London: Castles & Bridges Southbank Walking Tour

Discover the iconic landmarks that line London’s vibrant Southbank on this 2-hour walking tour. Led by friendly local guides, you’ll explore over 15 must-see attractions, from the historic Shakespeare’s Globe to the stunning Tower Bridge. With a small group size, personalized attention, and ample photo opportunities, this tour offers an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Londoner, this journey through the city’s rich history and stunning architecture is not to be missed.

Key Points

• This 2-hour small-group tour explores over 15 iconic landmarks along the Southbank, including London Bridge, Tower Bridge, and historical sites like Shakespeare’s Globe.
• Led by friendly local guides, the tour provides commentary and ample time for photos at each location, offering a personalized experience.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and features a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring flexibility for participants.
• The meeting point is at the Southwark Underground Station, with an additional underground journey costing around £5 per person.
• Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, bring an umbrella, and have a contactless payment card for the underground journey.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The London: Castles & Bridges Southbank Walking Tour is a 2-hour small group tour that costs $64.67 per person.

It’s led by friendly local guides who share the history and stories of over 15 iconic landmarks in the London Bridge and South Bank areas.

The tour is accessible for wheelchair users and has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Participants can reserve now and pay later.

The meeting point is the Southwark Underground Station, and the tour includes one underground journey at an extra cost of around £5.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting in Southwark, the tour takes participants on a journey to explore over 15 iconic landmarks along the Southbank.

Highlights include crossing the famous London Bridge and admiring the architectural marvel of Tower Bridge. The tour also visits Borough Market, Tate Modern, and the towering Shard.

Other stops feature historical sites like Shakespeare’s Globe, the Clink Prison, and Southwark Cathedral.

At each location, the guide provides engaging commentary and allows time for taking photos. The diverse itinerary showcases London’s rich history, architecture, and vibrant cultural attractions along the scenic Southbank.

Tour Experience

Friendly local guides lead the walking tour, sharing captivating histories and entertaining anecdotes about the landmarks. Guests explore over 15 iconic sites, including famous castles and bridges along the South Bank. The tour provides ample photo opportunities at each landmark, with 15-30 minutes allotted for sightseeing and capturing memorable moments.

| Landmark | Photo Stop |

| — | — |

| London Bridge | ✓ |

| Tower Bridge | ✓ |

| The Shard | ✓ |

| St Paul’s Cathedral | ✓ |

| Shakespeare’s Globe | ✓ |

The small group size ensures a personalized experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the rich history and vibrant character of London’s South Bank.

Additional Information

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, visitors are encouraged to bring comfortable shoes, an umbrella, and a camera.

The tour also includes one journey on the underground, costing approximately £5, so visitors should have a contactless payment card ready.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive option for all.

With a small group size, guests can expect personalized attention from the friendly local guide.

Regardless of the weather, the tour will proceed as scheduled, so dressing appropriately for the conditions is advised.

More Great Tours Nearby

Meeting Point

The meeting point for the London: Castles & Bridges Southbank Walking Tour is located outside the sole entrance/exit of Southwark Underground Station.

This makes it easy to find, as there’s only one way in and out of the station. Participants can meet their guide at this convenient location, which is situated right in the heart of the tour’s starting area.

The meeting point is conveniently located at the sole entrance/exit of Southwark Underground Station, making it easy for participants to find their guide.

Being right next to the Tube stop means it’s easily accessible via public transportation.

Once gathered, the group can then embark on their immersive exploration of the iconic landmarks along the River Thames’ Southbank.

London Bridge

London Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks along the Southbank walking tour.

Crossing the River Thames, this historic bridge dates back to the 19th century. Guests will learn about its storied past, including previous iterations and famous residents like the heads of traitors that once adorned its medieval structure.

Today, the current London Bridge is a modern steel-and-concrete construction, but its significance remains. Visitors can capture stunning views of the bridge and the surrounding cityscape.

The tour guide will share fascinating stories and provide an opportunity to snap photos during the 15-30 minute stop.

Tower Bridge

After marveling at the iconic London Bridge, the walking tour moves on to another famous crossing over the River Thames – Tower Bridge.

The walking tour moves on to the iconic Tower Bridge, another famous crossing over the River Thames.

This neo-Gothic architectural masterpiece features two iconic towers, a high-level walkway, and a drawbridge that opens to allow tall ships to pass. The tour guide provides fascinating insights into the bridge’s history, engineering, and role in London’s transportation network.

Participants can capture stunning photos of the bridge’s striking appearance, especially from the south bank.

The tour then continues to other Southbank landmarks, including the bustling Borough Market and the towering Tate Modern.

Exploring the Southbank

From the iconic London Bridge, the walking tour ventures deeper into the lively Southbank district.

Passing by the imposing Tate Modern art gallery, the group explores the bustling Borough Market, a foodie’s paradise.

Next, the guide leads the way to the dramatic architecture of The Shard, offering panoramic views over the city.

Along the riverfront, the tour stops at Shakespeare’s Globe and the Clink Prison Museum, bringing history to life.

With each landmark, the guide shares captivating stories, allowing participants to enjoy the rich heritage of London’s Southbank.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no formal dress code for the tour. The tour operator recommends wearing comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing to ensure a pleasant walking experience. Bringing an umbrella is also suggested in case of rain.

Can We Stop for a Meal During the Tour?

The tour does not include a scheduled meal stop. However, participants can stop for food and refreshments on their own during the tour’s breaks or at the end. Ample time is provided for exploring the sights at one’s own pace.

Are Photography and Video-Taking Allowed Throughout the Tour?

Yes, photography and video-taking are allowed throughout the tour. The guide encourages guests to capture memorable moments at each landmark during the 15-30 minute photo stops provided at the major sights along the way.

Is There a Recommended Age Range for This Tour?

The tour is suitable for all ages, though it may be most enjoyable for those aged 12 and up. Children under 12 are welcome but may require more parental supervision during the 2-hour walking tour.

How Long Does It Take to Walk the Entire Tour Route?

The entire tour route takes approximately 2 hours to walk. This includes stopping at each of the 15+ iconic landmarks along the way for photo opportunities and to learn about their history from the friendly local guide.

The Sum Up

The London: Castles & Bridges Southbank Walking Tour provides an unforgettable journey through the heart of London’s vibrant Southbank. Explore over 15 iconic landmarks, capture stunning photos, and enjoy personalized attention from friendly local guides. With wheelchair accessibility and a convenient meeting point, this tour caters to all. It’s the perfect way to discover the rich history and beauty of London’s famous Southbank.

You can check availability for your dates here: