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.

Walking Tours

We have five 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.

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.

Payment

Payment for tours can be made in one of the following ways:

  • Cheque paid  in advance on receipt of a VAT invoice. Cheques should be made payable to Southwark Cathedral Enterprises Limited
  • Invoice paid in advance.

Familiarisation Visits

Group organizers or external guides wishing to arrange a familiarisation visit are most welcome.

Further Information

For more information, to request a group brochure or make a booking, please email our Visits & Tours Officer  or telephone 020 7367 6734.

Alternatively, please download our booking form here and send it as an email attachment.

All profits generated by Group Visits are used to help maintain the ministry and fabric of Southwark Cathedral.