London Bridge Walking Tour: Homelessness Revisited

If you’re curious about London’s lesser-known stories, the London Bridge Walking Tour: Homelessness Revisited offers a compelling look at the city’s hidden social fabric. Led by guides with personal experience of homelessness, this 2-hour walk takes you through backstreets, historic sites, and poignant landmarks, blending history with social awareness.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the insightful guides who share authentic stories and personal perspectives. Second, the chance to see less-visited areas of London that reveal the city’s more complex layers. Third, the focus on social issues, making the tour both educational and impactful. The main consideration? The geographical scope and pace might not suit everyone seeking more leisurely sightseeing. Overall, it’s ideal for those interested in authentic, socially conscious experiences with a historical twist.

Good To Know

• Authentic storytelling from guides with real-life experience
• Hidden locations around London Bridge uncovering lesser-known history
• Focus on social exclusion and homelessness in the city
• Visit iconic sites like Crossbones Graveyard and Southwark Cathedral
• Tours are wheelchair and pet friendly upon request
• Profits directly support vulnerable guides and social change initiatives

You can check if your dates are available here:

An Honest Look at the Tour Experience

We appreciate how this tour offers a window into London’s shadowy past and present, blending history with heartfelt stories of social injustice. The tour lasts approximately two hours, making it manageable for most day plans, and it’s designed to be accessible, with wheelchair and pet accommodations available.

The experience is run by Unseen Tours, a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to empowering people who have experienced homelessness. This causes the tour to feel more meaningful—it’s not just sightseeing, but also a way to support social change. Your ticket helps guides earn a living doing what they love and allows them to challenge perceptions about homelessness.

Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll See and Learn

Starting Point: The Shipwrights Arms

The tour kicks off here, a traditional pub setting that sets a relaxed tone. It’s a convenient location, close to London Bridge station, so you won’t need to hunt for the starting point. The guides, including David, a lifelong Londoner who shares personal stories, set the stage for a meaningful walk.

Exploring Hidden Streets Around London Bridge

Just beyond the main roads, the tour guides you through less-known alleys and historic corners. These quiet streets are where you’ll discover stories of poverty and social exclusion that often go unnoticed by typical travelers. This part of the tour offers a fresh perspective on London’s social history.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Crossbones Graveyard

One of the most powerful stops is Crossbones Graveyard, a resting place for London’s marginalized and impoverished. It’s a poignant site that highlights the city’s history of social abandonment. Guides share tales of the site’s past, including its significance as a burial ground for the city’s poor, and its modern role as a symbol of remembrance.

Southwark Cathedral

Next, the tour visits Southwark Cathedral, one of London’s few Gothic churches. The guides illuminate its architectural beauty and its historical role, including its links to the area’s social history. You’ll learn how it’s intertwined with London’s spiritual and social development.

The Original Globe Theatre Site

A highlight is discovering the original site of the Globe Theatre, where Shakespeare’s plays were first performed. The current Globe Theatre, just a short walk away, is a faithful recreation, but the real site holds stories of medieval entertainment, crime, and ghost tales, adding a layer of intrigue to the tour.

Ghosts, Crime, and Medieval Tales

Throughout the walk, guides share colorful stories of medieval knights, crime, ghosts, and bear-fighting dogs—stories that evoke London’s darker and more mysterious past. These tales are told with passion and humor, making history lively and engaging.

End at Red Cross Garden

The tour concludes at Red Cross Garden, an oasis of calm amidst the city’s hustle. It’s a fitting spot to reflect on the stories heard and the social themes discussed during the walk.

What To Expect During the Tour

Expect an informative, walking adventure that balances sightseeing with storytelling. The guides’ personal insights, especially David’s, enhance the experience, providing context that you won’t find in typical guidebooks. The pace is comfortable, and the route covers lesser-known areas, giving you unique photo opportunities and storytelling moments.

Practical Details

• Duration: 2 hours
• Start location: The Shipwrights Arms, near London Bridge
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and pet friendly upon request
• Cost: The experience is fairly priced considering the personal stories and social impact, with profits supporting vulnerable guides.
• Inclusions: Guided walk, entry to Crossbones Graveyard, Southwark Cathedral, Globe Theatre site, and a historic pub
• Exclusions: Meals, drinks, transportation, personal expenses

Booking and Flexibility

You can reserve your spot with the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it easy to plan your day. Payment can be made later, giving you the freedom to secure your place first and decide later.

Why This Tour Is Worth It

We loved the authenticity of the stories, especially knowing that guides like David are sharing personal experiences and helping to challenge social stigmas. The knowledge shared is not only historical but also deeply human, creating a connection between the past and present struggles of London’s vulnerable populations.

The hidden locations and lesser-known stories make the tour feel more genuine than typical sightseeing routes. Plus, the inclusion of iconic sites like Southwark Cathedral and the Globe Theatre adds a cultural richness.

The social impact is significant — your participation directly supports guides who have experienced homelessness, giving them confidence and a platform. It’s a tour that leaves you with more than just pictures; it offers a compelling narrative about resilience, community, and social justice.

Price-wise, the tour offers excellent value considering the depth of storytelling, site visits, and social contribution. The small group size and expert guides ensure a personal experience that’s both informative and engaging.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who crave authentic stories and want to learn about London’s less visible social history. It appeals to those interested in social justice, history, or unique city tours. It’s also perfect if you’re traveling with someone who appreciates storytelling, ghost stories, and cultural insights.

The accessible nature means it can accommodate wheelchairs or pets, broadening its appeal. However, if you’re after a leisurely, purely sightseeing day, this might be more intense than your typical tour.

Final Thoughts

The London Bridge Walking Tour: Homelessness Revisited offers a genuinely enriching experience that combines history, social awareness, and authentic storytelling. It’s a thoughtful way to see a different side of London, one that’s often overlooked in standard guides. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the city’s social fabric, and perhaps a new perspective on the stories that lie beneath the surface of its famous landmarks.

Ideal for socially conscious travelers, history buffs, and those wanting to support local guides, this tour turns sightseeing into a meaningful journey. It’s educational, emotional, and memorable—a notable addition to your London adventure.

FAQ

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible upon request, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs.

Can I bring my pet?
Yes, pets are welcome if arranged in advance, ensuring everyone can join the experience comfortably.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, giving you a manageable window to explore and learn without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at The Shipwrights Arms, a local pub near London Bridge station.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket includes a guided walk, visits to Crossbones Graveyard, Southwark Cathedral, the Globe Theatre site, and a historic pub.

Are meals or drinks included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, but there are opportunities to purchase refreshments during the tour.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera for photos, and water are recommended for this walking experience.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is the experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the themes and length suggest it’s suitable for older children or teens who are interested in history and social issues.

How do I book?
You can reserve your spot through GetYourGuide, with flexible payment options and the ability to pay later.

In summary, this walking tour offers a thoughtful, engaging way to see London’s hidden side while supporting meaningful social causes. If you’re looking for an authentic, insightful experience that combines history, storytelling, and social impact, it’s well worth considering.

You can check if your dates are available here: