Southwark & Borough Market. Rogues, Scallywags, Shakespeare & Lovely Food!

Southwark has always been a place where Londoners went to "let their hair down". In Tudor times it lay outside of the City's laws and jurisdications making it irresistable to those looking for all forms of entertainment and escape.

Many of William Shakespeare's plays were performed in The Globe Theatre for the first time here - which was nestled amongst other popular attractions of the time, including brothels, gambling and bear baiting.

It's in Southwark that crowds filled their bellies, met with friends, had a riotous time and drank until they could drink no more - well, actually, that part hasn't changed much at all.

As we follow in the footsteps of William Shakespeare we'll meander along Bankside, past Blackfriars Bridge - the site of a very sinister and very recent public hanging! We'll continue past the wonderful Tate Modern Museum, Millenium Bridge and The Globe Theatre. This is one of the most beautiful stretches of the river Thames and the views of the City of London skyline are breathtaking.

We'll pass a replica of the Golden Hinde - the tudor sailing ship that took Sir Francis Drake around the world. The story of how he became the first captain to circumnavigate the world is so crazy that it's almost unbelievable. It's true that fact is stranger than fiction!

By the time we reach Borough Market you'll be ready to explore London's oldest and best food market (don't just take my word for it).

So, come and join me for a walking tour around Southwark and hear tales of rogues and scallywags, the clink prison and about life south of the River Thames from Tudor times to the modern day  - in this marvellous and fascinating area of London - all while taking in some of the best views of the City.

Meeting point - OXO Tower, Southbank - Outside the Cafe NERO on the ground floor

Walk ends - Borough Market - within easy reach of London Bridge Station

Walk duration - approx. 90 minutes