Booze, Brothels & the Bard: London’s Bawdy Borough

Explore Southwark’s Stolen Secrets with a Guided Walk

The Booze, Brothels & the Bard tour offers an engaging 2-hour journey through London’s historic Southwark. Priced at just $26.94 per person, this experience is ideal for those curious about the city’s more colorful past. Led by a knowledgeable guide, it covers roughly 2 miles on foot, beginning just outside Borough Station and ending near London Bridge Station.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on over a thousand years of history, from medieval prisons to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Despite its rich content, the tour remains accessible for most, though it is not suitable for children under 13 years. With a limited group size of fifteen attendees, the experience promises an intimate and lively atmosphere where storytelling is central.

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Key Points

• Historic Southwark is the focus, known historically for seedy goings-on and prostitution since Roman times.
• The tour visits notorious prisons like The Marshalsea and Clink Prison, with visible remains.
• You’ll learn why Southwark earned the nickname “London’s Bawdy Borough.”
• Stops include Borough Market, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the Old Operating Theatre.
• The guide provides engaging storytelling, emphasizing local legends and famous residents.
• The tour is suitable for those interested in London’s darker history and literature.

Starting Point Outside Borough Station

The tour begins outside Borough Station, where a guide with an Historic London Tours sign welcomes participants. This meeting point is convenient, located on Borough High Street, making it easy to access from other parts of London. The two-hour walk covers approximately two miles, providing a relaxed pace that balances storytelling with sightseeing.

This setup suits visitors who prefer a manageable walking distance and want a focused overview without rushing. The tour’s design ensures plenty of time to absorb the stories behind each historical site while remaining engaging and lively throughout.

Visiting Southwark’s Historic Prisons

The tour’s first stops include visits to The Marshalsea Prison and Clink Prison, two of London’s most infamous detention sites. Guided short tours of around 5 minutes each reveal the harsh realities of incarceration in past centuries. These prisons are notable for their seedy reputation and notorious inmates, with some remains still visible.

Participants learn how these prisons played a central role in London’s criminal history and contributed to the area’s reputation for vice. The Clink is especially famous for its medieval origins and its influence on London’s darker side.

Exploring Crossbones Garden and the Hop Exchange

Next, the tour visits Crossbones Garden, a site intertwined with medieval burial practices and social history. The guide shares stories about the area’s marginalized communities and legends of local ghosts.

The Hop Exchange, once a hub for London’s brewing industry, offers a glimpse into Southwark’s commercial past. These stops balance history with atmosphere, illustrating how the area evolved from medieval markets to a lively modern district.

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The George Inn and Borough Market

A visit to The George Inn, London’s oldest surviving galleried coaching inn, provides insight into public life centuries ago. The inn’s timber-framed architecture and historical significance make it a highlight.

Following this, the tour explores Borough Market, a millennium-old food market bustling with local vendors. While the market is modern and lively, the guide discusses its historical roots dating back to medieval times, emphasizing its importance as a trading hub.

The Old Operating Theatre & Southwark Cathedral

Participants visit the Old Operating Theatre Museum & Herb Garret, a fascinating medieval surgery site kept as a museum today. The 5-minute guided tour gives a snapshot of medical history and public health challenges in past centuries.

The nearby Southwark Cathedral offers a contrast, with its antiquity and spiritual history. The guide explains its role in the community over many centuries, adding depth to Southwark’s layered past.

Crossing the Thames to Winchester Palace and Clink Prison

The tour then crosses London Bridge to see the remains of Winchester Palace, once the residence of the Bishops of Winchester. The ruins evoke the medieval power and architecture of the area.

Later, the Clink Prison Museum revisits the grim history of London’s notorious jails. The guide shares stories of prisoners and notorious escapes, with the museum providing interactive exhibits that bring past incarcerations to life.

Visiting the Original Globe and Shakespeare’s Modern Theatre

A key highlight is exploring the site of the original Globe Theatre. The guide details its history and significance in Elizabethan England.

Next, the group visits Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, where a guided tour of around 5 minutes showcases its authentic construction and revived performance culture. The guide emphasizes Shakespeare’s connection to Southwark and the area’s literary legacy.

Final Stop at Shakespeare’s Globe and Tour The Sum Up

The tour concludes inside Shakespeare’s Globe itself, where the guide reinforces how the area’s history intertwines with literature and theatre. It’s an ideal ending for visitors interested in London’s theatrical heritage.

Participants are then free to explore the theatre or nearby Borough Market at their leisure, with the convenience of the end point near London Bridge Station.

Logistics and Group Size

This guided experience is limited to fifteen participants, ensuring personalized storytelling and ample opportunity for questions. The live English-speaking guide creates an engaging atmosphere, sharing fascinating facts and local legends throughout the walk.

The tour begins on Borough High Street and ends near London Bridge Station, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing plans or train travel.

The Experience and What Sets It Apart

What makes this tour distinctive is its focus on London’s less polished past, with stops that reveal seedy history, prisons, markets, and literature links. The guide’s expertise shines through, making each site more vivid and meaningful.

The combination of historical prisons, medieval sites, and literary landmarks creates a well-rounded picture of Southwark’s unique character. The small group size enhances interactions, and the two-hour format keeps it manageable for most travelers.

Final Thoughts on the Booze, Brothels & the Bard Tour

This experience offers a thorough glimpse into London’s bawdy past, blending history, culture, and literature seamlessly. The knowledgeable guide ensures a lively, informative walk that appeals to history buffs and fans of Shakespeare alike.

While the tour is not suitable for children under 13 and involves walking, its affordable price and rich content make it a valuable addition for anyone wanting to explore a darker side of London. The emphasis on storytelling and local legends adds personality that keeps the experience memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is not recommended for children under 13 years due to its themes and walking distance.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, covering about two miles on foot.

What is included in the tour?
A live English-speaking guide leads the walk, sharing stories and insights at each stop.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins outside Borough Station on Borough High Street and concludes near London Bridge Station.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund.

Is it accessible for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking approximately two miles, so those with mobility concerns should consider this before booking.

This London tour provides an engaging and compact look at a less polished side of the city, perfect for history enthusiasts, literature fans, or those intrigued by London’s seedy past.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby