Booze, Brothels & The Bard: A Walking Tour of London’s Bawdy Borough

Explore London’s Bawdy Borough for Just $27.60

The Booze, Brothels & The Bard walking tour offers a lively glimpse into London’s lively past, all for $27.60 per person. Lasting approximately 2 hours, this tour takes you through the historic Southwark area, combining well-known landmarks with lesser-known secrets. With a small group size, usually no more than 15 travelers, you get personalized attention and engaging storytelling from passionate guides.

Starting from Borough High Street, the tour visits iconic sites like Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the bustling Borough Market. It also explores fascinating, less-touristy spots such as the Old Operating Theatre Museum, Crossbones Graveyard, and the remains of Marshalsea Prison. The tour is perfect for those wanting a different perspective on London’s history—highlighting stories of literary figures like Shakespeare and Dickens, alongside tales of London’s darker, bawdy past.

While the tour covers a diverse array of sites, it’s mainly a walking experience, with each stop lasting about 5 minutes. The inclusion of free admission to each location means you can spend as much time as you like exploring beyond the guided visit. It’s ideal for curious travelers eager to see hidden corners and hear colorful stories most tours skip.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $27.60 for a 2-hour experience
• Visiting major landmarks such as Shakespeare’s Globe and Borough Market
• Includes free access to historic sites like Crossbones Graveyard and Marshalsea Prison remains
• Small group size ensures personalized storytelling from passionate guides
• Most guests book 45 days in advance for this popular tour
• Perfect for those seeking a different view of London’s history, combining culture, crime, and literature

The Starting Point at Borough High Street

The tour begins at Borough High Street, a lively area near public transportation, making it easy to access. The meeting point is straightforward, and from there, the guide leads you on a roughly two-hour walk through Southwark. The tour ends near the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, making it convenient to continue exploring or enjoy nearby dining options.

This setup allows for a relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and take photos. The mobile ticket system helps streamline entry, and because most stops last about 5 minutes, the tour moves at a comfortable speed.

Visiting the Remains of Marshalsea Prison

One of the tour’s most gripping stops is St George the Martyr, home to the only remaining part of the Marshalsea Prison. This prison once housed debtors and was famously referenced in Charles Dickens’ works. Here, visitors learn how incarceration affected London’s lower classes and see the small, surviving structure that hints at the area’s darker past.

The free admission to this site makes it a meaningful peek into London’s penal history, and the guide shares stories that bring the site to life. Adjacent to this is Crossbones Graveyard, a resting place for many of Southwark’s outcast dead, adding a layer of social history to your walk.

The Iconic Hop Exchange and London’s Beer Heritage

The Hop Exchange is another highlight, showcasing Southwark’s importance as a hub for the beer industry. As the largest surviving reminder of London’s brewing past, this building offers insights into how beer trade shaped the area’s economy.

The guide explains the significance of the Hop Exchange, connecting it to Southwark’s lively tavern culture. Although just a 5-minute stop, the stories about beer’s role in London’s social life make this site memorable.

The Last Galleried Coaching Inn: The George

Next, the tour visits The George, London’s last surviving galleried coaching inn. This historic pub once served as a coaching stop and retains its traditional architecture, with galleries overlooking the main hall. It offers a tangible sense of medieval and early modern travel.

While the focus remains on storytelling, seeing the original structure provides a real connection to London’s historic hospitality scene—an essential stop for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The Old Operating Theatre Museum

One of the most striking stops is the Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret, the oldest surviving operating theatre in Europe. This site vividly illustrates Victorian surgical practices, with preserved features and authentic artifacts.

A 5-minute visit here gives a sobering glimpse into early medical history. The guide’s explanations help contextualize the site’s significance, making it an educational highlight of the tour.

London Bridge and Its Stories

The tour also features the world-famous London Bridge. While many know it from nursery rhymes, this stop provides real stories about its history, construction, and role in London’s development. The bridge’s iconic presence makes it a memorable photo spot.

The guide shares tales of its evolution and how it has shaped the city’s riverfront, providing a richer understanding compared to just viewing the bridge from afar.

Southwark Cathedral’s Gothic Charm

Next, visitors walk to Southwark Cathedral, the oldest surviving Gothic church in London. This site is not only architecturally impressive but also historically significant, with ties to London’s religious history and literary associations.

The short stop here focuses on its architecture and ongoing role as a spiritual site. The guide highlights its connection to the local area and famous past residents.

Borough Market and Its Culinary Heritage

A walk wouldn’t be complete without visiting Borough Market, a food market with a history stretching back over a thousand years. The vibrant stalls offer an array of fresh produce, artisanal foods, and local delicacies.

While about 5 minutes are allocated, the market’s lively atmosphere invites visitors to explore further on their own. It’s a favorite for food lovers and offers a taste of Southwark’s enduring trade tradition.

Winchester Palace Ruins: Medieval Grandeur

The tour also passes by the remains of Winchester Palace, once one of the most prestigious homes in medieval England. Although only ruins remain, the site hints at the grandeur and power held within its walls.

The guide provides insights into its role during medieval times, making it a fascinating stop for history enthusiasts curious about London’s aristocratic past.

The Clink Prison Museum

Next, the Clink Prison Museum stands as a reminder of Southwark’s notorious penal history. Located on the site of the historic Clink Prison, the museum showcases exhibits about the harsh conditions and infamous inmates.

This stop appeals to visitors interested in London’s darker side, with explanations that bring the prison’s story to life. The free entry allows exploration beyond the brief guided visit.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre: Reconstructed and Alive

Finally, the tour concludes at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, reconstructed to mirror the original Elizabethan playhouse. It’s a must-see for lovers of literature and theater, offering a vivid connection to William Shakespeare’s London.

The site’s significance is underscored by its authentic design and ongoing performances. The nearby walkable location makes it easy to explore further or catch a show if desired.

Practical Details and Booking Tips

This tour is ideal for those who appreciate personalized storytelling and want an affordable, engaging way to explore Southwark’s hidden stories. The mobile ticket system simplifies check-in, and most travelers plan to book about 45 days in advance due to its popularity.

The free admission to all stops, combined with knowledgeable guides, makes this a good value experience. Its 2-hour duration offers a compact yet comprehensive look at London’s more colorful history, blending cultural landmarks with stories of crime, literature, and social change.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes the Booze, Brothels & The Bard tour particularly appealing is its focus on less-polished, authentic stories many other tours overlook. The passionate guides, like Tom, are praised for their storytelling skills and deep knowledge, making each stop engaging.

The mix of historic sites, literary connections, and bawdy tales ensures a dynamic walk that appeals to history buffs, culture lovers, and those curious about London’s underground tales. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer a small-group experience with plenty of opportunity for questions and interaction.

Who Should Consider This Tour

If you enjoy history, literature, or London’s more colorful past, this tour hits all those notes. It suits adults and older teens interested in learning about London’s bawdy side, historical prisons, and famous landmarks from a fresh perspective. The pace and length make it a good choice for a half-day activity, especially for those who want to combine sightseeing with storytelling.

Final Thoughts on Booze, Brothels & The Bard

This walking tour offers a unique blend of London’s historical, literary, and illicit stories in a compact, accessible format. The sites visited are carefully chosen for their significance and storytelling potential, with a focus on Southwark’s diverse past.

While the stops are brief, the passionate guides and free site access provide ample opportunity for deeper exploration afterward. It’s a great value at $27.60, especially for those who enjoy engaging guides and intimate group sizes.

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, literature fans, or anyone seeking a different view of London beyond the usual tourist spots. It’s a fun, informative, and lively way to uncover the city’s more mischievous and memorable stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total duration of this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins on Borough High Street and ends near the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre at 21 New Globe Walk.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but since the tour covers bawdy and historical topics, it’s best suited for older children and adults.

Are tickets refundable?
Yes, tickets can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund.

How many people are on each tour?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.