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Free tour

A stroll along the Southbank - Free walking tour

Duration: 1h and 45min
Languages: English
Guru: Richard
Quality Verified Registered on May 03, 2022

Richard is a vastly experienced London Tour Guide having worked in the industry for over two decades. Starting his career for Historic Royal Palaces based at Hampton Court Palace and moved on to becoming a tour guide with both Toot Tours and Guide manager with Golden Tours. His career has seen him work at many of London’s major attractions including The Harry Potter studio tour, The Tower Bridge Exhibition, The London Film Musuem, Wembley Stadium Tours and even Buckingham Palace itself. Richard currently runs a variety of independent small group walking tours across London via Guruwalks, using his vast passion for his home city , and deep knowledge especially for all things Royal, to bring London to life for thousands of happy visitors every year and looks forward to welcoming you as part of his tours.

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  • No minimum number of attendees
    No minimum number of attendees is required for the tour
  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free
  • Accepts electronic payment
    This tour allows payment by electronic means or credit card

Tour description

A classic London tour as we take a stroll along The World famous Southbank area of the river Thames, an area steeped in history, mystery, and intrigue, whilst constantly evolving to be the beating heart of London and all that it stands for. 

From the Roman invasion 2000 years ago to modern-day 21st-century innovative design and architecture, the Thames has always played a critical part in London’s development, decline, and rise as a major World City.  Home to Shakespeare, Dickens, Wren, Newton Churchill and countless others, the area has always been, and will always remain a vibrant and key part of London’s history and its future. 

This tour will take in many famous landmarks as well as some unusual and hidden gems including: 

  • London Eye
  • County Hall
  • The National Theatre
  • Waterloo Bridge
  • Jubilee Park
  • The Royal Festival Hall
  • OXO Tower
  • Doggets Coat and Badge 
  • Blackfriars Bridge
  • Tate Modern
  • Shakespeare’s Globe
  • The Millennium Bridge
  • The Anchor Pub 
  • The Bishop of Winchesters Palace


With fantastic views of “Big Ben” The London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe,  St Pauls Cathedral, and many other famous sights , all whilst following the magnificent river Thames.

Hear about the discovery of a ship buried for 2000 years, learn the REAL story of Henry VIII and his six wives. Discover the story behind the worlds oldest sporting event (still running to this day) Walk in the very footsteps of Shakespeare and Dickens and hear stories of poverty and deprivation and regeneration. See how  London’s 21st Century skyline lives cheek by jowel with its fascinating past.

And much much more!


📃THE BASICS📃- What you need to know! (And the boring legal bit)
📍The Tour Starts at the BOTTOM OF THE STEPS  underneath the Lion Statue on the south side (London Eye side) of Westminster Bridge OUTSIDE THE BAKERY ( nearest underground Waterloo or Westminster)  I will be wearing a flat cap and carrying a Black rucksack

📍The tour ends outside The Bishop of Winchesters Palace which is next to  Borough Market & a 2 minute walk to London Bridge station.


🧑‍🦽The route is flat and on paved footpaths or roads, and can be tailored to be suitable for those with reduced mobility, the meeting point is at the bottom of several steps down from Westminster Bridge if you have specific mobility issues there is a step free way to the meeting point, please contact me in advance for more information.
A comfortable pair of shoes or trainers is sufficient,  no need for any specific footwear, although it is advised against wearing high heels

🐕‍🦺The tour is suitable for dogs but they MUST be kept on a lead at all times.

🥤🥪Please note that there are limited  Toilet facilities on this tour, these will generally be inside cafes or restaurants  and used at the owners descretion, public toilets on the route may charge for use. You may eat and drink on the tour (please no alcohol) but please be responsible and take any rubbish with you until you can find a bin. Generally we will not stop for refreshments or bathroom breaks unless the group is in agreement then we can do so at a suitable venue, Smoking and vaping is forbidden on this tour for the comfort of all participants.


👉💉I am hold an advanced DBS (child and vulnerable peoples) certification. And valid 1st aid certification from The British Red Cross.


👉Please follow any instructions given to you by myself, police officers or anyone else holding a position of authority whilst on the tour. We reserve the right to remove any person or persons whose behaviour is deemed unacceptable or if they appear to be under the influence of alcohol or any other substance.

🎒Please take basic precautions with your personal belongings. All visitors are responsible for any personal possessions. Neither the guide or Guru Walks are liable for any personal injury loss or damage to any personal property whilst taking part in the tour 

📩 If you have any questions please feel free to contact me via the tour guru website

I look forward to welcoming you to London

Total tour time Approx 1 hour 45 minutes
 

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Highlights

What will we visit on this tour?

  • Meeting point:
    Memorial Victims, The Westminster Bri...
    Memorial Victims, The Westminster Bridge Terrorist Attacks, Westminster Bridge Rd, Westminster Bridge, London SE1 7GA, UK
    View on map

    The bottom of the steps underneath The Lion Statue on the south side of Westminster Bridge outside the cafe/bakery (The London eye side) Nearest station Waterloo or Westminster (across the bridge) I will be wearing a flat cap and carrying a green bag carrying a small sign saying “Guru Walks”

  • 1
    Outside visit
    County Hall

    The historic home of the London Council that uncovered a 2000 year old secret

  • 2
    Outside visit
    Waterloo Bridge

    The Historic bridge which inspired many famous poets and artists including the classic song Waterloo Sunset but why is it called “The Lady’s Bridge”?

  • 3
    Outside visit
    Shakespeare's Globe

    The full scale replica of the Elizabethan playhouse of the greatest playwright of all time, William Shakespeare, hear about life in Shakespearean London and how a humble outsider became one of the most influential and famous men in history

  • 4
    Outside visit
    Millennium Bridge

    Futuristic footbridge across the River Thames probably better know ln as “The Harry Potter Bridge”

  • 5
    Outside visit
    The Anchor

    The historic riverside pub that survived the great fire of London in 1666, and was frequented by smugglers and pirates, as well as Shakespearean actors and visitors from all over the world for 400 years

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

4.40
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(30 ratings)
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4.46
Entertainment
4.19
Expression
4.23
Information
4.58
Route
4.69
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Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Accepts reservations up to 20 people.
Pets
Suitable for carrying pets.

What should you know?

Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Electronic or credit card payment is accepted.
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