Shakespeare in the City Walk - In Shakespeare's footsteps North of the Thames
Shakespeare in the City Walk - In Shakespeare's footsteps North of the Thames
Your Guide, Declan McHugh, has spent 40 years studying and researching William Shakespeare, and is especially knowledgeable about Shakespeare's London life. He will take you to hidden, beautiful places In London connected to Shakespeare. His passionate and knowledgeable words will summon up for you Shakespeare's life in his London: his friends, the places he knew, his work, his language, even his intriguing love-life!
You walk in William Shakespeare's footsteps NORTH of the river Thames. You will be shown many memorials to Shakespeare including statues, plaques, busts, and even a 20 foot (7 metre) aluminium totem pole incorporating one of his greatest speeches! Plus - the icing on the cake - Declan, is a former professional actor and delivers some of Shakespeare's most famous speeches - just for you...
Book This ExperienceA glimpse of the journey
Your Itinerary
A curated journey through the experience
Shakespeare In The City Walk
This is the starting point for the 'Shakespeare in the City Walk'. Meet me outside Blackfriars UNDERGROUND Station. Blackfriars underground station is on the Circle & District Lines. (Be careful - do NOT go South of the river to Blackfriars overground station). There is only one exit so you won't miss me. I will be standing metres away from that underground station exit, with a sign on my rucksack featuring Shakespeare's face.
2 minutesVictoria Embankment
A Shakespeare statue most people miss. Shakespeare's popularity. Why you should ignore the conspiracy theories.
5 minutesChurch Entry
The location of the original Blackfriars Theatre, and why you had to be rich to attend; plus how rich Shakespeare himself became.
10 minutesIreland Yard
The remaining fragment of the Blackfriars Monastery. Shakespeare's thematic obessions.
5 minutesCarter Lane
A really lovely, hidden quiet location connecting Shakespeare and King James.
5 minutesSaint Andrew's Hill
PLUS, a church with a hidden sculpture of Shakespeare praying, and a very important document. The Researcher who makes Americans proud. The play 'Richard 111' and its connections to the area.
15 minutesQueen Victoria Street
Next, The College of Arms and the Shakespeare family's coat of arms. Why that honour came two months too late. Plus Ben Jonson's joke at Shakespeare's expense. Also information about Shakespeare's children.
15 minutesCarter Lane
On to a plaque revealing Shakespeare's generosity, why you should keep looking in dusty attics, plus the background to Shakespeare's two daughters and their very different fortunes.
7 minutesSt. Paul's Cathedral
To the magnificent St Pauls Cathedral and a breathtaking revelation about it (although we don't go inside). Shakespeare's best ever seller, plus his sonnets and a reasonable interpretation of his sexuality. Declan's favourite words by anyone EVER (clue: it's only 4 words and they are by William Shakespeare. And they are cosmic).
10 minutesCheapside
The location of a pub he drank in and who else drank there. Plus a section on Shakespeare's religion, and why he was lonely and reclusive.
12 minutesLove Lane
Up next, a bust of William Shakespeare, and the men who honoured him; which plays we would lack without them. Plus revelations about his writing style. Also why you should NOT get all starry-eyed thinking about Love Lane!
7 minutesLondon Wall
The location of Shakespeare's second house, and why Shakepeare ended up in this area. Plus the full story of how Shakespeare made a marriage and then regretted it.
7 minutesSt. Giles Cripplegate
Declan finishes with another complete and hauntingly beautiful speech from Shakespeare's last play, in which Shakespeare gets cosmic again. The speech is perfect because it is about saying goodbye...
7 minutesUnderground Ltd
By the end of this magical tour I promise - and the rave reviews here on TripAdvisor agree - that you will know William Shakespeare, and his London, infinitely better!
5 minutesIncluded
- Professional Guide
- Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
- Live entertainment
Not Included
- Image already added
- Gratuities
Good to Know
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Children must be accompanied by an adult. Recommended age for a child: 10 years and above.
- A maximum of 15 people per booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Regular temperature checks for staff
- Your Guide uses a mobile amplifier & head microphone to avoid excessive projection.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 45 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Tickets & Cancellation
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.