Secrets of South Bank: An Audio Tour of London's Old Port

London, England
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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

Just 40 years ago, London’s South Bank was known as the ‘Pool of London’, home to a number of wharves that received cargo from all over the world. Today, this pedestrian-friendly area is a hive of completely different activity.

On this South Bank walking tour, you’ll find out the history behind the area and see how it’s been sensitively converted to allow us to appreciate its industrial architecture, and even some of the atmosphere of the old Port of London.

As you make your way along the South Bank of the Thames, you’ll see historic structures including HMS Belfast and several dramatic modern developments. You’ll follow the cobbled street of Shad Thames, surrounded by former dock wharves and high-level bridges linking to distribution depots – now all converted into apartments or eateries such as the famous Pont de la Tour restaurant.

By the end, you’ll have covered 2,000 years of English history and seen how the former docks have been transformed into 21st-century attractions.

What's included

  • VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
  • Lifetime access to this tour in English
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Transportation
  • Food and drink
  • Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

What to expect

  1. Pass by
    This self-guided audio tour starts near London Bridge in front of St Olaf House, once a church and now an Art Deco office block with a connection to early Viking invaders.
  2. London Bridge
    Pass by
    I’ll tell you about the many structures that’ve been built across the river from Roman times onwards, from the medieval Old London Bridge (once considered one of the ‘wonders of the world’), to today’s reinforced concrete bridge.
  3. Pass by
    On this tour, you'll pass The Horniman at Hays. You'll hear about it as you walk.
  4. HMS Belfast
    Pass by
    As you make your way along the South Bank of the Thames, you’ll see historic structures including HMS Belfast (a former World War II cruiser, now a museum) and several dramatic modern developments.
  5. Tower of London
    Pass by
    On this self-guided audio tour, you'll have a chance to view the Tower of London across the river and the famous Traitor’s Gate, where condemned people were landed before being executed on Tower Hill.
  6. Tower Bridge
    Pass by
    The tour ends next to Horsleydown Steps, with a stunning close-up view of Tower Bridge.
  7. Pass by
    You'll have a chance to stroll along St Saviours Dock and hear its history.
  8. Shad Thames
    Pass by
    You’ll follow the cobbled street of Shad Thames, surrounded by former dock wharves and high-level bridges linking to distribution depots – now all converted into apartments or eateries such as the famous Pont de la Tour restaurant.
  9. Tower Bridge Piazza
    Pass by
    On this self-guided audio tour, you'll have a chance to enjoy a drink in Tower Bridge Piazza with a view of the rather erotic fountain statues by the modern sculptor, Donaldson.
  10. Horsleydown Steps
    Pass by
    The tour ends next to Horsleydown Steps, with a stunning close-up view of Tower Bridge.
  11. Pass by
    You’ll follow the cobbled street of Shad Thames, surrounded by former dock wharves and high-level bridges linking to distribution depots – now all converted into apartments or eateries such as the famous Pont de la Tour restaurant.
  12. Hay's Galleria
    Pass by
    On this self-guided audio tour, you'll have a chance to admire the reconstructed wharf now known as Hay’s Galleria, with its steel and glass canopy and massive maritime sculpture.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts outside St. Olaf House. 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

This self guided audio tour ends at the bottom of Horsleydown steps.

Additional information

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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$11.99 per person
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  • 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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