Journey from Shakespeare's Globe to Leadenhall Market, uncovering stories of trade, crime, coffee houses and London's history.

Discover the London that trade built.

Join London guide, storyteller and author Kerry Heywood on a captivating journey from Shakespeare's Globe on the South Bank to the magnificent Leadenhall Market, following the streets, markets and landmarks that transformed London into one of the world's greatest trading cities.

Beginning beside Shakespeare's Globe, we'll explore the people, events and enterprises that shaped the capital over the last 2,000 years. From ambitious merchants and immigrant communities to coffee-house owners, financiers, rogues and criminals, this walk uncovers the remarkable stories hidden behind London's famous streets.

Along the way we'll visit the historic Borough Market, cross the site of the ancient London Bridge, discover the Monument to the Great Fire of London, explore the origins of modern finance at the Royal Exchange and Bank of England, and finish beneath the spectacular Victorian architecture of Leadenhall Market.

This is far more than a market tour—it's the story of how London became the commercial heart of the world.

Highlights

Shakespeare's Globe and Elizabethan Bankside

Borough Market and London's food history

London Bridge and the River Thames

Fishmongers' Hall and the City's ancient trade

The Monument and the Great Fire of London

St Magnus the Martyr and London's darker history

The Royal Exchange and merchant wealth

The Bank of England and the rise of modern finance

London's famous coffee houses

Leadenhall Market and medieval commerce

Stories of trade, crime, ambition and innovation

There will be opportunities to purchase food and refreshments at Borough Market before we continue into the historic City of London.

Combining history, architecture, humour and engaging storytelling, this walking tour brings London's remarkable past vividly to life.

Whether you're visiting London for the first time or have lived here for years, you'll discover familiar places in a completely new way and gain a deeper appreciation of the people who built one of the world's greatest cities.

Tour Information

Duration: Approximately 2 and 1/2 hours

Distance: Approximately 2 miles (3.2 km)

Meeting Point: Shakespeare's Globe,

Finish Point: Leadenhall Market

Please wear comfortable footwear and dress appropriately for the weather.

Meet next to the Pizza Express across from the entrance to Shakespear's Globe , New Globe Way.

Description supplied by the event organiser.