Pool of London: A Self-Guided Walking Tour
At a glance
Pool of London: A Self-Guided Walking Tour is a 1h 15m – 2h 30m private experience in London, United Kingdom, operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours. Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 1 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $9.99 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it, Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata, Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour.
Highlights
- Private experience — just you and your group
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 8 stops in one well-planned itinerary
- Wheelchair accessible
Quick facts
- Duration
- 1h 15m – 2h 30m
- Group
- Private tour — only your group
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Travellers
- 1–15 per booking
- Ages
- Adult 6–98
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Options & availability
-
Pool of London: A Self-Guided Walking Tour
from $9.99
- Days:
- Every day
Times and prices come from the operator’s live schedule and are confirmed when you book.
Overview
This self-guided walking tour traces nearly 2000 years of history along the Thames, between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, once Britain's busiest port.
You'll hear about the traitors, prisoners and warships once moored here, and see how old warehouses now hold restaurants and flats.
The tour starts at the Southern Gatehouse, where traitors' heads were once displayed on spikes. You'll cross London Bridge, pass Billingsgate Market and the Custom House, then continue over Tower Bridge to Shad Thames, Butlers Wharf and HMS Belfast, before returning to the Southern Gatehouse.
Along the way, learn about Doggett's Coat and Badge, Britain's oldest sporting event, spot a Thames sailing barge, and see the safety chains that have lined the tidal river for centuries.
Wear comfortable shoes and give yourself 90 minutes to follow the river where London's fortune, and infamy, began.
What's included
What's included
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- App for Android and iOS
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Not included
- Smartphone and headphones
- Transportation
- Food and drink
- Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
Itinerary
-
Stop 1
Cross London Bridge as you begin tracing how the Pool of London built the City of London's fortunes. Learn about the deadly 1212 Great Fire of Southwark, which trapped and killed hundreds right here.
-
Stop 2
Follow the north bank past Billingsgate Market, the historic fish market. Take in this landmark, once at the heart of London's bustling river trade.
-
Stop 3
Pass by the Custom House, where Geoffrey Chaucer worked as customs controller in the 1370s. Discover this unexpected literary connection to London's centuries-old trading history.
-
Stop 4
Pass Traitors' Gate at the Tower of London. Please note that admission to the Tower is not included in this tour.
-
Stop 5
Cross Tower Bridge, learning how its towers still lift for tall ships that give 24 hours' notice. Take in this iconic landmark as your journey continues along the river.
-
Stop 6
Descend into Shad Thames, a cobbled lane of former spice warehouses used as a film set for Oliver! and The Elephant Man. Discover this atmospheric corner of London's old riverside trade district.
-
Stop 7
Pass HMS Belfast, the WWII cruiser moored here since 1971. Please note that admission aboard the ship is not included in this tour.
-
Stop 8
Discover the Navigators, a 60-foot ship-man sculpture at Hays Galleria marking London's old Larder wharf. Take in this striking piece of public art, a nod to the area's maritime history.
Meeting point
This tour starts at The Southern Gatehouse. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
End point
Tour ends at Final 2 Tooley St, London, UK
Traveller ratings
5.0
2 reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor
- 5 ★ 2
- 4 ★ 0
- 3 ★ 0
- 2 ★ 0
- 1 ★ 0
Good to know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Pool of London: A Self-Guided Walking Tour take?
The experience lasts about 1h 15m – 2h 30m.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $9.99 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it; Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata; Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour; App for Android and iOS; Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start.
Where does it start?
This tour starts at The Southern Gatehouse. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 1 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in London.
