London Bridge

Explore some of London’s most iconic buildings, markets, theatres, and fabulous views on this private walking tour in the London Borough of Southwark along the south bank of the River Thames and discover the London Bridge, Southbank, Borough Market, and more!

On your private walking tour, you will: 

• Start your tour beside the river on the beautiful Bankside footpath and enjoy incredible vistas of London's finest bridges, castles, and cathedrals;
• See Blackfriars Railway Bridge with its red pillars – and learn how it was demolished during the war;
• Walkthrough the Founder's Arms, a lovely pub with incredible views across to St Paul's Cathedral;
• Have a look at Bankside Beach and enjoy the marvellous view of the Thames;
• Admire the facade of the incredible Tate Modern Art Museum, and the iconic wobbly Millennium Bridge – made famous by the last Harry Potter book/movie;
• Stop at Shakespeare’s Globe and the now-iconic mural of the Bard for a fantastic photo and to hear all about life in Elizabethan London.;
• Marvel at the Golden Hind pirate ship, and hear the tales of Sir Francis Drake, Queen Elizabeth I’s favourite sailor who circumnavigated the globe;
• Stop at Southwark Cathedral, the oldest Gothic church in London where Shakespeare’s brother is buried;
• See HMS Belfast from the outside as you stroll along the river;
• Explore Southwark's treasure trove of galleries, historic buildings, and pubs. Visit the Hay's Galleria, an impressive Grade II listed mixed-use building and desirable warehouse in London;
• Pass by the Globe Theatre and learn about the area's strong connection with Shakespeare;
• See the old prison walls, the haunting pauper’s burial grounds of the ‘Winchester Geese’ and London's last surviving coaching inn;
• Visit Borough Market - where your tour ends - and learn the history of the historic market before enjoying its many fares. 

Begin at London Bridge, where the small trading town built by the Romans stood upon the river Thames. Hear the stories of how the Thames helped Britain take command of the oceans - from Sir Francis Drake and his journey on the Golden Hind to the HMS Belfast, the most significant surviving Royal Navy warship from the Second World War.

London has stood at the centre of the world’s commerce for centuries, adapting to the shifting tides of power and technology. A former dockland and industrial slum, and now an icon of successful regeneration, London Bridge is one of London’s most historic and storied districts.

Move west along the river and into the time of Shakespeare, as you pass by one of the world's most famous theatres, known for the timeless words penned by arguably the greatest playwright of all time.

A few blocks east and several centuries later, step into the world of Southwark, which was built on industrial, smoky origins. Grand Victorian wharves, granaries, and shipyards once spanned its shores, amassing the trade and treasures of Her Majesty's Empire.

Now, the area has evolved into one of London's most trendy and exciting districts. The neighbourhood has arguably the best vistas across the city, its finest riverside walk, and London's most beloved food and fresh produce at Borough Market.

Explore the heart of the city of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Pudding Lane where a small fire in a bakery led to what became known as "the Great Fire of London" in September 1666. It was one of the capital's most historically significant and devastating events, leaving destruction and despair in its wake. The fire led to the modernisation of housing and infrastructure in London, forcing huge attitude changes toward the safety and poverty of the people.

On your private half-day walking tour you will: 

• Begin where it all started, at a little bakery on Pudding Lane, where a few loose embers led to the Great Fire that destroyed so much of the city;
• Learn about a momentous event in London's history – the effects of which are visible today;
• Trace the path of the fire, from Pudding Lane to St Paul's Cathedral;
• Stop by the plaque of St. Mary Colechurch, and then to Guildhall;
• Walk through the fire path toward the Royal Exchange;
• See other key Great Fire sites like Monument and piece together pictures and archive material;
• Get personalised suggestions for post-tour reading, documentaries to watch, and other interesting sights to visit;
• Visit a medieval tavern, frequented by Charles Dickens, that survived the fire;
• End with a one-hour guided tour of the 'new' St Paul's Cathedral which was completely destroyed during the Great Fire of London.

In the early hours of September 2nd, 1666, a small fire broke out at a bakery on Pudding Lane. The conditions were optimal for disaster – the timber and thatch houses were situated in extremely close proximity to one other, one witness reported that you could wake up in the morning, open the window and shake hands with your neighbour.

The city had also been plagued by drought for about 6 months, meaning that the timber was particularly dry. The fire escalated rapidly, burning down around 13,000 homes and 87 churches over four days and severely damaging St Paul’s Cathedral. What happened and how did the fire wreak so much havoc?

On this private walking tour, you will learn about how the fire began and how it spread. Debate some of the key issues surrounding the topic with your expert guide. If not for Baker Thomas Farriner’s carelessness with a few dying embers, would London have remained a medieval city? Or was this a tragedy waiting to happen?

Did the fire paradoxically cause more good than bad, or do we underestimate the scale of the fire’s damage? What about the people who lost their homes, livelihoods, and even their lives? Hear some historic eyewitness accounts.

You and your guide will trace the key sites of the Great Fire with a walk around the City of London: from Pudding Lane, Monument, and old local churches to alleyways and pre-1666 taverns. See how the area has been transformed, and what remains of it and explore some archival materials to build up an accurate picture of London at the time, and the events that would reshape the city forever.

End with a fascinating hour-long guided tour of the majestic St Paul's Cathedral - rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren and Hawksmoor after the Great Fire largely destroyed it. Inspired by Michelangelo's Dome for St Peter's Basilica in Rome, it was for many years the tallest building in London.

It has been the backdrop to numerous royal occasions including the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Admire its magnificent architecture, and hear about the process of rebuilding.

Explore the best of London by the hand of a well-informed cabbie and professional driver guide, who knows the city like the back of his hand, including the most popular attractions and many hidden gems on this panoramic sightseeing tour of London.

On your private driving tour, you will: 

• Enjoy hotel pick-up from any central London hotel;
• Catch the ‘Changing the Guard’ ceremony for tours starting at 10 am or earlier;
• Hop back in for an easy drive to Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster;
• Stop at several quintessential London must-sees, including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall, St Paul’s Cathedral, and St James's Palace;
• Drive alongside the Thames River to the Tower of London, where true stories seem more like fiction than fact!

Please note: that the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, but can be subject to change and weather conditions. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays you will see the changing of the Horseguards at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall. You can check the schedule here: https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html

Your guide will meet and greet you at your central London hotel (or preferred pickup location) and after your 4-hour tour, you can be dropped off at your hotel or any central location of your choice.

On this half-day tour, your guide will stop at a minimum of 6 popular locations to tell you about the fascinating history of these iconic attractions.

This is less of a whistle-stop tour than most of the London highlights tours and invites you to slow down, while those around you hop on and off of buses without enough time to truly appreciate the layers of history and wild stories that surround so many London icons.

There will be plenty of opportunities throughout your tour to take those treasured photos – and if you want to take time out, your London guide knows all the best places to grab a coffee. 

At Black Cab Heritage Tours, we have a wide range of privat tours and day trips from London, but our priority is to make sure you have a memorable experience, and that every detail of your tour is taken care of.

This “Build Your Own Tour” will allow you to work with one of our staff members to create the perfect customised tour according to your requests.

We look forward to welcoming you to London soon!

Please note

• No entrance fees are included
• Guides are not allowed to guide inside certain venues
• Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off is only included from Central London
  
  

These tours have been designed to be delivered within the city of London. If you want to do a day trip out of town or to a different area, please reach out directly so we can reconfirm the duration and the itinerary for the day.

• No entrance fees are included
• Guides are not allowed to guide inside certain venues
• Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off  is only included from Central London

• See the major landmarks of the city like the Stock Exchange and the Bank of England, nicknamed the ‘old lady of Threadneedle Street’;
• Visit the vibrant Leadenhall Market – popular with city workers for lunchtime drinks;
• See the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral alongside skyscrapers like the Gherkin and the Cheesegrater;
• Hear how Lloyd’s of London began as Lloyd’s coffee house and the important role of the coffee houses in the financial district;
• Learn about historic scandals of fraudulent trades, offshore banks, shady syndicates, and hoodwinking Ponzi schemes; 
• Learn about the extraordinary story of the thieves of Threadneedle Street: American forgers who nearly broke the Bank of England in 1873;
• End back at Threadneedles Hotel, where we encourage you to try their famous Gin and Tonic at Wheeler’s Bar!

Discover the many filming locations of the Harry Potter movies in muggle London on a private walking tour of the most famous landmarks of the city. Unlike other cities, London was used in many of the scenes, so you will have the opportunity to visit the actual sites that made it on the big screen!

On your Harry Potter private walking tour you will:

• Start your tour at Westminster tube station used In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix;
• Visit the entrance to the Ministry of Magic and the muggle Prime Minister's home;
• Stop off at several well-known landmarks of London used in books and films, like St Paul's, Trafalgar Square, and Goodwin's Court;
• Discover Picadilly Circus, where Ron, Hermione, and Harry almost get hit by a red London bus in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1;
• Snap a photo of Harry Potter's bronze statue in Leicester Square;
• Cross the Millennium Bridge - the site of the muggle killings by Death Eaters in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince;
• End your tour at Leadenhall Market, Leaky Cauldron's entrance in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone; or at the Borough Market, the site where Harry disembarks after his ride on the Knight Bus.

Explore the literary and cinematic landmarks inspired by Harry Potter’s world on this magical tour of London with a private guide, who is also a Potter fanatic.

Prepare for your own sorting ceremony and be sure you know which magical creature you want to bring with you to Hogwarts. On this half-day tour, you'll traverse many of London's hidden passageways and filming locations for the iconic 8 films.

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Ernie Prang and Stan Shunpike on the Knight Bus!

See Diagon Alley, the Leaky cauldron, and other spellbinding places - both obvious and hidden from muggle eyes. Enjoy fascinating trivia on the series and gain a lesser-known insight into the characters, author and actors.

Hear tales that even the most dedicated fans and Potterheads will not have heard before! With wands, quizzes and prizes, you will enjoy a unique wizarding experience.

Note: If you would like to visit Platform 9¾ after the tour to hop aboard the Hogwarts Express, your guide will be happy to direct you to King's Cross Station, a short tube ride away.

DISCLAIMER: This tour is an unlicensed and unauthorised tour of sites featured in the film series 'Harry Potter' based on the eponymous novels by author J. K. Rowling, produced and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. Travel Curious Ltd. and this tour does not have any association with, or connection to, the film series 'Harry Potter', the author J. K. Rowling, and Warner Bros. Pictures.  

Delve into the macabre history of Jack the Ripper and the underbelly of London’s notorious East End on this unique driving and walking tour with a professional guide and passionate ‘Ripperologist’!

On your private tour, you will:

• Travel in the comfort of a private and iconic London London Taxi; 
• Enjoy the personal attention of a professional Black Cab Driver, who is also a licensed tour guide and Ripper enthusiast, who will accompany you throughout the day;
• Trawl the crime sites of the "Whitechapel Murders" and Wapping districts, as you hear the spine-chilling story of Jack the Ripper and his victims;
• Visit the notorious pubs where many of the women were last seen before their brutal demise at the hands of Jack the Ripper – whose identity remains a mystery over a century after his barbaric crimes;
• Walk through the once gas-lit backstreets and alleyways of the 1800s in Whitechapel;
• Hear about the misdeeds of another despicable 19th-century predator on Fleet Street;
• See the haunts of the legendary Kray Twins – kings of gangland and of more recent East End folklore;
• Throughout your tour, you’ll see some truly iconic London sites from the Tower of London (external) to Great Scotland Yard, from Tower Bridge to St Paul’s Cathedral and from Whitechapel to Fleet Street and Trafalgar Square. 

The urban legend of Jack the Ripper - his barbaric crimes and the mystery of his identity have exercised a morbid fascination over the police and public alike, ever since his horrific crimes were discovered in 1888. On this unique tour, you will be able to listen to one of the foremost experts in Ripperology who is also a licensed London Cabbie, as he takes you around the locations associated with the Ripper and his victims— all young women working in London's East End.

After meeting your driver-guide, you’ll begin your tour in Whitechapel, the infamous district of East London that made headlines in the year 1888 with the brutal murders of five working girls by an unknown assassin, known for over a century as Jack the Ripper.

You’ll visit the notorious pubs, like the Ten Bells, where the women were last seen and walk down the very streets where their bodies were first seen and caused such widespread shock, fear and horror.

You’ll see Buck’s Row, where Mary Ann Nichols was discovered; Hanbury Street, the site of Annie Chapman’s body; Berners Row where Elizabeth Stride was found; Mitre Square scene of Catherine Eddowe’s murder, and Miller’s Court where Mary Jane Kelly was brutally attacked.

Your guide will tell you their tragic stories and the clues found by the police, the police arrests and the many hundreds of theories put forward over the intervening years. The tour also covers many other notorious areas of the East End and sites of historic crimes and punishments from the traitors of the Middle Ages at the Tower of London to the more recent gangland criminals, the legendary Kray Twins.

You’ll visit the underbelly of the East End: The Blind Beggar Public House, the scene of a notorious gangland murder; The Highway – famous for the Ratcliffe Highway murderer, and Wapping’s Execution Dock!

You’ll also pass by some iconic London landmarks and monuments – including the Whitehall Bell Foundry at Spitalfields where Big Ben was made, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge and The Royal Hospital – former residence of the unfortunate ‘Elephant Man’ - made famous in the Hollywood blockbuster and Oscar-winning movie, which starred John Hurt and Anthony Hopkins.

And finally, you’ll head toward central London and Fleet Street, known for the infamous Demon Barber of Fleet Street Sweeney Todd, the Knights Templar, and now for West End pubs and theatres! Your fascinating tour of the lesser-known underbelly of London ends here or at a location of your choice. 

Experience all that London has to offer in a day on this whistle-stop driving and walking tour of the most famous landmarks and sites that London is world-famous for, and see more of London in a day than most visitors will see in a week!

On your private full-day tour, you will:

• Travel in style in a private London Black Cab with a licensed cab driver;
• See London's most famous attractions, including 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 2 Tudor Palaces;
• Discover St.James's Palace, the historic residence of the British monarchy;
• Catch the world-famous ‘Changing the Guard’ ceremony at Buckingham Palace if your tour's pick-up time is at 10 am or earlier (subject to weather conditions and schedule changes);
• Take a stroll down Parliament Square, located in front of the Palace of Westminster and discover its surrounding landmarks;
• See Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower), Westminster Abbey and statues of iconic figures such as Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, and Mahatma Gandhi, among others;
• Pass by 10 Downing Street, home to the British Prime Minister;
• Feel the bustling energy of Piccadilly Circus, an iconic entertainment centre featured in many movies and tv shows; 
• Marble Arch,
• See St Paul’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren;
• Admire Kensington Palace, a historic royal residence located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea with intricate architecture and lush gardens;
• Snap a photo at the London Eye and the Shakespeare's Globe,
• Explore Borough Market, a culinary hub for locals and visitors alike where you can find fresh produce, artisanal foods, and international delicacies;
• Get breathtaking views of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, a defining symbol of the city of London for its distinctive design, its unique location and for being showcased in multiple films building an even larger cultural significance,
• Capture a memorable photo at Abbey Road and more!

Please note: that the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, but can be subject to change and weather conditions. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays you will see the changing of the Horseguards at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall. You can check the schedule here: https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html

London is a modern capital with an ancient past as for centuries it has occupied a central place in the rich fabric of British life and history. Your expert driver-guide will introduce you to one of the world's most multi-faceted and fascinating cities, home to the King, and aeons of Royal history, not to mention Shakespeare's Globe and a thrumming West End theatre scene.

On your private, full-day tour in a Classic Black Cab, you'll stop along the way for many photo opportunities and hear the stories of many of the most famous buildings of Britain's Capital city as well as take the opportunity to stroll and explore some of the Victorian alleys and markets such as Covent Garden in the West End and Leadenhall market in the East End (featured in Harry Potter movies).

This comprehensive tour will include stops all over the city, including Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, Kensington Palace, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and many more.

At each place, you'll be able to capture your memories and share your amazing day on Instagram, before being dropped off at a location of your choice.


IMPORTANT: This tour does not enter any attractions and no tickets are included

The Premier Classic London Experience is the perfect way to discover the marvellous city of London for first-time visitors and for those who have a short time in the city.

On your private driving tour, you will: 

• Enjoy hotel pick-up from any central London hotel;
• Discover the best 6 and most popular attractions that are the essence of the city;
• Get a taste of the real London with a “cabbie”, a professional driver-guide who knows the city inside out,
• Visit notable sites and landmarks while your local guide shares interesting stories and history at each locale;
• Stop at several quintessential London must-sees, including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall, St Paul’s Cathedral, and St James's Palace;
• Catch the ‘Changing the Guard’ ceremony for tours starting at 10 am or earlier (subject to weather and schedule);
• Hop back in for an easy drive to Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster;
• Drive alongside the Thames River to the Tower of London, where true stories seem more like fiction than fact!
• Enjoy drop-off in any central London location of your hotel.

Please note: that the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, but can be subject to change and weather conditions. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays you will see the changing of the Horseguards at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall. You can check the schedule here: https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html

During the Premier Classic London Tour, your knowledgeable guide will warmly greet you at your central London hotel or chosen location. 

Throughout the 4-hour tour, you will have the opportunity to discover the history behind at least 6 popular London landmarks, all while comfortably riding in an iconic London Taxi.

This tour has been designed for those who want to take their time to appreciate the rich and fascinating stories that surround these iconic attractions, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed, and our fully customisable to suit your needs and interests.

Your guide will ensure that you have plenty of chances to snap memorable photos and can even recommend the best spots for dining, shopping, or any other of your interests for the rest of your trip.

It's important to note that this tour doesn't include entry to any attractions or requires tickets. 

At the end of the tour, you'll have the option to be dropped off at your hotel or any other central location of your choice.

If you are looking to visit all of London’s iconic landmarks in a full day, then The Extended Ultimate London Tour is the perfect option for you!

On your private 8-hour tour, you will:

• Travel in style in a private and iconic London Taxi;
• Embark on a memorable journey through the heart of the city of London and immerse yourself in Westminster's grandeur and charm;
• See more of London in a day than most visitors will see in a week!;
• Catch the popular ‘Changing the Guard’ ceremony at Buckingham Palace if your reservation pick-up time is 10 am or earlier (Subject to weather conditions and schedule);
• Enjoy a well-deserved lunch break at a traditional British Pub (lunch not included in the price);
• See London's most famous attractions, including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, Marble Arch, Kensington Palace, the London Eye, Shakespeare's Globe;
• Stand in awe of Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece: St Paul’s Cathedral at the end of the famous Millennium Bridge;
• Marvel at the engineering work of the Tower Bridge that spans the River Thames and captures breathtaking views of the historic Tower of London;
• Admire Trafalgar Square, home to the magnificent National Gallery and Nelson's Column;
• Explore Mayfair, the upscale district renowned for its elegance and exclusivity;
• Visit Leadenhall Market and Borough Market, 
• Discover musical and film locations of interest and hidden gems;
• Snap memorable photos at the most famous sights such as Abbey Road. 

Please note: that the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, but can be subject to change and weather conditions. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays you will see the changing of the Horseguards at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall.
You can check the schedule here: https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html

With a rich history spanning centuries, this tour offers you the opportunity to explore London's most iconic landmarks, from the grandeur of the world-known Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral to the ancient Tower of London and the iconic Tower Bridge.

In addition to the well-known attractions, your driver-guide will show you some of the hidden gems of the city, including charming Victorian alleys and bustling markets such as Covent Garden in the West End and Leadenhall Market in the East End, famously featured in the Harry Potter movies.

Throughout the tour, there will be many photo opportunities and plenty of time to soak up the history and culture of the city.

After a full day of exploration, you'll be dropped off at a location of your choice in Central London.

Don't miss this chance to experience London's wonders, finest landmarks and hidden treasures and create memories that will last a lifetime!

IMPORTANT: This tour does not enter any attractions and no tickets are included

As the sun sets, the city of London transforms into an enchanting display of lights with London's spectacular Illuminated River, a long-term art installation transforming that span nine bridges in the heart of London.

On your night journey through the illuminated heart of the city, you will:

• Discover London's after dark beauty;
• See London's massive Illuminated River art installation showcasing a lit up city even outside of the Christmas season;
• Admire the vibrant colours of this 3.2 miles from Tower Bridge to Westminster Bridge of this art commission;
• Get beautiful views of the River Thames and its various bridges;
• Learn about the architecture and the history along the riverbank communities;
• Travel in a classic London Taxi, driven by knowledgeable cabbies who will share their passion for the city;
• Leave with memorable photos of the brilliance of the city.

Experience the captivating allure of London by night on our Black Cab Heritage tours Night Tour in a classic black cab.

Showcasing the Illuminated River Project, this tour will take you through the city's magnificent landmarks for a mesmerising spectacle you won't want to miss.

From the iconic Tower Bridge to Westminster Bridge, the River Thames and its bridges become the stars of the show as our knowledgeable cabbies share fascinating insights into the architectural marvels and social history along the riverbank.

With your camera in hand, you’ll capture the brilliance of the city as it shines in the darkness, ensuring that this private tour remains etched in your heart and photographs for years to come.