Southwark - an exclusive private walking tour full of surprises!
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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 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Southwark - an exclusive private walking tour full of surprises! worth booking?
Southwark - an exclusive private walking tour full of surprises! is a 3.5-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $180 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (8)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $180 per person
The Southwark of today is a sophisticated area of London which hides a fascinating history of sleaze and glamour in equal measure. Southwark became the entertainment centre for the City of London where the strict rules m
What you get
- A fun, experienced professional, local guide, accredited by the Institute of Tourist Guiding
About this experience
The Southwark of today is a sophisticated area of London which hides a fascinating history of sleaze and glamour in equal measure. Southwark became the entertainment centre for the City of London where the strict rules meant drinking, gambling dens, brothels, theatres and bear baiting were simply not allowed. Southwark had no such restrictions and so the young men from the City came tripping across London Bridge to sample its delights. But Southwark was not just about supplying its wealthy neighbour: living side by side with Southwark's poor were the Bishops of Winchester in their grand palace next to the magnificent Southwark Cathedral which they supported. Nowadays, there is still so much to see of a bygone era: the magnificent cathedral; the ruins of the once lavish Winchester Palace, the glorious Globe Theatre and the life sized replica of the Golden Hinde.
What's included
Included
- A fun, experienced professional, local guide, accredited by the Institute of Tourist Guiding
Not included
- Food and drink - we can enjoy a break together but your food and drink purchases are at your expense
- Gratuities - optional
- Transportation to/from the start and end points of the walk
What you'll see and do
Hay's Galleria
A beautifully renovated space, this converted warehouse is now home to shops, restaurants, offices and apartments. Emerging onto Queens Walk at the back of the Galleria, there are fantastic views of the River Thames and the City of London on the north bank.
10 minutes here · Admission included
The Queen's Walk
Following the part of this path between Tower and London bridges gives us a chance to enjoy views of London's iconic skyline with buildings spanning a timeline of more than 900 years! On the one hand, the White Tower of the Tower of London is a reminder of Norman power from the 12th century whilst the City of London next door is filled with buildings yet to celebrate their 12th birthdays! A wonderful contrast between old and new, something to look at as we consider the history of this area back to a time when this was one of the busiest dockyards in the world.
15 minutes here
Borough Market
This centuries old market used to be a raucous market place for the wholesale trading of cattle, fish and grain. As we wander through the vibrant market of today, we can enjoy its hustle and bustle and imagine how things used to be.
10 minutes here
Southwark Anglican Cathedral
This is one of the oldest churches in London which somehow survived the purge by that most notorious of kings, Henry VIII. Designated a cathedral since 1905, nothing prepares you for the sheer beauty of the interior: soaring arches and a dramatic ceiling give the feeling of space and wonder. There is much to experience here: a stained glass window dedicated to the playwright Shakespeare who lived and worked in the Borough; a Diamond Jubilee window to celebrate the late Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne and Harvard Chapel commissioned by alumni of Harvard University to honour its founder John Harvard who was baptized in St Saviour's church as it was then. We will go inside the Cathedral for about 20 minutes and although entry is free, there is a small charge for photography which is payable on entry.
20 minutes here
Golden Hinde
A replica of the ship which circumnavigated the globe in the 1570s stands majestically beside the River Thames. Once you have come to terms with the fact that a ship this size could possibly complete such a tough and challenging journey, it is interesting to catch up with a few fun facts about the voyage: what was the famous ship called originally, who was on board and how many of the original fleet made it back to England? We will stop for about 5 minutes so that I can answer these questions plus pass on a few other interesting facts!!
10 minutes here
Winchester Palace
You will gaze on the ruins of what used to be the large and luxurious home of the Bishops of Winchester. In an area full of sleaze and narrow, run down alleys and yards, once stood this beautiful palace proof that the privileged lived right next door to the poor. You will learn about the power of the Bishops and the meaning of the term Winchester geese - you might be a little surprised by what went on inside the boundaries of the Bishop's lands!
10 minutes here
The Clink Prison Museum
The Museum stands on the site of the original Clink prison which was inside the lands of the Bishops of Winchester and next door to their luxurious palace. There could not be a greater contrast between the two. The Clink went from being a prison housing wrongdoers to one housing heretics for daring to espouse views contrary to the Bishops' own. I'll tell you about the prison's conditions, how you could buy your way to a more comfortable stay inside and how this most gruesome of places was finally put to rest.
5 minutes here
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
You get two Globe theatres for the price of one on this tour! We pass by the location of the original Globe built towards the end of the 1500s and within half a mile, get to admire the magnificent modern Globe which exists because of the perseverance of an American actor called Sam Wanamaker. Having seen the outside, you will want to book to see a performance on the inside too!
15 minutes here
Tate Modern
As this old power station towers above, it is possible to imagine that it houses London's biggest museum of art. It is one of four Tate museums in England concentrating on the display of the work of international artists since the 1900s.
5 minutes here · Admission not included
Menier Chocolate Factory
A much loved theatre today, this historic building used to be home to a chocolate factory run by Meniers who, in the latter half of the 1800s, was the largest chocolate manufacturer in the France. Sadly, as the two World Wars raged in Europe, neutral countries like Switzerland gained the advantage formulating new recipes for chocolate with delicious fillings, an advance which Meniers could not complete with. The building became derelict but was designated a grade II listed building in the 1990s meaning that it could not be demolished. It then began its new life as a successful, off-West End theatre and I'll explain Menier's interesting history.
5 minutes here
Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance
This graveyard was only discovered when Transport for London was working on the Jubilee line extension. Archaeologists from the Museum of London who joined the excavations estimated there were 15,000 bodies buried on the site. This is where you'll hear more about those Winchester Geese!
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
Go to the lower concourse of London Bridge station and I will be beside the finger post between Pret a Manger and the Body Shop
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour ends close to the only remaining Southwark inn, the original of which dates back to the 1600s. An ideal place to toast the tour with a well earned drink!
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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hobnob Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- When your booking is confirmed, you will receive contact details for me (Sandy) your guide on this tour. My aim is to give you, the client, the best experience you could possibly have so if you have any special requests, be sure to let me know what they are!
- Your comfort is my priority - if you need to stop for a coffee or a comfort break, just let me know.
- The tour will last up to 3.5 hours.
- The tour will cover a distance of about 2 - 3 miles in total.
- The tour will go ahead come rain or shine so please don't be put off by the weather. Do wear comfortable shoes and clothing. If needs be, bring waterproofs and an umbrella!
- The tour is an outside walking tour but does include one internal stop to see the inside of Southwark Cathedral.
- Unlike some other guides, I specialise in just five areas of London, Southwark being one of them. This means that I have detailed knowledge of the area which I pass on to my clients in a fun and interesting way.
- 100% of my Trip Advisor/Viator reviews are graded 'excellent' and as I now have over 175+ reviews in total, I must be doing something right!
- I prefer to guide small groups of up to five family or friends so everyone can hear what I am saying above the usual street noises of a busy city. Also, everyone can ask as many questions as they like.
- I ALWAYS contact my customers before a tour so if you have not heard from me one week before the date of the tour, please contact me instead.
- I only accept bookings directly from customers. Any bookings made by a travel agent on behalf of a customer will be cancelled.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Southwark - an exclusive private walking tour full of surprises!. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A Hidden Gem of a Tour
Absolutely fantastic tour of a fascinating borough of London that is less explored but has so many hidden gems from the intriguing history of London Bridge and Hays Wharf to Shakespeare and the rebuilt Globe Theatre. Sandy tells the bawdy history of the borough with great enthusiasm; a curious mix of Bishops and the church, alongside beer and bear baiting. She kept us highly entertained all the way through our tour and the time flew by. We learned so much about the area, its famous inhabitants, and how much it has changed throughout the centuries. Absolutely brilliant - loved every minute! Thank you Sandy.
Response from the operator: Hi Julia, thank you so much for your kind words. I think you have summed Southwark up very well! As London's oldest borough, it has a rich history centering around its role as supply centre to the City of London across the river for all the things needed by the occupants of the City but not welcomed by the authorities. So that makes for quite a story ranging from London's early theatres staging plays and animal baiting performances to the brothels, inns and breweries. Add to that the glamorous side of Southwark's past provided by the Bishops of Winchester and the building of today's Southwark Cathedral and there is quite a tale to be told! Do get in touch if you find yourself back in London again. All the best. Sandy
via Tripadvisor
Two millenniums of history in London's least appreciated areas
We chose the Southwark guided tour so we could see the area and places that three generations of our relatives lived during the 19th century in the Regency and Victorian areas . Sandy’s knowledge of the area’s history and development before and after the coming of railways from the 1830’s and the decline of the docks around London bridge gave us real insight into what life was like for London’s poorest residents during a period of major change, decline and regeneration and how key places such as St Saviour's (now Southwark Cathedral) and Borough market survived and eventually flourished over the centuries. Sandy’s additional research help us locate and see one of the long lost streets that our relatives use to live and work over 200 years ago !
Response from the operator: Hi Ian, thank you for a lovely review. It was a pleasure doing a bit of advance research to find out where your family members might have lived. Although some of the streets no longer exist, no doubt because of the arrival of the railways, it was nevertheless interesting to explore where we knew the streets used to be. Southwark is a fascinating borough anyway, a world away nowadays from the rough area of centuries ago! All the best, Sandy
via Tripadvisor
Sunday in Southwark
Sandy was an exceptional guide. Her knowledge and delivery of Southwark's history was interesting, articulate, informative and fun. Sandy is extremely approachable, and her passion for history really shines through. We could have spent days wandering around - there is so much history in Southwark and much to take in. From the Crossbones graveyard to Borough Market, the history is astonishing and Sandy's facts and fun items are fascinating. Well worth it - even if you think you know Southwark (like me!) - there is always something new to learn. Highly recommend Hobnob Tours.
Response from the operator: Hi Liz, thank you for a wonderful review. I'm so glad you enjoyed Southwark's fascinating history from those early days of the first Roman bridge to the ruins of the Bishops' palace and the replica Globe theatre - all amazing in their own ways. Hope to see you again when you're next in London. Sandy
via Tripadvisor
Old London revisited.
Sandy is a very warm person who was full of interesting facts and stories about the area in which we did the tour. London has an amazing history and Sandy’s anecdotes about Southwark made the tour very enjoyable and fun.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much Jan for a lovely review and I'm delighted you enjoyed exploring Southwark with me. It is such an interesting borough as it was the very first one and so history goes back to the Roman times - lots to discusss! Sandy
via Tripadvisor
Southwark in September
We met sandy at the prearranged spot exactly on time. We then headed into the heartland of southwark. Her knowledge of the history together with anecdotal stories provided a wonderful image of times from the Roman era to current days. Wandering around borough markets with the sight and smell of the food offerings then meandering around the alleys and buildings showed how much had changed to the better since my days as a youth living in london and particular southwark. We'll done sandy
Response from the operator: Hi Martin, it was a pleasure guiding for you this morning and I think I was equally interested in what you had to tell me about your recollections of the area dating back to the '60s and 70s as you were to hear the history from me! so pleased you enjoyed it. Sandy
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Southwark - an exclusive private walking tour full of surprises!: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does Southwark - an exclusive private walking tour full of surprises! cost?
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Prices start at $180 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 Southwark - an exclusive private walking tour full of surprises! take?
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Plan for about 3.5 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 Southwark - an exclusive private walking tour full of surprises! worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 8 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 Southwark - an exclusive private walking tour full of surprises!?
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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 Southwark - an exclusive private walking tour full of surprises! suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Southwark - an exclusive private walking tour full of surprises!?
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Around 3 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 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Southwark - an exclusive private walking tour full of surprises! 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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