HobNob Tours
Exclusive Private Walking Tours

Southwark may not be the first place visitors to London head to on arrival as they are drawn, quite understandably, to the better known iconic palaces, cathedrals and ancient shops.  But Southwark is the oldest borough in London and its many hidden gems and unusual sights make it an absolute must to explore.

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Since the days of Roman Britain, Southwark has developed on the coat tails of the City of London across the banks of the River Thames.  For centuries it was the playground for the City's young men looking for a bit of fun outside the constraints imposed by the City's strict authorities.  From the inns and brothels which lined the narrow alleys leading down to the river's edge to the theatres and bear-baiting arenas, Southwark had it all. It was one of London's roughest areas, not that you would know it today!  Its sophisticated and classy look nowadays is a world away from the rough area of days gone by.

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But Southwark was not all about supplying its wealthy neighbour; in the midst of the sleazy, run down alleys and yards plying their goods and services, were the grandeur of Winchester Palace, home to the Bishops of Winchester and Southwark Cathedral, the church the Bishops helped to create as far back as the 12th century.  Southwark was where the posh people and the paupers lived side by side.

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This tour has so many highlights!  We will see the ruins of a once beautiful medieval palace, the full sized replica of the ship in which Sir Francis Drake sailed around the world in the late 1570s and the fearsome Clink prison complete with tales of what its inmates had to endure.  We will go inside Southwark Cathedral to see some interesting memorials to people and events with connections to Southwark. We will hear about the history of the theatre and see where the original Globe Theatre was built and admire its replica nearby; and we will enjoy the work of two modern artists, Jimmy C from Australia and Ben W from London - their art mediums? A wall and chewing gum!  You will have to wait and see!

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Join me to find out what phrases like 'shooting the bridge' and the 'Winchester Geese' mean.  There is so much to discover and enjoy.

The private walking tour of Southwark lasts for about 3 hours and covers a distance of 3-4 miles.  This circular tour starts on the lower concourse of London Bridge station beside the finger post with 'Connect to free wifi' written at the bottom; it is situated between Pret a Manger and the Body Shop.