Crime and Mystery Walking Tour of London's Southbank

2h30
By walk
About this activity
Meet your guide at London’s Southbank, and set off at a leisurely pace to discover the sights and stories of London’s dark underworld. One of the most prosperous cities for centuries, London has also been home to some of the world’s greatest crimes, misdemeanors and political conspiracies — committed by the higher echelons of society as well as common criminals.

Learn about Guy Fawkes and his 1605 Gunpowder Plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament — an event marked by the British on Bonfire Night — and hear about the Great Fire of London of 1666 when ferocious flames swept through the City of London. Stand by the Monument to the Great Fire of London (known simply to Londoners as ‘the Monument’) and ponder the theories that still surround the event today: was it started after a bakery accident or was it an act of arson as conspiracy theorists like to believe?

Look out for city sights and attractions linked to several of the stories as you walk, passing Blackfriars Bridge, associated with mafia assassinations, as well as the OXO Tower, London Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Millennium Bridge, Southwark Cathedral and more.

Hear about London’s most notorious art thefts as you pass the prestigious Tate Modern museum, listen to anecdotes about the hit man that mistakenly shot a dog, and prepare to be amazed by some of the more outlandish tales on the London streets. Is Paul McCartney the Paul McCartney of The Beatles fame or an imposter? Is the British government helping or controlling the lives of Londoners by Big Brother–style monitoring?

Besides the mysteries and speculation surrounding Princess Diana’s death in 1997, discover little-known facts behind some of London's well-documented bank raids, jewelry heists and more. Then, after 2.5 hours exploring the Southbank and surrounding area, make your way back to Monument Tube Station where your tour finishes.
Features
Tourism
85% Cultural
75% Sport
20%