Pool of London: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Duration1h 15m - 2h 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

This self-guided walking tour traces nearly 2000 years of history along the Thames, between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, once Britain's busiest port.

You'll hear about the traitors, prisoners and warships once moored here, and see how old warehouses now hold restaurants and flats.

The tour starts at the Southern Gatehouse, where traitors' heads were once displayed on spikes. You'll cross London Bridge, pass Billingsgate Market and the Custom House, then continue over Tower Bridge to Shad Thames, Butlers Wharf and HMS Belfast, before returning to the Southern Gatehouse.

Along the way, learn about Doggett's Coat and Badge, Britain's oldest sporting event, spot a Thames sailing barge, and see the safety chains that have lined the tidal river for centuries.

Wear comfortable shoes and give yourself 90 minutes to follow the river where London's fortune, and infamy, began.

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
App for Android and iOS
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Smartphone and headphones
Transportation
Food and drink
Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

What to expect

London Bridge
Pass by

Cross London Bridge as you begin tracing how the Pool of London built the City of London's fortunes. Learn about the deadly 1212 Great Fire of Southwark, which trapped and killed hundreds right here.
Pass by

Follow the north bank past Billingsgate Market, the historic fish market. Take in this landmark, once at the heart of London's bustling river trade.
Pass by

Pass by the Custom House, where Geoffrey Chaucer worked as customs controller in the 1370s. Discover this unexpected literary connection to London's centuries-old trading history.
Tower of London
Pass by

Pass Traitors' Gate at the Tower of London. Please note that admission to the Tower is not included in this tour.
Tower Bridge
Pass by

Cross Tower Bridge, learning how its towers still lift for tall ships that give 24 hours' notice. Take in this iconic landmark as your journey continues along the river.
Shad Thames
Pass by

Descend into Shad Thames, a cobbled lane of former spice warehouses used as a film set for Oliver! and The Elephant Man. Discover this atmospheric corner of London's old riverside trade district.
HMS Belfast
Pass by

Pass HMS Belfast, the WWII cruiser moored here since 1971. Please note that admission aboard the ship is not included in this tour.
Hay's Galleria
Pass by

Discover the Navigators, a 60-foot ship-man sculpture at Hays Galleria marking London's old Larder wharf. Take in this striking piece of public art, a nod to the area's maritime history.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts at The Southern Gatehouse. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

Tour ends at Final 2 Tooley St, London, UK

Additional information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

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From

$9.99 per person

Check availability & book

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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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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