Another excellent tour by Steve. In-depth research means there are unexpected points of history, detailed anecdotes and accompanying images, photos and maps. These bring the area to life and make for a hugely enjoyable walk
Full of facts and stories. Great in depth knowledge of the area helps to create a feel of how Bermondsey must have been. I was thoroughly enthralled for the duration of the tour. If you like social and industrial history then I would recommend this tour.
John Francis: From Friars to Fellmongers
🎧 A First‑Timer’s Guide to VoiceMap:
How Self‑Guided Audio Tours Really Work
If you’ve never tried a self‑guided audio tour before, it can feel a bit mysterious. Do you follow a map? Does the audio just… start? What if you wander off? The good news is: VoiceMap is built for people who’ve never done this before. It’s simple, intuitive, and surprisingly freeing once you’re out on the street.
Here’s a friendly walkthrough of what to expect from start to finish.
1. Download the app
VoiceMap runs through a free app on iOS and Android. You only pay for the tours you choose, and once you’ve bought one, it’s yours forever.
2. Browse for a tour that grabs you
Inside the app, you can explore tours by city, neighbourhood, or theme. Each one shows the starting point, duration, distance, and what you’ll see along the way. It’s a bit like choosing a playlist — but for exploring a place.
3. Buy the tour and download everything
Once you’ve picked a tour, grab it with a quick one‑off purchase. Before you head out, download the audio and offline map so everything runs smoothly, even if your signal drops.
Once downloaded, the tour is yours to keep. You can use it as many times as you want.
4. Head to the starting point
Every tour begins at a specific location. The app gives you directions, so you can walk, cycle, or hop on public transport to get there. When you arrive, you’ll see a big “Start Tour” button waiting for you.
⭐ Top Tip:
Make sure your phone is fully charged and that you’ve packed your headphones. It makes the whole experience smoother and far more immersive.
5. Press start — and let the GPS do the rest
This is where VoiceMap feels almost magical. As you walk, the audio plays automatically when you reach each point on the route. No tapping, no scrolling, no trying to keep pace with a group. You just follow the directions and enjoy the stories as they unfold.
6. Go at your own pace
Want to stop for a photo? Grab a drink? Explore a side street? Go for it. The tour waits for you. If you drift off the route, the app gently guides you back.
7. Finish the tour with a sense of place
At the end, the audio wraps up and you’ll see a map of everywhere you’ve been. You’ll also be asked to rate the tour by clicking the appropriate number of clapping hands.
Creators like me love hearing from listeners, so if you feel inclined, leave a few lines of feedback — it genuinely helps shape future tours.
There’s also an option to follow me as a tour creator. If you tap the Follow button, you’ll be the first to know when I publish a new tour.
Why first‑timers love it
VoiceMap gives you the storytelling and local insight of a guided tour, without the crowds, schedules, or pressure. It’s sightseeing on your terms, with a guide who fits in your pocket.