The Pirate Pubs of Old London Half-Day Tour offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s seafaring past. Over four hours, participants explore four historic riverside pubs, each with its own tales of maritime adventure and local lore. The tour combines leisurely walking with insightful commentary, providing a unique experience for history and pub enthusiasts alike. From the starting point at Rotherhithe Station to the iconic Prospect of Whitby pub, this tour promises to transport visitors back in time and uncover the hidden stories that once played out along the Thames.
Key Points

- This half-day tour explores four historic riverside pubs in London, delving into the city’s nautical history and pub scene.
- Participants will learn about London’s past as a busy port and the reasons why locals set sail for the New World.
- The tour provides insight into London’s maritime heritage with minimal stair usage, making it accessible for most participants.
- The tour starts at Rotherhithe Station and ends at the Prospect of Whitby pub, both easily accessible via public transportation.
- The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and requires comfortable walking of up to 10 minutes between pubs, but is not wheelchair accessible.
Tour Highlights

The tour highlights a guided exploration of four historic riverside pubs, offering participants the opportunity to explore London’s pub scene and nautical history.
Visitors will learn about London’s past as a busy port, and discover why locals once set sail for the New World.
Uncover London’s maritime past as a bustling port that launched voyages to the New World.
The tour provides a glimpse into the city’s maritime heritage, with comfortable walking between venues and minimal stair usage required.
Attendees should be prepared for a half-day excursion, making use of the underground transportation system to move between the meeting and ending points.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in London
Meeting and Ending Points
The meeting point for the Pirate Pubs of Old London Tour is located at the Rotherhithe Station exit in London SE16 4LD, UK.
The tour ends at the Prospect of Whitby pub, situated at 57 Wapping Wall, London E1W 3SH, UK.
Both the meeting and ending points are easily accessible, with the Wapping and Limehouse stations being a short walk away.
Participants should be prepared for some walking during the tour, as the venues are located within a 10-minute walking distance from each other.
The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.
Tour Logistics

The half-day tour lasts approximately 4 hours.
Participants will need to use public transportation, specifically the underground, to travel from the meeting point at Rotherhithe Station to the ending point at Prospect of Whitby. The fare for this journey is £1.90 on a contactless payment method.
For this tour, travelers will need to take the underground from Rotherhithe Station to Prospect of Whitby, with a fare of £1.90 on contactless payment.
The tour involves comfortable walking of up to 10 minutes between the historic riverside pubs. Participants should be capable of using stairs, as accessibility is limited.
No heart problems or serious medical conditions are required to join this tour, which is conducted as a private experience for only the booked group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Policy on Outside Food and Drinks?
The tour policy does not explicitly mention outside food or drinks. Participants should avoid consuming any outside items during the tour out of courtesy to the historic pubs visited and to fully engage with the experience.
Thirsty for more? These other drinking tours in London caught our attention
Can We Purchase Drinks During the Tour?
Participants can purchase drinks during the tour. Many historic pubs offer a range of beverages, allowing visitors to experience the local pub culture. The tour logistics allow ample time for participants to purchase drinks at each venue visited.
Is Photography Allowed at the Pubs?
Photography is generally allowed at pubs, but policies may vary. Visitors should be respectful and discreet when taking photos, and follow any rules or requests from pub staff. Photography guidelines can be confirmed with the tour guide prior to the tour.
Are There Restrooms Available at the Pubs?
Restrooms are typically available at historic pubs in London. Tour participants should expect access to public restrooms at the venues visited during the guided tour, though specific facilities may vary between individual pubs.
Can We Extend the Tour to Visit Additional Pubs?
Customers may inquire about extending the tour to visit additional pubs. This would likely incur an additional fee and require advance notice. Tour duration and logistics would need to be confirmed with the tour operator prior to booking any modifications.
The Sum Up
The Pirate Pubs of Old London Half-Day Tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the city’s rich maritime heritage. Combining leisurely walks with captivating commentary, the tour immerses participants in the tales of seafaring adventures and local lore that have shaped the historic riverside pubs. Whether a history buff or a pub enthusiast, this four-hour experience provides a captivating glimpse into London’s storied past.
More Museum Experiences in London
- Gallery Explorer: The National Gallery Children’s Art Tour
- London: Tickets for Moco Modern & Contemporary Art Museum
- London: Official Natural History Museum Tour – Architecture
- London: British Museum + Guided Tour + Priority Entry
- London: Natural History Museum + Guided Tour+ Priority Entry
- Natural History Museum e Kensington Garden
More Tours in London
More Tour Reviews in London
- London Ghost Walking Tour: Tales of Terror & Mystery
- London Instagram Photoshoot – 20 edited photos
- London: The Fun Tour with Live Theater and Comedy
- London: Asian Noodles Masterclass with Wine
- London: Cambridge Day Trip with Great St Mary’s Church Tower
- London Cooking Class and British Royal tasting Menu Dinner
Still browsing? Here are more London experiences we've covered recently
- You’ll Love These 14 Wine Tours In London
- 14 Top-Rated London Walking Tours
- The 14 Top Food Tours In London: Which Is Best?
- London’s 14 Best Shopping & Market Tours
- 11 Top Tours & Experiences In London (With Reviews & Prices)
- Top 14 Workshops & Classes In London
- We Rank London’s 3 Top Vegan & Vegetarian Tours
- Which London Full-Day Tours To Choose? We Rank The 14 Best
- 14 Must-Try Historical Tours In London
- The 13 Most Popular Tours In London
- 6 Of The Best Lunch Experiences In London
- We Rank London’s 14 Top Drinking Tours
