June in London
A Summer Walk Along The River Thames
[Up to 4 hours excluding any refreshment stops]
As the summer heats up in London, there is nowhere cooler than the banks of the river. It is an integral part of London’s story, indeed the whole reason the city is located where it is. It is the second longest river in England and has been a liquid super-highway; transporting thousands of people up and down its waterways. The south side of the River Thames has always been the more insalubrious part of London, due to the fact it was historically outside the control of the City. Wonderfully, it is also one of the most historic parts of London. Home to Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, the Bishop of Winchester’s Geese as well as the notorious Clink prison, this walk will transport you along the ancient route from the ultra-modern Tate Modern to the ultra-hip Borough food market. Enjoy!
Start your walk on the south side in front of The Tate Modern. This enormous brick space was initially built at the beginning of the 20th century by Giles Gilbert Scott as the Bankside Power Station, generating the power for south London. It was closed in 1981 and converted into a modern and contemporary art space as part of Tate. Opened in 2000 it is now one of London’s most visited galleries. Immediately impressive as you enter, is the Turbine Hall. It once housed the huge generators, and is now the vast ramped welcome space where dramatic artistic installations are displayed. Everyone from Ai Weiwei to Louis Bourgeois have exhibited here.
Bankside
Cardinal’s Wharf
From here, as you walk Eastwards, you will see Shakespeare’s Globe, which we have covered in another of our Inspiration Itineraries. but hidden in between is the often missed Cardinal’s Wharf. It comprises of a 16th century terrace and house, a rare survival for this city! It is believed that Christopher Wren, the architect of St. Paul’s Cathedral, resided here when he was constructing the magnificent church. You are certainly afforded breath-taking views from this side of the river. The book entitled ‘The House by The Thames’ by Gillian Tindall tells the tale of the house and is well worth a read.
Clink Street
From here wend your way down Clink Street, named after the notorious prison. Now a tourist attraction, it is worth a visit to get a taste of how Medieval London must have been. You’ll spot the entrance without any trouble as there is a gruesome caged skeleton hanging above it! Right beside the jail is the huge 14th century rose window – the only remains of what was originally a magnificent palace once owned by the Bishops of Winchester from 1109 until 1663. For much of the time the bishops ran a side-line in gambling, boozing and running prostitutes, colloquially known as The Bishop of Winchester’s Geese.
Borough Market
Just before you get to Borough Market you will come around the corner and happen upon a wonderful replica boat. The Golden Hinde was the first English ship to navigate the globe and was captained by Sir Francis Drake. This magnificent replica, made using traditional methods and handicraft, has herself circumnavigated the globe as well as being used in filming and photography over the years. You can climb aboard for a very modest fee to find out all about her magnificent history. From here, probably feeling a bit peckish by now, your nose will lead you straight to Borough Market. This is the perfect place for lunch as you can sample foods from all over the world.
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