400 Years of the London South Bank: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Are you ready to embark on a journey through 400 years of history on the London South Bank? Step into a world where ancient inns, churches, hospitals, markets, and prisons whisper stories of the past.

This self-guided audio tour invites you to follow in the footsteps of literary legends and uncover the intriguing tales of Southwark, just outside the City of London. From the iconic sites of Oliver Twist to the architectural marvels of Southwark Cathedral, this adventure promises to be a comprehensive exploration of the area’s fascinating past.

And don’t miss the chance to visit Britain’s oldest operating theatre, where you can learn about the medical practices of yesteryears. With lifetime access, offline audio, and maps, this tour offers a flexible and accessible way to discover the captivating history of the London South Bank.

Good To Know

• Southwark’s historic landmarks, such as Southwark Cathedral and the oldest operating theatre in Britain, offer a glimpse into the area’s rich architectural and religious heritage.
• Southwark has a murky reputation due to its scandalous history, including brothels, theaters, and notorious prisons like the Clink and the Marshalsea.
• The area is a must-visit for literature and film enthusiasts, with iconic authors like Chaucer and Shakespeare leaving their mark, and film locations providing opportunities to relive favorite movie moments.
• Southwark’s architectural beauties, including ancient inns, churches, hospitals, markets, and prisons, contribute to the stunning structures, with Southwark Cathedral and the oldest operating theatre being notable examples.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Highlights of Southwark’s Historic Landmarks

Southwark’s historic landmarks offer a glimpse into the rich history and architectural beauty of the area.

Exploring hidden gems and famous residents of Southwark brings an adventurous twist to the journey.

One of the must-see landmarks is Southwark Cathedral, with its stunning architecture that dates back to the 12th century. This magnificent church has witnessed centuries of history and is a testament to the area’s religious heritage.

Another hidden gem is the oldest operating theatre in Britain, where visitors can step back in time and experience the medical practices of the past.

Southwark’s historic landmarks aren’t only visually captivating but also hold stories of famous residents like Chaucer and Shakespeare, who once walked these same streets.

Whether it’s the ancient inns, churches, hospitals, markets, or prisons, each landmark offers a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Southwark.

Exploring the Murky Reputation of Southwark

Visitors can explore the intriguing past of Southwark by exploring its notorious reputation. Southwark has a darker side to its history, filled with famous scandals that have shaped its identity.

From the brothels and theaters of the Elizabethan era to the notorious prisons like the Clink and the Marshalsea, Southwark was a hotbed of vice and debauchery.

One scandal that rocked the area was the murder of Thomas Arden in 1551, which inspired Shakespeare’s play ‘Arden of Faversham.’ Another scandal involved the infamous bear-baiting pits, where spectators would gather to watch bears being tormented and killed.

Exploring Southwark’s murky reputation offers a glimpse into the seedy underbelly of London’s history, providing an adventurous and eye-opening experience for visitors.

Must-Visit Sites From Literature and Film

The self-guided audio tour of London’s South Bank takes visitors to must-visit sites from literature and film. Enjoy the rich literary connections in Southwark as you follow in the footsteps of iconic authors like Chaucer and Shakespeare. Discover the locations that inspired their works and get a glimpse into their creative process.

But it’s not just literature that comes to life on the South Bank. This vibrant area has also been the backdrop for numerous film productions. Explore the film locations in Southwark and relive your favorite movie moments. From the famous ‘Nancy’s Steps’ from Oliver Twist to other hidden gems, you’ll feel like you’re stepping into the silver screen.

Whether you’re a bookworm or a film fanatic, these must-visit sites from literature and film in Southwark will ignite your imagination and transport you to different worlds. Get set for a truly immersive and unforgettable experience on the London South Bank audio tour.

Immerse Yourself in Southwark’s Architectural Beauties

Enjoy the architectural beauties of Southwark as you explore the rich history and stunning structures that grace the London South Bank. Southwark’s hidden gems reveal the evolution of its architecture, from ancient inns and churches to hospitals, markets, and even prisons. As you wander through the streets, you’ll follow in the footsteps of literary greats like Chaucer and Shakespeare, discovering Southwark’s murky reputation outside the City of London. Don’t miss the chance to visit sites like ‘Nancy’s Steps’ from Oliver Twist, or to marvel at the beautiful architecture of Southwark Cathedral. For a truly unique experience, step inside the oldest operating theatre in Britain. This self-guided audio tour offers a fascinating journey through Southwark’s architectural wonders.

Highlights	Tour Inclusions
– See ancient inns, churches, hospitals, markets, and prisons	– Lifetime access to this tour in English
– Follow in the footsteps of Chaucer and Shakespeare	– VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
– Discover Southwark’s murky reputation outside the City of London	– Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
– Visit sites like ‘Nancy’s Steps’ from Oliver Twist	– No tickets or entrance fees required
– Explore the beautiful architecture of Southwark Cathedral	– Bring your own smartphone and headphones
– Experience the oldest operating theatre in Britain

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Uncover the Secrets of Southwark’s Oldest Attractions

As visitors explore the self-guided audio tour of the London South Bank, they can uncover the secrets of Southwark’s oldest attractions. Here are four hidden gems waiting to be discovered:

1. The George Inn: Step into this historic pub, dating back to the 17th century, and imagine the tales told by the likes of Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare who once frequented its halls.

2. Southwark Cathedral: Marvel at the stunning architecture of this medieval church, with its rich history and beautiful stained glass windows.

3. The Old Operating Theatre: Explore the oldest operating theatre in Britain, where medical procedures were carried out in the 19th century. Learn about the gruesome practices of the time and the advancements in medical science.

4. Borough Market: Wander through this vibrant market, which has been a bustling hub for over 1,000 years. Sample delicious food, browse unique stalls, and soak in the lively atmosphere.

Uncovering these secrets will transport visitors back in time and provide a deeper understanding of the rich heritage of Southwark’s oldest attractions.

Common Questions

How Long Does the Self-Guided Audio Tour of Southwark’s Historic Landmarks Take?

The average duration of the self-guided audio tour of Southwark’s historic landmarks is 75 minutes. Explore notable landmarks such as ancient inns, churches, hospitals, markets, and prisons, and follow in the footsteps of Chaucer and Shakespeare.

Are There Any Entrance Fees or Tickets Required for the Tour?

No, there are no entrance fees or ticket requirements for the self-guided audio tour of Southwark’s historic landmarks. Visitors can explore at their own pace and enjoy the experience without any additional costs.

Can I Start the Audio Tour at Any Time and Complete It at My Own Pace?

Yes, participants can start the audio tour at any time and complete it at their own pace. This flexibility allows for a personalized experience, ensuring that participants can explore the South Bank at their leisure.

Is the Audio Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

Yes, the audio tour is available in multiple languages. Visitors can enjoy the tour in their preferred language, making it accessible and immersive for a diverse range of participants.

Can I Use the Virtual Tour Option at Home Instead of Visiting the Physical Locations?

Yes, the virtual tour option allows for an immersive experience from the comfort of home. It provides all the benefits of the physical tour, allowing participants to explore the landmarks and history of the London South Bank at their own pace.

The Sum Up

The self-guided audio tour of the London South Bank offers an exciting and accessible way to uncover the area’s captivating history.

With its rich heritage, ancient landmarks, and intriguing tales, Southwark is a district steeped in centuries of fascinating stories.

From exploring the murky reputation of the past to enjoying architectural marvels and literary connections, this tour is a must for anyone seeking adventure and knowledge.

So grab your headphones and embark on a journey through 400 years of Southwark’s captivating past.

You can check if your dates are available here: