Borough Market – Inns and Alleys 700 Years of Literature Explored

Borough Market’s literary walking tour invites visitors to explore 700 years of the area’s rich history. As you wander through centuries-old inns and winding alleys, you’ll uncover connections to renowned authors and their works, from Chaucer to Dickens. This immersive experience showcases the market’s significant influence on London’s literary scene, revealing hidden gems and stories that have shaped the cultural landscape. What secrets lie within these historic spaces, waiting to be discovered?

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Shopping Tours In London.

Key Points

• This 2.5-hour guided walking tour explores the 700-year literary history of Borough Market, focusing on its inns, alleys, and connections to famous authors.
• Visitors can learn about the market’s inspirations for works like Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and Charles Dickens’ novels, as well as discover hidden gems like the Tabard Inn.
• The tour culminates at the Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance, a tranquil space that honors the lives of those historically marginalized, providing a meaningful contrast to the market’s lively atmosphere.
• Accessible for wheelchair users and families with strollers, the tour offers an immersive experience with stories that aim to ignite curiosity about London’s rich literary legacy.
• Strict COVID-19 precautions are in place, including the provision of disposable masks and hand sanitizer, ensuring a safe and memorable tour for all participants.

Tour Overview

This 2.5-hour walking tour takes guests on a literary exploration of Borough Market and its surrounding alleys and inns.

With a 5-star rating from over 7 reviews, the tour promises an intimate and immersive experience for a competitive price.

Bookings are confirmed within 48 hours, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

The tour is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and service animals are welcome.

Guests will meet at the George pub and end at the Crossbones Graveyard, both within a short walk of Borough Market and London Bridge tube station.

Disposable masks are provided for COVID-19 safety, and the tour operates rain or shine.

Meeting and End Points

The tour meeting point is at the George, a historic pub located at 75 Borough High Street in London’s SE1 1NH district.

From there, the tour will make its way through the winding alleys and historic inns of Borough Market, exploring 700 years of literary history.

The tour concludes at the Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance on Union Street, just a short walk from the start point and the bustling Borough Market.

Attendees will find the tour easily accessible, with the meeting point near the London Bridge tube station and the route suitable for wheelchair users and stroller-pushers alike.

Accessibility and Participation

The tour is wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly, making it a suitable option for travelers with mobility needs.

Service animals are also allowed, ensuring inclusivity for all.

The tour’s location near public transportation, such as the Borough Market and London Bridge tube stations, further enhances accessibility.

Infants are welcome to join, as they can sit on laps during the experience.

Most travelers can participate, with the tour catering to a wide range of abilities and needs.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps

Tour Experience

As a private tour/activity, only your group will participate in the experience.

The tour starts promptly at 1:00 PM, allowing you to explore the 700-year-old literary history of Borough Market’s inns and alleys. Your guide will lead you through the market’s winding paths, sharing stories of the famous authors who frequented these spaces over the centuries.

The tour culminates at the Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance, a poignant final stop on your literary journey.

Throughout the experience, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the rich heritage of this iconic London neighborhood.

Health and Safety

Disposable masks are provided for COVID-19 safety, ensuring participants can comfortably explore the market’s rich history.

The tour adheres to all health and safety guidelines, prioritizing the well-being of guests. Some key safety measures include:

• Contactless check-in and check-out
• Regular sanitization of high-touch areas
• Adherence to local COVID-19 regulations
• Ample space for social distancing
• Hand sanitizer stations throughout the tour

These precautions allow visitors to fully enjoy the literary wonders of Borough Market without worry, creating a memorable and safe experience.

Exploring Borough Market’s Literary History

Borough Market’s rich literary history unfolds as visitors embark on this captivating tour.

Explore the alleys and inns that have inspired renowned authors over the past 700 years. Discover the stories behind Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and dive into the works of Charles Dickens, who immortalized the market’s vibrant atmosphere.

Uncover the hidden gems of this literary landscape, from the Tabard Inn to the Crossbones Graveyard, each with its own captivating tale.

Whether you’re a bookworm or simply curious about the market’s storied past, this tour promises to ignite your imagination and transport you through the ages of London’s literary legacy.

Discovering Inns and Alleys

Winding through the historic alleys and inns of Borough Market, visitors embark on a captivating journey through time. This guided tour unveils the literary gems hidden within these enchanting spaces, where renowned authors like Charles Dickens once sought inspiration.

Highlights include:

• Exploring the centuries-old coaching inns that once hosted weary travelers
• Unraveling the stories behind the charming alleyways and hidden passageways
• Discovering the connections between these atmospheric settings and famous works of literature
• Learning about the evolution of London’s vibrant literary scene over the past 700 years
• Taking in the rich tapestry of the market’s past and its enduring influence on the written word.

Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance

The tour concludes at the serene Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance, a poignant final stop on this literary exploration.

This historic site honors the unconsecrated burials of outcasts, including sex workers, from the 16th century. Visitors can stroll through the tranquil garden, adorned with memorials and floral tributes.

The graveyard’s haunting atmosphere and sober history provide a thought-provoking contrast to the bustling Borough Market. Guests can reflect on the lives and stories of those interred here, gaining a deeper understanding of London’s complex past.

This sobering yet meaningful finale rounds out the immersive experience, leaving participants with a newfound appreciation for the neighborhood’s rich literary and social heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s group size varies, but it’s a private tour, so only your group will participate. The maximum group size is not specified in the provided information.

Do the Tour Guides Have Any Special Qualifications?

The tour guides for this literary walking tour are experienced professionals who are knowledgeable about the historic inns, alleys, and literary connections in the Borough Market area of London. They’re equipped to provide an engaging and informative experience for guests.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

While the tour website doesn’t mention any student or senior discounts, customers are encouraged to contact the tour provider directly to inquire about availability and eligibility for any special pricing options.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Focus on Specific Literary Works?

The tour can be customized to focus on specific literary works, though additional fees may apply. Guests should inquire about customization options when booking to ensure the tour meets their interests.

What Are the Age Recommendations for Children on This Tour?

The tour is suitable for children of all ages. Infants must sit on laps, and the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Most travelers, including families, can participate in this private tour experience.

Sum Up

Borough Market’s "Inns and Alleys: 700 Years of Literature Explored" walking tour offers a captivating journey through the area’s rich literary history. Participants will uncover connections to renowned authors and their works, while exploring centuries-old inns and winding alleys that have shaped the cultural landscape. This immersive experience highlights the market’s significant influence on London’s literary scene, revealing hidden gems and stories that have stood the test of time.