Trade the cruise deck for a private black cab journey into London’s dark side on the Smithfield Pub Walking Tour. From the haunting Sir William Wallace Memorial to the filming locations of Slow Horses, you’ll explore medieval execution sites and hidden taverns with an expert guide on this seamless, high-octane shore excursion from Tilbury.

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Step back in time on a private pub walking tour through one of London’s most notorious medieval quarters starting directly from Tilbury Port with a 'meet and greet' from Brian White, a qualified London taxi driver and guide. Along the tour, enjoy drinks at two of the City’s most historic taverns, while your expert guide Rob Woodford shares spine-chilling tales of executions, body-snatchers, and infamous rogues.

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.

Customers outside the black-painted exterior with flower arrangements.

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.

Rob and guests in front of stone plaque with Scottish flags and lion rampant.

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 Return to Tilbury

After your captivating London experience you'll bid farewell to Rob and your driver-guide, Brian, will then escort you back to Tilbury Port, coordinating the return journey to ensure you arrive with ample time before your ship sails.

Book now and let’s explore Smithfield's fascinating history!

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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 transfer: This same tour is available as part of a Tilbury Hotel Transfer Tour which includes the convenient transportation of luggage.
Larger parties: If your group is larger than six, please contact us to arrange additional transport and request a quote.
Tour Details: The actual tour (not including transfer times) is approximately four hours. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and dressing for the weather.

Duration: 5.5 hours
Type: Shore Excursion
Exclusives: Walking tour with Rob Woodford—an experienced, qualified London Black Cab Driver
Price: From £550 (up to 6 guests)
Languages: English
Pick up: Pick up & set down - Tilbury (London International Cruise Terminal)

Attraction tickets are not included in the tour prices and we recommend, where possible, you book them online prior to your tour to avoid queuing on the day.

Meet & Greet: Your guide and driver will collect you from Tilbury London International Cruise Terminal.

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The Castle Pub, Cowcross Street

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Charterhouse Street & Square: Smithfield Market, The Charterhouse, Plague Pit

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Slough House (Slow Horses)

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The Old Red Cow Pub

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The Hand & Shears Pub

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St. Bartholomew-the-Great

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West Smithfield: Smithfield Martyrs Memorial, Sir William Wallace Memorial, St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, King Henry VIII Gateway Statue

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Pye Corner

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The Watch House

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St Sepulchre-without-Newgate

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Newgate Street: Viaduct Tavern, Site of Newgate Prison

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Old Bailey Central Criminal Court

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Magpie & Stump Pub

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Ludgate Hill (view of St. Paul’s Cathedral)

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Ludgate Circus

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Fleet Street: The Old Bell Pub, Former Reuters News Agency, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (Visit)

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Gough Square

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Set down: Tilbury (London International Cruise Terminal).

Our customers say...

"I was by far the oldest traveller, and, when unavoidable ill-health hit me half-way through the tour, I was rendered even more of a handicap to the younger ones. Without our guide’s help and encouragement, I myself would have given up on the tour, as being too much of a drag on others. It would have been an overwhelming disappointment for me – but with his helpful advice I found it possible to see it out without disturbing the very good relations he had already established amongst us all. - And I managed to find it all I had hoped..."

JK, Toronto, Canada

"Very knowledgeable, entertaining, flexible and willing to adapt to special requests of the group. Chris is a great guide and I’d love to take another tour with him!"

ET, Maryland, USA