Wander the atmospheric streets around the legendary Smithfield Market, an area steeped in over 800 years of turbulent history, before retracing the shadowy footsteps of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Tower Bridge Hotel Transfer: Smithfield Pub Walking Tour with Black Cab Transportation
Enjoy a seamless, door-to-door transfer from Tower Bridge Upper Mooring directly to the historic streets of Smithfield. With Brian handling the luggage and Rob guiding the way, you’ll explore 800 years of dark London history, from execution sites to Slow Horses filming locations, all while pausing to grab a beer or two in the City’s most legendary, ancient taverns.

£
Itinerary so far...
Your adventure begins the moment you dock at Tower Bridge Upper Mooring. You’ll be greeted by your professional driver, Brian White, who will handle your luggage and ensure a seamless transfer to your hotel. Once you’ve settled in, Brian will escort you to meet your expert guide, Rob Woodford, to begin an immersive exploration of historic Smithfield. Between stops for drinks at two of the City’s most storied taverns, Rob will captivate you with spine-chilling tales of executions, body-snatchers, and London’s most infamous rogues.


Inside traditional pubs (one with medieval origins) you’ll savour authentic British ales, stouts, ciders or fine wines (two drinks per guest included) in the same kind of haunts once frequented by drunkards, anatomists, body-snatchers and even modern-day movie crews.
Tour Highlights Include:
- Historic Landmarks: Europe’s oldest hospital (1123), Smithfield Market (1174), Bartholomew the Great Church (1123), Pye Corner (end of the Great Fire of London), the Oldest House in the City, the Watch House, and St Paul’s Cathedral.
- Dark Histories: Execution site of Sir William Wallace (1305), the killing of Wat Tyler during the Peasants’ Revolt (1381), and the notorious Newgate Prison (now the Central Criminal Courts).
- Story Themes: Murder & Mystery, Hangings & Quarterings, the ‘Armpit of London’, bull-baiting, ghostly legends, and more.
- Famous Characters: Henry VIII, Sherlock Holmes & Dr Watson, Charles Dickens, Dr Johnson, James Bond, and Jackson Lamb of Slow Horses.

The tour concludes with a final pub stop in a more relaxed setting, perfect for reflecting on centuries of bloody history over a fitting drink. How about a Bloody Mary?

Seamless Conclusion at Your Hotel
After your captivating London experience, your stress-free adventure concludes. Bid farewell to Rob as Brian escorts you directly back to your Central London hotel, dropping you off refreshed and ready to begin your stay in the city. Your unforgettable day starts at the port and ends comfortably at your accommodation!
Book now and let’s explore Smithfield's fascinating history!
- All-Inclusive Fee: Fully inclusive of guide (Rob) + driver (Brian), private professional guiding services, door-to-door transportation, all city parking fees, and road tolls.
- Accessibility: Brian's iconic London Black Cab is wheelchair-accessible and can navigate areas where regular cars are restricted.
- Luggage & Group Size: For your comfort and to ensure there's enough room for luggage (one large case and one hand luggage per person), we limit the number of passengers in the cab to a maximum of 4. If your group is larger than 4, please contact us to arrange additional transport and request a quote.
- Return to port option: This same tour is available as a Tilbury Shore Excursion for parties without luggage.
- Tour Details: The actual tour (not including transfer times) is approximately three hours. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and dressing for the weather.
Type: Shore Excursion
Exclusives: Walking tour with Rob Woodford—an experienced, qualified London Black Cab Driver
Price: From £420 (up to 4 guests). Prices do not include attraction tickets.
Languages: English
Pick up: Tower Bridge Upper Mooring
- Meet & Greet: You'll be met at Tower Bridge Upper Mooring by black cab driver Brian and travel to your Central London hotel to drop off your bags. Brian will then take you to meet your guide Rob at the tour start point at the Castle pub Farringdon.
- Charterhouse Street & Square: Smithfield Market, The Charterhouse, Plague Pit
- Slough House (Slow Horses)
- The Old Red Cow Pub
- The Hand & Shears Pub
- St. Bartholomew-the-Great
- West Smithfield: Smithfield Martyrs Memorial, Sir William Wallace Memorial, St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, King Henry VIII Gateway Statue
- Pye Corner
- The Watch House
- St Sepulchre-without-Newgate
- Newgate Street: Viaduct Tavern, Site of Newgate Prison
- Old Bailey Central Criminal Court
- Magpie & Stump Pub
- Ludgate Hill (view of St. Paul’s Cathedral)
- Ludgate Circus
- Fleet Street: The Old Bell Pub, Former Reuters News Agency, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (Visit)
- Gough Square
- Set down: Brian will meet you after the tour and drive you back to your Central London hotel.
Book Tour


