West End and South Bank Theatre Walking Tour in London
At a glance
West End and South Bank Theatre Walking Tour in London is a 3h 30m small-group experience in London, United Kingdom, operated by Charlie Tantam. Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 35 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $37.68 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Historic programmes & theatre artefacts.
Highlights
- Small group of up to 12 people for a more personal experience
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 25 stops in one well-planned itinerary
- Wheelchair accessible
Quick facts
- Duration
- 3h 30m
- Group
- Small group, up to 12 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
Discover 400 years of stage history in the theatre capital of the world! A journey across the West End and the South Bank featuring the biggest names, greatest successes & most infamous disasters.
Theatres covered on the tour include: The Coliseum, Duke of York's, Noel Coward, Wyndham's, Her Majesty's, Theatre Royal Haymarket, Harold Pinter, Prince of Wales, Lyric, Apollo, Gielgud, Sondheim, Palace, Ambassadors, St Martins, The Arts, ROH, Fortune, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Lyceum, The National, Shakespeare's Globe...plus a top-secret final location!
What's included
What's included
- Historic programmes & theatre artefacts
Itinerary
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Stop 1 · 5m
Learn the history of the Coliseum. The largest theatre in the West End!
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Stop 2 · 5m
Discover the many stars who made their debuts on this West End stage. Including Peter Pan!
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Stop 3 · 10m
Hear of the great productions of the past. The only theatre where two significant theatre giants ever shared a stage.
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Stop 4 · 5m
Learn of the history of this beautiful theatre. See the bust of Shakespeare on the front - the only one in the West End!
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Stop 5 · 5m
Discount ticket booth - how to get great West End seats at low prices! Old music hall spots - historic theatres such as The Alhambra & The Empire.
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Stop 6 · 5m
A theatre favoured by both Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Judi Dench. There's also rumour of a haunting...
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Stop 7 · 5m
The second oldest active theatre site in London. Also home to the second-longest running musical - The Phantom of the Opera!
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Stop 8 · 5m
Opening in 1881, the Harold Pinter Theatre is one of the oldest playhouses in the West End. Hear of the stars that have caused a great sensation here - including Marilyn Monroe!
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Stop 9 · 5m
Now home to The Book of Mormon, the Prince of Wales has had a rich history of comedy & musical spectacles. Famous names who've appeared here include The Beatles, Peter Sellers and Barbara Streisand!
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Stop 10 · 10m
The road with more theatres than any other! Hear about the history of Shaftesbury Avenue and theatres including The Lyric, Apollo, Gielgud, Sondheim & The Palace.
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Stop 11 · 5m
The oldest surviving theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue! Also the place where a British comedy icon tragically died...
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Stop 12 · 5m
The first Edwardian Theatre, opening in 1901. Also once home to a truly legendary production of our time!
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Stop 13 · 5m
Now named after the great Sir John, the Gielgud has seen a few famous faces give their West End debuts. Including Harry Potter himself!
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Stop 14 · 5m
Learn the history of Les Miserables, the world's longest-running musical. Also - a few famous faces who debuted here in the 80s!
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Stop 15 · 5m
Once a famous music hall venue, now home to Harry Potter & the Cursed Child. Discover the origin of the phrase 'bring the house down'.
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Stop 16 · 5m
Although unremarkable on the outside, the Ambassadors has had a rich theatre history. Legendary theatre stars who debuted here include Vivien Leigh & Paul Robeson.
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Stop 17 · 5m
Home of The Mousetrap - the world's longest-running play! Discover the history of this unlikely theatrical hit.
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Stop 18 · 5m
The West End's smallest theatre. Also once home to the most controversial play of all time!
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Stop 19 · 10m
See the legendary Covent Garden Market! Also, London's official Actors Church, street theatre spots and two of the oldest theatre sites in London.
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Stop 20 · 5m
One of the oldest theatre spots in London - est 1732. Now home to the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet.
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Stop 21 · 5m
Home to The Woman in Black - the longest-running horror play ever. Hear of the spooky stories that have occurred during the play's 30+ year history...
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Stop 22 · 5m
The oldest active theatre spot in the West End. Discover the legends of the past who made their names on its legendary stage.
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Stop 23 · 5m
Now home to The Lion King, going since 1999 and still a hot ticket! Hear of the leading actors of the Victorian era who once dominated the Lyceum's stage - Sir Henry Irving & Dame Ellen Terry - and also the genesis of a famous gothic horror creation.
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Stop 24 · 10m
Hear about the history of our National Theatre. Also, the founder of the National, Laurence Olivier, stated the opposite.
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Stop 25 · 15m
Discover the history of Bankside - where Shakespeare made his name. See the famous reconstruction of Shakespeare's Globe and a final top-secret theatre location!
Meeting point
Across the street from Charing Cross Station.
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
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the West End and South Bank Theatre Walking Tour in London take?
The experience lasts about 3h 30m.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $37.68 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?
Historic programmes & theatre artefacts.
Where does it start?
Across the street from Charing Cross Station.
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 4.9 out of 5 across 35 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in London.
