Wapping and the Old London Docks: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Image by Maike und Björn Bröskamp from Pixabay

Duration1h - 1h 30m

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Take a self-guided GPS audio tour through Wapping and the London Docks. The most famous building in Wapping is a pub, The Prospect of Whitby, which was a favourite with pirates and smugglers as well as with Charles Dickens and Samuel Pepys. This ancient village which stretches between the Tower of London and Limehouse has always been associated with seafarers. They tended to live a life apart from the rest of London, although in the eighteenth century the 36 pubs along the riverfront attracted many visitors including Dr Samuel Johnson. Three of these pubs survive.

The London Docks were built in the early nineteenth century and were famous for the import of rum, wine and tobacco. The docks were closed in 1969, but many of the former wharves and warehouses have been preserved and converted into modern apartments. This retains the atmosphere of the past although the sense of danger evoked by Charles Dickens's novels has vanished.

What's included

VoiceMap Application
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Lifetime access to Wapping and the old London Docks tour

Smartphone
Transportation
Food/Drink
Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

What to expect

Tower of London
Pass by

William the Conqueror built the original 'White Tower' in the 11th Century. Many famous people were imprisoned and executed here, including Anne Boleyn, Sir Thomas Moore and Lady Jane Grey.
Pass by

St John's church itself was built in 1756 in red brick with white stone dressings, so that it would stand out amidst the dark and murky atmosphere of the area.
Pass by

Stroll through this beautifully converted historic dock filled with luxury yachts and surrounded by restored 19th-century warehouses. Enjoy the peaceful waterside atmosphere where working docks have been transformed into a vibrant marina with cafes and shops.
Pass by

Pass this traditional riverside pub tucked beneath historic wharves along the Thames foreshore. Discover one of Wapping's oldest taverns, dating back to 1545, where smugglers and sailors once gathered by the water's edge.
Execution Dock - actual location
Pass by

Walk along the Thames foreshore where pirates and mutineers once faced their grim fate at the water's edge. Learn about this notorious site where maritime criminals were hanged at low tide for over 400 years.
Pass by

Marvel at this characterful riverside pub named after the infamous Scottish pirate who was executed nearby. Enjoy views over the Thames from the same spot where 18th-century sailors and smugglers once drank.
Shadwell Basin
Pass by

Stroll around this peaceful former dock basin, now transformed into a watersports center and nature reserve. Experience the tranquil contrast to Wapping's seafaring past as you walk beside the calm waters surrounded by converted warehouses.
Pass by

Pass these striking converted warehouses that once stored precious cargoes from around the world. Admire how the historic riverside buildings have been transformed into modern waterfront apartments while preserving their original character.
Pass by

Conclude your tour outside London's oldest riverside pub, dating from 1520, with its iconic flagstone floor and pewter-topped bar. Discover the favorite haunt of Charles Dickens, Samuel Pepys, and notorious smugglers who frequented this historic tavern.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

Additional information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

From

$9.99 per person

Check availability & book

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
Instant confirmation
You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.

Operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours · Booked through Viator

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