Best price guarantee
Best price guarantee
Step back in time and explore the fascinating past of Blackfriars, where Roman, Medieval, Tudor, and Victorian London intertwine.
This 90-minute guided walk takes you through centuries of captivating stories, from Roman temples and Medieval monasteries to Tudor palaces and Victorian engineering marvels.
Follow in the footsteps of literary greats such as William Shakespeare, Samuel Pepys, and Charles Dickens. Stand on the site of a lost Tudor palace once gifted to Katharine of Aragon by Henry VIII and discover the remains of a medieval priory built by the Dominican Black Friars, from whom the area takes its name.
Marvel at the architectural contrasts between past and present, from Roman villas and a temple to Mithras to the grand Victorian Blackfriars Bridge and award-winning contemporary buildings. Learn how the Victorians connected Blackfriars to the continent and how their engineering feats still serve London today.
What Can Customers Expect?
- A fascinating journey through time, exploring Blackfriars from its Roman origins to its modern transformation.
Engaging stories about historical figures, lost palaces, and secret landmarks that shaped London.
A knowledgeable guide bringing history to life with intriguing anecdotes and expert insights.
Opportunities to see both historic remains and cutting-edge architecture, showcasing the evolution of the area.
Blackfriars Walk Reviews:
Janet (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"We thought the show was riveting such a variety of talent. The place was buzzing with people. Very enjoyable trip."
David (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Very informative, visiting interesting areas around Blackfriars which I never knew about. The guide had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the area."
Caroline (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Hazel took us on a great tour of Blackfriars, with a fascinating glimpse into its past. She tells some interesting stories about the area that bring it to life, even where the old buildings no longer exist. The time flew by and I definitely recommend this tour!"
Merle (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Enjoyable tour round some historic sites near Blackfriars tube named after the friars that once had an abbey there and favoured by the Crown until the break from Rome. The site is now the Blackfriars pub with its unusual metal and stone depictions of monks on the wall. Nearby is the site of the Baynard Castle, built by the Normans with long history of Crown connections, the headquarters of the Yorks during the War of the Roses, and later gifted by Henry V111 to Catherine of Aragon. The site is now a rather ugly BT building. We walked through the narrow streets to other sites, including the College of Arms, and the King’s Wardrobe which was once a place that stored Crown possessions. Our guide Susan made the past come alive despite the fact that many of the historic buildings are long gone."
Hasmine (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Susan was an excellent guide. She had all the information about Blackfriars and its environs at her fingertips, and her delivery was clear and easily audible. She was extremely friendly and attentive to everyone in the group, and I just wished the walk could have gone on longer. I shall go back and explore more inspired by her introduction."
📍 Start: Blackfriars Station
🏴 End: Ludgate Hill
⏳ Duration: 90 minutes
🎓 Led by a qualified London tour guide
Meet outside Blackfriars Station, north side.
You will recognise your guide as they will be wearing an orange lanyard and holding a 'London Guided Walks' sign.
All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Hello!
Thank you for booking your Best of Blackfriars Walk with London Guided Walks.
Susan Baker, your guide, will be waiting for you outside Blackfriars Station, Queen Victoria Street exit. She will be holding a London Guided Walks sign and wearing an orange lanyard. Learn more about Susan, please visit:
To ensure you experience the full tour, we recommend arriving 10 minutes before the walk begins.
For the most accurate directions, we strongly recommend using what3words rather than Google or Apple Maps. what3words offers pinpoint accuracy for meeting locations, which is particularly useful when meeting outside busy stations. See the exact meeting point for your Best of Blackfriars walk
There are free toilets located at the far end of the railway station concourse. Coffee kiosks and a WHSmith shop are also available inside the station.
[Photo of the meeting place outside Blackfriars Station Victoria Street exit]
We start promptly, so please allow sufficient time for travel. We also suggest using Citymapper for accurate journey planning, as it provides live travel times to help ensure you reach the meeting point without delay. Their mobile app is available on both the Apple store and Google Play store.
Our walking tour moves steadily through the city. Our guides do not answer their phone once the walk has begun. These stops are provided to help you to find the group should you arrive later than intended.
Stop 1: Outside exit of Blackfriars Station
Stop 2: Up first escalator inside railway station, by window next to Costas overlooking the river
Stop 3: On Blackfriars station concourse near WH Smiths
Your guided walk will conclude in close proximity to Ludgate Hill. The tour will last for approximately 90 minutes.
Please remember that you are responsible for your own safety; therefore, we advise you to wear comfortable shoes and suitable clothing.
You might enjoy listening to our London History podcast
We look forward to welcoming you soon and sharing the history of London on the Best of Blackfriars Walk.
Kind regards,
Hazel - Founder of London Guided Walks
