Tripadvisor
To do or not to do? Do!
Declan’s authoritative stroll thru the streets that Shakespeare strode is appealing and satisfying on its own, and during the brief instances he breaks into quoted verse from the Bard, we wonderfully revert to that past age! Extremely well done!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much. You were great company! Loved our conversations. What I told you was just what any major dude would tell you! Declan
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Fri
- Price range
- $15 to $20
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 44
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 84
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Shakespeare in the City Walk - In Shakespeare's footsteps North of the Thames: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does Shakespeare in the City Walk - In Shakespeare's footsteps North of the Thames cost?
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Prices start at $15 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in London usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Shakespeare in the City Walk - In Shakespeare's footsteps North of the Thames take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in London is not rushed.
Is Shakespeare in the City Walk - In Shakespeare's footsteps North of the Thames worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 84 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 125 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Shakespeare in the City Walk - In Shakespeare's footsteps North of the Thames?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Shakespeare in the City Walk - In Shakespeare's footsteps North of the Thames suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Shakespeare in the City Walk - In Shakespeare's footsteps North of the Thames?
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Around 44 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in London can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in London and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Shakespeare in the City Walk - In Shakespeare's footsteps North of the Thames start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central London within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in London?
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London's best attractions split cleanly: the museums are free and need no booking, so the paid market is about views, theatre and getting out of the city for a day. That makes value scoring unusually important here, and the Outty Ranking penalises anything charging premium prices for access you could get for nothing. On Outty we rank every London experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs, The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit London?
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May to September for long evenings, December for the Christmas markets. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in London?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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