A village in South East London with a community feeling. As one of our walkers said, “The centre of Rotherhithe Village really feels like a quiet village – can’t believe it’s so close to the City of London.” Tower Bridge is just a short stroll away – a few minutes’ walk along the Thames Path.
Rotherhithe is London SE16 on the south bank of the River Thames, neighbouring Bermondseyand the Isle of Dogs. Over the water on the north bank, you’ll find Wapping and Limehouse. Rotherhithe is part of the Docklands area, but it’s distinctly different from those glittering business districts like Canary Wharf.
A short history of Rotherhithe Village
Our guide Tim says, “The cobbled streets, pubs and warehouses of old Rotherhithe tell a unique story. For centuries the riverbank heaved with mighty sailing ships from all over the world and like every dockside there was vice and violence.”
Rotherhithe Village is defined by its history as a port. The working dockyards were operating from the Elizabethan era to the 1970s. In the 1980s the area began to transform – think warehouse conversions and new developments and the start of a revived Docklands area.
A lot of history happened before Rotherhithe Village got to where it is today. By way of example, Edward III built a palace in a wilderness of reed beds for his falcons in the 14th century. In the Victorian era, Charles Dickens frequented Rotherhithe’s dark and dangerous streets to see poverty up close. Smell and feel and hear it. Rotherhithe’s Old Mortuary figures in the first chapter of his last and (according to David) greatest novel, Our Mutual Friend.
The Mayflower: what is it and what’s it got to do with Rotherhithe?
In 1620 “The Mayflower” set sail from Rotherhithe Village and changed history. They crossed the Atlantic. They were The Pilgrim Fathers. They founded the Plymouth colony in Massachusetts. The ship’s captain Christopher Jones lies at peace, his memorial a stone keel at St Mary’s Church. The Mayflower Pub in Rotherhithe Village is on the very bit of shore where where the Pilgrim Fathers boarded the Mayflower and cast anchor and set sail across the seas to America. The oldest pub on the river, it’s a rare delicacy. On the outside: time-honoured in the most inviting way; and it gets better, because inside, well, it looks and feels like an old ship; for good measure, it rejoices in unrivalled views across the liquid history that is the River Thames. Plus, it serves a cracking pint of ale. And serves up some of the best pub grub in London.
About our Rotherhithe Village Walk
With its cobbled streets and old pubs… Well, threading our way through ancient Rotherhithe Village we’re stepping back in history.
We salute those Pilgrim Fathers of 1620, along with the East India fleets, adventurers and settlers. We rub elbows with Dickens and the influence of social reformers. Let alone any number of other colourful characters who have trodden these paths.
Here’s a taste of what you’ll see – and see into (compliments of the stories we regale you with).
Yes, the legendary, the platonic ideal of an ancient riverside pub: The Mayflower.
Behind it on St Marychurch Street, Sands Films which has become a centre of excellence for feature films and the making of historical costumes.
We’ll meet “the difference makers” Alfred and Ada Salter.
And of course, hugely important: that astonishing engineering project, Brunel’s Thames Tunnel. Impossible to gainsay its importance. Not just to London but to modern cities everywhere. The tales of those who worked on it are jaw-dropping.
Then there’s the Thames Path. It runs for over 180 miles from source to sea. An important section of it goes through Rotherhithe. We take survey of it.
And it’s not just the blue of the water and the rich palette – the reds and browns and blacks and whites – of the wharves and docks and pubs and dwellings and the grey sabres of the London skyline in the near distance and whatever the London sky flaps above us on any given day… Wait for it (it’s worth waiting for), Rotherhithe, this ancient, Thames-moored, urban village, also does greenery. Spectacularly so. Consider Exhibit A: Southwark Park. And Exhibit B: Stave Hill Ecological Park. The verges, as it were, of the village.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
Practical tips for our Rotherhithe Village London Walk
Ahoy! The Mayflower Village takes place at 2:30 pmevery Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. To be on the safe side check the date on the calendar. Or heed the top-level announcements that read: Click for dates this walk does not take place.
Meet outside the exit of Bermondsey underground station, Jamaica Road, London SE16. Bermondsey tube is on the Jubilee Line, with quick connections to London Bridge, Canada Water and Canary Wharf.
The team of Mayflower Village guides is headed up by Robert. Ably assisted by local superstar Tim, he of Four Weddings and a Funeral fame.
Robert is Mr Mayflower Village himself. He lives locally; he’s extremely well connected; he’s the distinguished retired Curator of the Brunel Museum; he’s a boon companion of the Landlord of The Mayflower, “the oldest pub on the river.”
LONDON WALKS PRIVATE WALKS
If you can’t make one of the regularly scheduled, just-turn-up, Ahoy! Mayflower & the Ships of Rotherhithe it can always be booked as a private tour. If you go private you can have the Ahoy! Mayflower & the Ships of Rotherhithe walk – or any other London Walk – on a day and at a time that suits your convenience. We’ll tailor it to your requirements. Ring Fiona or Mary on 020 7624 3978 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll set it up and make it happen for you. A private London Walk – they’re good value for an individual or couple and sensational value for a group – makes an ideal group or educational or birthday party or office (team-building) or club outing.
GIVE THE GIFT OF LONDON WALKS
A private London Walk makes a fab gift – be it a birthday or anniversary or Christmas present or whatever. Merchandise schmerchandise (gift wrapped or not) – but giving someone an experience, now that’s special. Memories make us rich.
31 reviews for Ahoy! Mayflower & the Ships of Rotherhithe
Rated 5 out of 5
Naoise Soughley –
Our Rotherhithe tour with Maribeth was a revelation. She was such an open and thoughtful guide and as a Rotherhithe resident, she effortlessly brought this quaint, atmospheric part of the London to life for us, peopling it with privateers, social reformers, Dickensian graverobbers, charity children, more than one magnanimous sea captain and the redoubtable Mayflower pilgrims. Not to mention Brunel, England’s most famous engineer, on whom Maribeth is an expert. Her jaw dropping account of how the Thames tunnel was excavated and finally executed is absolutely fascinating, and on the tour she shows you the very spot where the diggers – many of who were Irish – descended into the bowels of the earth for their claustrophobic and daring endeavour. A wonderful afternoon that proved (yet again) that with the right guide, all you have to do is scratch beneath the surface of London to find historical gold!
Rated 5 out of 5
Kate Rittenhouse –
This walk with Robert was one of the best. Rotherhithe and Bermondsey were suprises to me, and very pleasant ones. There were just three of us in the group, so the commentary was more a conversation than a lecture. Among other things, I learned the origin of the expression “on the wagon.”
Rated 5 out of 5
jan feist –
Tour with Tim !Fantastic ! Tim was so knowledgeable about his subject plus extremely entertaining !! We had a fabulous time walking in the footsteps of our 19th and 20th century family. Highly recommend it !Thanks Tim !!
Rated 5 out of 5
Frances Pickersgill –
Walked with the hugely entertaining Tim Thomas around Rotherhithe recently. As always on London Walks, our guide was a mine of unique and fascinating information about this historic area of London. Aside from visiting the Mayflower .. pub sited where the ship is thought to have sailed, we heard about royalty from exotic overseas places, learnt little known facts about famous London buildings and finished up almost down Brunel’s Thames tunnel shaft. Highly recommended and would definitely walk with Tim again
Rated 5 out of 5
Dr. Thomas A. Underwood –
Thanks to guide Tim Thomas, “Ahoy! Mayflower & the Ships of Rotherhithe” did not disappoint! Tim, who played the physician who pronounced Simon Callow’s character Gareth dead in the 1994 Hugh Grant/Andie MacDowell romcom, Four Weddings and a Funeral, led a tour for only two of us and did a fabulous job! We met in Bermondsey and walked for two hours along the Thames, as Tim, a gifted composer and thespian who holds a degree in cultural anthropology from Oxford, regaled us with stories of Bermondsey and Rotherhithe over the centuries. From sharing ghastly accounts of the treachery of the East India Tea Company to the scoop on Princess Margaret’s favorite spot to smooch with Lord Snowdon when they were avoiding photographers, Tim was a cornucopia of London history from the bottom up to the top down. He recited poetry, sang the part of the Peggy Lee song “Fever” that mentions Pocahontas (who died in London), all as he was pointing out obscure architectural details and recounting Thames shipping history. What an afternoon!
Rated 5 out of 5
Vicki Saunderson –
I attended the walk, guided by Tim, on Saturday 16 December 2023. As a resident, Tim not only is extremely knowledgeable about the area, but has a real passion for it too, which comes through in all the information he imparts. I also loved his anecdotal stories, many of which I was completely unaware of. A really fascinating walk. Many thanks Tim!
Rated 5 out of 5
Tim Gifford –
After a fun walk in October I returned with five friends on 9th December for another wonderful walk with Tim who brought the history of the area to life and gave a fine demonstration of living in Rotherhithe at the current time. A very interesting walk with considerable history and anecdotes as well! Highly recommended.
Rated 5 out of 5
Karen –
We did this walk with Michael. He is very knowledgeable about the area and he made the walk interesting and fun.
Rated 5 out of 5
Janet Bounds –
Went on this walk as part of the Thames Festival. Loved it – learnt so much about the history of the local area. From the Antelope to the Mayflower via a good doctor, a brilliant engineer, pirates, a king and his falcons, a princess and her lover, Dixon of Dock Green and a Pacific Island prince. Fascinating stuff and highly recommended.
Rated 5 out of 5
Tim Gifford –
First class presentation by Tim who brought history to life with humour and, on occasion, song! A most enjoyable walk delving into the murky history and shenanigans of Bermondsey and Rotherhithe. Highly recommended!
Rated 5 out of 5
Anne-Marie Durand-Jargois –
I thoroughly enjoyed this walk with Robert as our guide. He is very knowledgeable and has a lot to share about the Thames and his neighbourhood. He also happens to have a good sense of humour and adapted very naturally to the size of the group as we were only three. I had never walked as far as Rotherhithe and the pub the Mayflower and after the walk you feel you have travelled much farther than you actually have. It was a great walk.
Reserve your place on Ahoy! Mayflower & the Ships of Rotherhithe
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OKPrivacy policy
Naoise Soughley –
Our Rotherhithe tour with Maribeth was a revelation. She was such an open and thoughtful guide and as a Rotherhithe resident, she effortlessly brought this quaint, atmospheric part of the London to life for us, peopling it with privateers, social reformers, Dickensian graverobbers, charity children, more than one magnanimous sea captain and the redoubtable Mayflower pilgrims. Not to mention Brunel, England’s most famous engineer, on whom Maribeth is an expert. Her jaw dropping account of how the Thames tunnel was excavated and finally executed is absolutely fascinating, and on the tour she shows you the very spot where the diggers – many of who were Irish – descended into the bowels of the earth for their claustrophobic and daring endeavour. A wonderful afternoon that proved (yet again) that with the right guide, all you have to do is scratch beneath the surface of London to find historical gold!
Kate Rittenhouse –
This walk with Robert was one of the best. Rotherhithe and Bermondsey were suprises to me, and very pleasant ones. There were just three of us in the group, so the commentary was more a conversation than a lecture. Among other things, I learned the origin of the expression “on the wagon.”
jan feist –
Tour with Tim !Fantastic ! Tim was so knowledgeable about his subject plus extremely entertaining !! We had a fabulous time walking in the footsteps of our 19th and 20th century family. Highly recommend it !Thanks Tim !!
Frances Pickersgill –
Walked with the hugely entertaining Tim Thomas around Rotherhithe recently. As always on London Walks, our guide was a mine of unique and fascinating information about this historic area of London. Aside from visiting the Mayflower .. pub sited where the ship is thought to have sailed, we heard about royalty from exotic overseas places, learnt little known facts about famous London buildings and finished up almost down Brunel’s Thames tunnel shaft. Highly recommended and would definitely walk with Tim again
Dr. Thomas A. Underwood –
Thanks to guide Tim Thomas, “Ahoy! Mayflower & the Ships of Rotherhithe” did not disappoint! Tim, who played the physician who pronounced Simon Callow’s character Gareth dead in the 1994 Hugh Grant/Andie MacDowell romcom, Four Weddings and a Funeral, led a tour for only two of us and did a fabulous job! We met in Bermondsey and walked for two hours along the Thames, as Tim, a gifted composer and thespian who holds a degree in cultural anthropology from Oxford, regaled us with stories of Bermondsey and Rotherhithe over the centuries. From sharing ghastly accounts of the treachery of the East India Tea Company to the scoop on Princess Margaret’s favorite spot to smooch with Lord Snowdon when they were avoiding photographers, Tim was a cornucopia of London history from the bottom up to the top down. He recited poetry, sang the part of the Peggy Lee song “Fever” that mentions Pocahontas (who died in London), all as he was pointing out obscure architectural details and recounting Thames shipping history. What an afternoon!
Vicki Saunderson –
I attended the walk, guided by Tim, on Saturday 16 December 2023. As a resident, Tim not only is extremely knowledgeable about the area, but has a real passion for it too, which comes through in all the information he imparts. I also loved his anecdotal stories, many of which I was completely unaware of. A really fascinating walk. Many thanks Tim!
Tim Gifford –
After a fun walk in October I returned with five friends on 9th December for another wonderful walk with Tim who brought the history of the area to life and gave a fine demonstration of living in Rotherhithe at the current time. A very interesting walk with considerable history and anecdotes as well! Highly recommended.
Karen –
We did this walk with Michael. He is very knowledgeable about the area and he made the walk interesting and fun.
Janet Bounds –
Went on this walk as part of the Thames Festival. Loved it – learnt so much about the history of the local area. From the Antelope to the Mayflower via a good doctor, a brilliant engineer, pirates, a king and his falcons, a princess and her lover, Dixon of Dock Green and a Pacific Island prince. Fascinating stuff and highly recommended.
Tim Gifford –
First class presentation by Tim who brought history to life with humour and, on occasion, song! A most enjoyable walk delving into the murky history and shenanigans of Bermondsey and Rotherhithe. Highly recommended!
Anne-Marie Durand-Jargois –
I thoroughly enjoyed this walk with Robert as our guide. He is very knowledgeable and has a lot to share about the Thames and his neighbourhood. He also happens to have a good sense of humour and adapted very naturally to the size of the group as we were only three. I had never walked as far as Rotherhithe and the pub the Mayflower and after the walk you feel you have travelled much farther than you actually have. It was a great walk.