For groups of ten or more, we offer local walking tours

Led by our experienced and knowledgeable Cathedral Guides, this is an opportunity to explore Southwark at a leisurely pace, including stops and visits at sites of interest. Group leaders may wish to combine a tour of the Cathedral with an escorted walk in the surrounding area.

We have six walking tours on offer. 

  • Shakespeare in Southwark Walk

At the heart of William Shakespeare’s theatrical world was the building we now know as Southwark Cathedral. This was the scene of baptisms, burials and marriages for the actors who graced the stage of the Elizabethan theatre.

Our walk begins at the Cathedral, explores Bankside, wandering the riverside streets to the sites of the Globe and Rose theatres.

  • The Wrong Side of the River: Historic Bankside Walk

Bankside, the area surrounding Southwark Cathedral, has a rich and colourful history. Sometimes referred to as the “side of the undesirables”, this walking tour uncovers the time when bishops, bards, and prostitutes lived and worked alongside each other.

The walk includes a palace ruin, the site of the famous Clink prison, St Mary Overy Dock, and the many sites associated with Shakespeare.

  • Borough High Street Walk – A Travellers’ tale

This old Roman road and main entrance into the City of London has been a place of travellers and inns meeting the needs of those on long journeys. Chaucer’s Canterbury pilgrims started their pilgrimage from an inn in Southwark.

This walk will explore the history of Borough High Street, visiting he sites of several inns including the last surviving galleried inn in London.         

  • Medical Practices in Southwark Walk

Hospitals have been in the local area for over 800 years. Explore the historic links that exist between Southwark Cathedral, St Thomas’ and Guys Hospital as well as other medical ‘professionals’ associated with the area.

The tour includes a look at Guys hospital buildings and precincts and a visit to the Chapel and the crypt which aren’t normally open to members of the public.

  • Dickens in Southwark Walk

​Charles Dickens spent time in Southwark when his father was sent to Marshalsea debtors’ prison in 1824. Young Charles’ regular visits generated ideas and inspired characters which would appear in his novels.

This tours takes you to places associated with Pickwick Papers, The Old Curiosity Shop, David Copperfield and Little Dorrit finishing with a visit to St George the Martyr Church on Borough High Street.

  • Biscuits and Bombs: Bermondsey Street

Join us for a walk down hip Bermondsey Street, "where you move after you've outgrown Shoreditch" and hear recent and ancient stories of tanneries, an abbey, artists, biscuits and bombs. Bermondsey has been through many changes and continues to evolve, so come for a glimpse of the modern vibe, where every name tells a story.

Group Prices

Per Person*

Walking Tour                                                                                                        £10.00

Cathedral Tour + Escorted Walk with a Cathedral Guide                       £17.00

All prices are inclusive of VAT.

*To qualify for these rates, the minimum number of people per group is 10. The maximum number per group is 45 people.

We are willing to consider group visits 7 days per week however these will be subject to services and other activities taking place.