Absolutely fantastic tour of a fascinating borough of London that is less explored but has so many hidden gems from the intriguing history of London Bridge and Hays Wharf to Shakespeare and the rebuilt Globe Theatre. Sandy tells the bawdy history of the borough with great enthusiasm; a curious mix of Bishops and the church, alongside beer and bear baiting. She kept us highly entertained all the way through our tour and the time flew by. We learned so much about the area, its famous inhabitants, and how much it has changed throughout the centuries. Absolutely brilliant - loved every minute! Thank you Sandy.
事業者からの返答
Hi Julia, thank you so much for your kind words. I think you have summed Southwark up very well! As London's oldest borough, it has a rich history centering around its role as supply centre to the City of London across the river for all the things needed by the occupants of the City but not welcomed by the authorities. So that makes for quite a story ranging from London's early theatres staging plays and animal baiting performances to the brothels, inns and breweries. Add to that the glamorous side of Southwark's past provided by the Bishops of Winchester and the building of today's Southwark Cathedral and there is quite a tale to be told! Do get in touch if you find yourself back in London again. All the best. Sandy
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ianlJ3764CJ
June 14, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Two millenniums of history in London's least appreciated areas
We chose the Southwark guided tour so we could see the area and places that three generations of our relatives lived during the 19th century in the Regency and Victorian areas .
Sandy’s knowledge of the area’s history and development before and after the coming of railways from the 1830’s and the decline of the docks around London bridge gave us real insight into what life was like for London’s poorest residents during a period of major change, decline and regeneration and how key places such as St Saviour's (now Southwark Cathedral) and Borough market survived and eventually flourished over the centuries.
Sandy’s additional research help us locate and see one of the long lost streets that our relatives use to live and work over 200 years ago !
事業者からの返答
Hi Ian, thank you for a lovely review. It was a pleasure doing a bit of advance research to find out where your family members might have lived. Although some of the streets no longer exist, no doubt because of the arrival of the railways, it was nevertheless interesting to explore where we knew the streets used to be. Southwark is a fascinating borough anyway, a world away nowadays from the rough area of centuries ago! All the best, Sandy
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Liztheclarke
May 20, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Sunday in Southwark
Sandy was an exceptional guide. Her knowledge and delivery of Southwark's history was interesting, articulate, informative and fun. Sandy is extremely approachable, and her passion for history really shines through. We could have spent days wandering around - there is so much history in Southwark and much to take in.
From the Crossbones graveyard to Borough Market, the history is astonishing and Sandy's facts and fun items are fascinating. Well worth it - even if you think you know Southwark (like me!) - there is always something new to learn.
Highly recommend Hobnob Tours.
事業者からの返答
Hi Liz, thank you for a wonderful review. I'm so glad you enjoyed Southwark's fascinating history from those early days of the first Roman bridge to the ruins of the Bishops' palace and the replica Globe theatre - all amazing in their own ways. Hope to see you again when you're next in London. Sandy
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Jeanette P
September 19, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Old London revisited.
Sandy is a very warm person who was full of interesting facts and stories about the area in which we did the tour. London has an amazing history and Sandy’s anecdotes about Southwark made the tour very enjoyable and fun.
事業者からの返答
Thanks so much Jan for a lovely review and I'm delighted you enjoyed exploring Southwark with me. It is such an interesting borough as it was the very first one and so history goes back to the Roman times - lots to discusss! Sandy
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martinpI111BD
September 19, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Southwark in September
We met sandy at the prearranged spot exactly on time. We then headed into the heartland of southwark. Her knowledge of the history together with anecdotal stories provided a wonderful image of times from the Roman era to current days. Wandering around borough markets with the sight and smell of the food offerings then meandering around the alleys and buildings showed how much had changed to the better since my days as a youth living in london and particular southwark. We'll done sandy
事業者からの返答
Hi Martin, it was a pleasure guiding for you this morning and I think I was equally interested in what you had to tell me about your recollections of the area dating back to the '60s and 70s as you were to hear the history from me! so pleased you enjoyed it. Sandy
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RMDLondon
July 23, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Highly recommended tour of Southwark
We enjoyed Sandy's tour of Mayfair so much that we booked her Southwark tour, and as she points out at the start, it's a very different, but equally fascinating part of London. Once again Sandy's enthusiasm and encyclopedic knowledge of her subject were clearly evident - I suspect she does an awful lot of research! Although some of us were already familiar with the area, we learned much about the historical background of this everchanging part of London. What makes Sandy's tours so special are the little insights she gives ( ones that other guides might miss? ) and her ability to bring to life the atmosphere and lives of some of the past inhabitants. Her tours are highly recommended - 2 down and 2 to go!
事業者からの返答
Hi Roger, what a lovely review, thank you so much. I like to tell a story with my tours as well as making them interesting from a historic perspective so I'm delighted you feel the balance between the two works! By the sound of things, I'll be seeing you again for a tour of St James' and Hampton Court! I'm looking forward to it already! Thanks again. Sandy
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richardo500
July 19, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Fascinating tour.
Our second tour with Hobnob (did James’ last year) and just as enjoyable. We liked the attention to detail illustrated by the actual historical sites. It was fascinating to see the pub from which it is thought Samuel Pepys viewed the Fire of London, as well the site of the Clink jail, and I’d never even heard of the “Winchester Geese” before! The tour brought to life the wealth of history of so many aspects of life in this part of London over the last 1,000 years. Really enjoyed it.
事業者からの返答
Hi Richard, thank you so much for a lovely review and I'm delighted you enjoyed exploring London's oldest borough. It is both fun and thought provoking walking in the footsteps of characters from the past and you can almost imagine Samuel Pepys sitting at the Anchor Tavern nursing a pint as he took refuge in ...'a little alehouse on Bankside and from there, watched the fire grow.' Although there are some themes running through this tour like the brewing industry and the destruction wreaked by fire over the centuries, there is so much more to discover as a lot happens in 1000 years! So glad you enjoyed it. all the best. Sandy
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rosemaryo988
July 19, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
There’s more to Southwark than you might think!
Thank you Sandy for opening my eyes to the historical gems around Southwark - the magnificent cathedral contrasting the moving story of the Crossbones cemetery, the Hop Exchange - I could even imagine Dickens drinking ale from the local breweries at the George Inn! It was a fascinating glimpse into the impact of commerce and transport over the centuries in the area. Many thanks!
事業者からの返答
Hi Rose, it was a pleasure guiding for you around London's first ever borough! Being the first, there have been many wide-ranging developments over the years, including the grandeur (as you mention the cathedral being one) and the sleazy side too including the brothels, the animal baiting arenas and the gambling dens. It is such a haphazard area; full of surprises! So pleased you enjoyed it. All the best. Sandy