Tate Modern is the national gallery of international modern art and also houses a collection of British art from the 1500s. The building’s vast size becomes apparent when you enter via the dramatic turbine hall which is 152 metres long!

The collection of modern and contemporary art represents all the major movements from Fauvism. It includes important masterpieces by both Picasso and Matisse and surrealist works by Dalí, Ernst, Magritte and Mirò.

Like many of London’s largest art galleries, the Tate is free to enter. We have a dedicated page looking at London’s art galleries.

The Globe

The Globe Theatre was a theatre in London associated with William Shakespeare. It was built in 1599 by Shakespeare’s playing company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, and was destroyed by fire. The modern reconstruction of the Globe Theatre in front of you was opened in 1997.

The theatre puts on plays in a season that normally runs from May to October and sometimes over the Christmas period. Just like the original, the cheap seats are standing. Tours of the theatre and an exhibition are available at all times of the year.

Once you have visited either or both the Globe and Tate follow the river eastward back towards Tower Bridge along the pedestrian path. A little way after the Globe Theatre is a riverside pub to refresh you for the final sector of the walk.

This whole area up to Tower Bridge was recently just a district of old warehouses, but in recent years has been rejuvenated into a very attractive district, very atmospheric in places and full of interest.

The path goes under Southwark Bridge. You may see signs for Vinopolis, a rather out of context tourist attraction down a side road offering wine tours.

Clink Street and Prison

The path then veers a little inland into an atmospheric, cobbled lane, Clink Street.

The Clink Prison Museum is on the site of the original Clink Prison (“possibly the oldest men’s prison and probably the oldest women’s prison in England”) which held prisoners from the early Tudor years until 1780. Shakespeare visited an old school friend here.

You soon re-join the river and come across St Mary Overy’s Wharf, in which a replica of the Golden Hind resides in dry dock.

Golden Hinde galleon

Drake left Plymouth in 1577, the aim of the voyage was for Drake and his men to be the first Englishmen to circumnavigate the globe.

Queen Elizabeth I gave Drake a charter granting him permission to attack and loot ships belonging to England’s enemies – in effect the Spanish.

Due to this charter, Drake and his men regarded themselves as privateers, not pirates – however, enterprisingly the Spanish took a different view and regard him as a pirate to this day.

There is a self-guided tour of the ship available.

The Golden Hinde features as the Durmstrang ship on the popular Harry Potter Walking Tour for Muggles.

Southwark Cathedral

From St Mary Ovary’s Wharf head down Cathedral Street where you will find the impressive Southwark Cathedral looming up in front of you.

Southwark Cathedral, officially known as The Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Saviour and St Mary Overie, is one of London’s most historic churches. Its rich history dates back over a thousand years, making it a significant landmark in the city. Located on the south bank of the River Thames, near London Bridge, it not only offers stunning views of the river but also serves as a vital connection between the past and present of London.

Furthermore, it serves as the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of Southwark, playing a central role in the spiritual life of the community and beyond. This dual function as both a historic site and a place of worship highlights its importance to both locals and visitors alike, drawing people in with its architectural beauty and historical significance.

The Shard

As you continue down Tooley Street you will fail not to recognise the amazing pyramid-shaped Shard skyscraper.

Officially known as The Shard of Glass and is the tallest building in the UK. Furthermore, at the time of its completion in 2012, the tallest in Western Europe. Standing at 310 meters (1,016 feet). The Shard is well known for its unique and striking design by the Italian architect Renzo Piano. Boasting pretty much the best views to be had over the capital and beyond.

Not to forget, when you purchase a London Pass you will receive free admission to the View from the Shard as well as other great attractions.

For more information and bookings visit The View from The Shard

Now, carry on along Tooley Street past London Bridge Station. Arriving at Hay’s Galleria, a modern shopping mall. Continue through the shopping centre to Queens Walk on the river bank on the other side and HMS Belfast.

HMS Belfast

As you stroll along Queens Walk by the river, your gaze is inevitably drawn to the stunning sight of Tower Bridge .

The warship you would have noticed from the opposite bank in stage 1 of the walk is HMS Belfast.

HMS Belfast is a former Royal Navy cruiser from the Second World War. Since 1971, it has been used as a floating Museum.

GLA building

Next, the modernistic round glass building just before Tower Bridge is the Greater London Authority building. Home of the Mayor of London and the London Assembly.

Members of the public may visit parts of the building Monday to Friday.

Tower Bridge

Climb up the steps to Tower Bridge and walk across. The bridge is a visitor attraction which you can tour inside.

The entrance is at the tower at the Tower of London side of the bridge, on the side facing the Tower of London.

Complete the walk by walking to the end of the bridge and around the Tower of London to Tower Hill Underground Station.

Buy tickets to Tower Bridge Exhibition

This is the end of Stage three of the London City Walk.

For the other stages please see:

Stage 1 Tower of London to the Bank of England

Stage 2 Bank to St Paul’s