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

New To The Site! London, England

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60 to 90 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

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
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

London SE1 2PR
UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Shad Thames
London SE1 2LY, UK

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

What To Expect

St. Olaf House (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.
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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.
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The Horniman at Hays (Pass By)

On this tour, you'll pass The Horniman at Hays. You'll hear about it as you walk.
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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.
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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.
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Tower Bridge (Pass By)

The tour ends next to Horsleydown Steps, with a stunning close-up view of Tower Bridge.
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St Saviours Dock (Pass By)

You'll have a chance to stroll along St Saviours Dock and hear its history.
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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.
Read more

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.
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Horsleydown Steps (Pass By)

The tour ends next to Horsleydown Steps, with a stunning close-up view of Tower Bridge.
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Le Pont de la Tour (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.
Read more

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.
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Show 10 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Secrets of South Bank: An Audio Tour of London’s Old Port?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-110804P202


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What's Included

Activity name

  • 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

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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Free Cancellation

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100% refund
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).

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