Blackfriars Bridge Tours
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One of Central London’s primary bridges, Blackfriars Bridge is both a busy thoroughfare and a historical monument. The landmark dates to the 19th century, was dedicated by Queen Victoria, and is distinctive for its red-and-white paint and pulpit-shaped pillars. You can cross Blackfriars Bridge either as a pedestrian or in a vehicle.
The Basics
Not to be confused with Blackfriars Railway Bridge to the east, Blackfriars Bridge is a major London bridge with history dating back centuries. Named for the Dominican monastery that once stood at its northern end, the bridge links the City of London with the South Bank. The original bridge was constructed in 1769 and demolished in 1860; today's version dates to 1869.
Admire the bridge's painted iron arches and its stone sculptures, which include pulpit-shaped pillars and carvings of swans and sea birds, as you walk or drive across, or from a Thames river cruise. The landmark also features on various walking tour itineraries of London, including lively pub crawls.
Things to Know Before You Go
- As Blackfriars Bridge is 922 feet (281 meters) across; it takes only a few minutes to walk the landmark.
- At the northern end of the bridge, look for a memorial statue of Queen Victoria.
- Blackfriars Bridge is one of the many London bridges that cross the Thames.
How to Get There
Blackfriars Station is steps from Blackfriars Bridge and is served by the Central and District Underground lines, as well as Thameslink and Southeastern rail services. Blackfriars Pier is also nearby, for those traveling by boat. The bridge can additionally be reached on foot, by bike, or by car.
When to Get There
Blackfriars Bridge is open daily, except during rare special occasions (including New Year’s Eve and the Lord Mayor’s Show). Time your stroll with late afternoon or early evening to admire views of the London skyline lit up during the golden hour.
Moments in History and Popular Culture
Written about by Harold Pinter and Neil Gaiman and featured in films ranging from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix to The Avengers, Blackfriars Bridge has long held a place in popular culture. The landmark also has certain macabre associations due to the death of Roberto Calvi, an Italian banker who was murdered by the mafia and found hanging from the bridge in 1982.
Address: London, United Kingdom, England
9 Tours and Activities to Experience Blackfriars Bridge
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Small-Group Tour: Historical Pub Walking Tour of London
Experience London’s traditional drinking scene on this afternoon pub crawl. Accompany your guide on a fun and educational tour in and around the city, where you’ll visit at least four historic pubs and taste different brews (own expense). Pop into centuries-old ale houses, see literary haunts favored by writers like Charles Dickens, and learn about local drinking culture through the ages.
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From
$34.81
From
$34.81
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Notorious London Pubs: Drink and explore!
Highlights
• Explore Pub where Elizabeth I used to dance
• Drink in the same pub where Charles Dickens used to drink
• Have a pint at the most well-known pub for journalists since 1667
• See the last surviving Victorian gin palace in London
• Discover extravagant religious-themed pub
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From
$85.93
From
$85.93

Shakespeare London Walking Tour
Literature buffs and drama fans will thrill to this Shakespearean tour of the City of London, led by an actor guide. Learn about Shakespeare’s London, listen to extracts from the plays, and explore the question of whether he wrote his own dramas as you visit sites linked with the great Bard himself.
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From
$20.88
From
$20.88
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands

London Historical Pubs: drink and explore!
In London, you never know where you'll trip across a bit of history. Why not in a pub? This walking tour of London's historic pubs tells the tales of the important figures of the city and where they passed their free time. You'll see where Queen Elizabeth I used to dance, where Charles Dickens used to drink his mead, and see London's last Victorian gin palace. Purchase drinks at each place to taste their wares and listen to guided commentary on the special places' facts and figures.
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From
$85.93
From
$85.93

East tour of London by the traditional Electric Black Taxi (Electocab Ltd)
IN THIS PARTICULAR TOUR WE BEGIN BY VISITING “STRAND” AND ITS JEWEL '‘THE SAVOY”. THROUGH ALDWYCH WE DISCOVER “THE ROYAL COURTS OF JUSTICE” AND LUDGATE CIRCUS BEFORE THE EXQUISITENESS OF “ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL” CAPTURES OUR ATTENTION. ON THE WAY TO TOWER BRIDGE WE OBSERVE THE GHERKIN AND THE INFAMOUS TEN BELLS PUBS WHERE JACK THE RIPPER FOLLOWED TO EXECUTE HIS VICTIMS. THEN WE DISCOVER THE ASTONISHING TOWER OF LONDON, WHERE THE METICULOUS CROWN JEWELS IS KEPT. TRAVELLING ALONGSIDE THE NORTHBANK WILL PROVIDE US WITH A FASCINATING VIEW OVER SOUTHBANK BEFORE REACHING TRAFALGAR SQ. THROUGH NORTHUMBERLAND AVENUE. IN THIS TOUR YOU WILL ALSO DISCOVER THE AREAS SUCH AS BRICK LANE, SHOREDITCH, OLD SPITALFIELDS MARKET AND MUCH MORE.
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From
$228.88
per group
From
$228.88
per group

London Ghost Walk Private Tour for Kids and Families
This tour will take you hot on the heels of some of London's most celebrated ghosts, visiting a number of the most haunted locations in the English capital.
So if you can pluck up the courage to go in search of them, why not join this tour?
You will meet your guide by Blackfriars station and from here, you will be taken through the streets of the City of London to see the locations, hear the tales and perhaps even see one of these ghoulish apparitions for yourself! Led by a kid-friendly guide, the whole family will have lots of fun during this ghostly, haunted walk!
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From
$221.09
Price varies by group size
From
$221.09
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Light Up London Private Night Tour (Central London Pick Up)
London by day is glorious. London by night is glorious and glittering. Can you afford to miss out on those hypnotic nocturnal views? BCHT’s cabbies proudly partner with London’s massive Illuminated River Project to showcase London all lit-up like a Christmas tree. Even outside of the holiday season. Don’t forget your shades.
On both our tour options, you get to see the first 4 bridges that will launch Illuminated River. When the art project is complete, it will light up 15 bridges along 2.3 miles of the river. Thames is the star - so many fantastic views from bridges. Stop at the famous Tower Bridge and London Bridge, apart from three others. Blinkers glued and ears on alert for amusing anecdotes about Illuminated River, tidbits on the architecture of the bridges and social history of the diverse communities living along the banks.
Finally chew on this. London’s taxi trade expanded historically alongside the pace of the River Thames crossings? This one’s close to our heart.
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From
$243.65
per group
From
$243.65
per group

Light Up London Private Night Tour (Tower Hill Tube Station Pick Up)
London by day is glorious. London by night is glorious and glittering. Can you afford to miss out on those hypnotic nocturnal views? BCHT’s cabbies proudly partner with London’s massive Illuminated River Project to showcase London all lit-up like a Christmas tree. Even outside of the holiday season. Don’t forget your shades.
On both our tour options, you get to see the first 4 bridges that will launch Illuminated River. When the art project is complete, it will light up 15 bridges along 2.3 miles of the river. Thames is the star - so many fantastic views from bridges. Stop at the famous Tower Bridge and London Bridge, apart from three others. Blinkers glued and ears on alert for amusing anecdotes about Illuminated River, tidbits on the architecture of the bridges and social history of the diverse communities living along the banks.
Finally chew on this. London’s taxi trade expanded historically alongside the pace of the River Thames crossings? This one’s close to our heart.
…More
From
$174.03
per group
From
$174.03
per group

Southbank: Immersive Podcast Walk from the London Eye to Shakespeare's Globe
Love podcasts? You'll love our immersive walking tour of London's Southbank!
The digital audio guide can be downloaded anytime directly on your smartphone!
On this self-guided podcast tour, you'll join Colm, a historian and part-time actor, and his mate Dr Ed, as you wander through the dynamic neighbourhood of Southbank! From the birthplace of British theatre, the beautiful St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tate Modern, to its history, this tour is rich with cultural, and architectural gems.
A perfect tour to discover London's Southbank.
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From
$6.95
From
$6.95
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