Southwark - Pilgrim's Way

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt through Southwark's historic streets, churchyards, riverside walkways and famous market districts, with explorers following in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims as they hunt for the missing 27th cart of St Thomas Becket's lost treasure.

The quest begins at Southwark Cathedral, follows part of the ancient Pilgrim's Way and then winds through Borough, Bermondsey and the Thames riverside before returning to London Bridge. The route follows pavements, pedestrian areas, parks and surfaced paths throughout, making it suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

⚠️ Important: This adventure takes place in a busy part of central London. Explorers will encounter crowds, roads, cycle routes and busy pedestrian areas, particularly around Borough Market, London Bridge and the riverside. Keep younger adventurers close by, stay alert to traffic and use pedestrian crossings where available.

Getting There

Time to gather your explorers and begin the search:

By car: Parking in this part of central London is limited and can be expensive. Public transport is generally the easiest way to reach the start point.

By public transport: Your quest begins outside Southwark Cathedral (SE1 9DA), just a few minutes' walk from London Bridge Station, served by National Rail services and the Jubilee and Northern Underground lines. The Trail directions recommend using the Borough Market/Borough High Street exit. Southwark Cathedral is less than five minutes from London Bridge Station.

Your first clue awaits outside the cathedral itself, so gather your expedition team and prepare to start searching immediately.

Need the Loo?

Even seasoned treasure seekers need a comfort break during a long expedition!

Public toilets can be found at London Bridge Station, Borough Market, Potters Fields Park and More London along the route, giving explorers several opportunities to pause and regroup. Southwark Cathedral also has accessible toilet facilities within its precinct.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Sadly, four-legged explorers are not really allowed on the quest, as there are parks which do not permit dogs along the route.

Food & Drink Stops

Treasure hunting is hungry work!

There are countless opportunities to grab refreshments throughout the adventure. Borough Market near the start is one of London's most famous food destinations, while cafés, restaurants and riverside eateries can be found all along the route.

If you've packed your own provisions, Potters Fields Park beside the Thames (around Clues 13-14) makes an excellent picnic spot with fantastic views of Tower Bridge.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Southwark Cathedral

The adventure begins beside one of London's oldest places of worship. A church has stood on this site for centuries, and the cathedral has strong links to pilgrims, Shakespeare, Chaucer and the history of London Bridge.

Borough Market

One of London's most famous markets sits right beside the start of the Trail. Packed with food stalls, traders and historic atmosphere, it's well worth exploring before or after your quest.

Follow the Pilgrims

Several clues draw on the route once travelled by pilgrims heading from Southwark to Canterbury to visit the shrine of St Thomas Becket. Along the way you'll encounter historic inns, churchyards and reminders of medieval London.

Optional Detour - Explore More of the Cathedral

If time allows, step inside Southwark Cathedral before or after your quest. The cathedral contains memorials, stained glass, literary connections and over 1,000 years of history, making it a fascinating companion to this treasure-hunting adventure.