SHAKESPEARE'S GLOBE ULTIMATE GUIDE
Open: Specific dates for tours and performances
Time Needed: 2.5 hours
Price: £27
Nestled near the Tate Modern and the Millennium Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre may seem a little out of place. It was, after all, designed after the original Globe Theatre which was built in 1599 (and then later rebuilt in 1614 after it was destroyed by a fire).
When it was first constructed, the Globe Theatre was located in the epicentre of London’s entertainment district on the Bankside in Southwark. Performances were put on by the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, and it is said that Shakespeare himself even sat in the theatre to watch his own performances.
The modern-day Globe Theatre is an oak-and-thatch replica of the original 1599 Elizabethan playhouse (which once sat about 200 metres from where the Globe stands today), and as a result concertgoers will feel as if they’ve been transported back to Elizabethan times when watching a performance.
Today the theatre serves as an open-air venue dedicated to the work of Shakespeare, and some of the many performances visitors can still watch at the playhouse include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, The Taming of the Shrew, and many, many more. Depending on the time of year, several plays, operas, comedy shows and candlelit concerts are held inside the playhouse as well.
Visitors can sit on the wooden benches (which can sit up to 340 people) surrounding the stage, or in any of the two tiers of galleried seating, and there are also productions, talks and courses held in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse (a candlelit indoor theatre located inside the Globe’s building). Attendees can even stand in the yard directly in front of the stage, just as they did in the original theatre during Elizabethan times. It's a great place to visit on your own or with a guide on a walking tour, so you can dive into the history of arts in London.
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Highlights
Not only does the Globe Theatre host numerous performances throughout the year, especially during the summer months, but they also offer talks, courses, and exhibitions.
Additionally, there are guided tours that can be booked in advance:
- Shakespeare’s Globe Story & Tour: A 2-hour immersive journey into Shakespeare’s London, including access to the exhibition space. Visitors will learn about the theatre's history, from its original construction in 1599 to its modern reconstruction, through interactive displays, costumes, and props. Suitable for all ages, the tour is conducted in English with multilingual information sheets available.
- Themed Guided Tours: These tours are related to specific plays and might include the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. Visitors learn about a specific play and see costume and prop collections used in the theatre's performances.
- Group Guided Tours: These are on demand tours up to 30 people that can be booked on your preferred dates.
If you can't find a seat for a performance or join a tour, the Globe Theatre shop is open every day and offers interesting souvenirs, including real props used in the plays.
Special Tips
If you want to avoid the large crowds, try to avoid watching performances between May and August as it can get incredibly busy.
If you plan on sitting on any of the wooden benches during a performance, it may be a good idea to rent a seat cushion for £3 as the benches can get quite uncomfortable after sitting for longer periods of time.
For the best view during a performance, try to get a spot leaning on the stage or the outer walls (be prepared to get some interaction from the actors during the performance as well!).
Getting There
Address: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT, United Kingdom.
By Tube: The nearest stations are Blackfriars (a 10-minute walk away), and Mansion House (also a 10-minute walk away).
By Train: The nearest stations are Blackfriars (a 10-minute walk away) or London Bridge (a 15-minute walk away).
By Bus: You can reach the Globe Theatre via routes 45, 63 and 100 (to Blackfriars Bridge), 15 and 17 (to Cannon Street), 11, 15, 17, 23, 26 and 76 (to Mansion House), 381 and RV1 (to Southwark Street) or 344 (to Southwark Bridge Road).
By car: The nearest car park is located on the northern side of Southwark Bridge.
By coach: There is a drop-off point on Southwark Bridge
Visiting The Globe Theatre
Be sure to check the weather forecast before booking your tickets, as the standing area is open-air and exposed to the elements. Since umbrellas are not allowed, it's wise to bring a raincoat and warm shoes. If you’re worried about standing in the rain, there are seats available that are protected under a sound roof.
Keep in mind that the cloakroom is closed, so you’ll need to store any large bags offsite. Only necessary medical equipment and buggies are permitted. Photography and video recording are not allowed during workshops, performances, screenings, or tours, and photography may be restricted at certain times.
Assisted performances, such as relaxed, captioned, audio-described, and signed, are available. Check the official website in advance to book your spot.
The Swan Bar & Restaurant, located next to Shakespeare’s Globe, offers indoor and outdoor seating with stunning views of St. Paul’s Cathedral across the river. They serve drinks, dining, afternoon tea, weekend brunch, Sunday roasts, and more.
If you plan to visit the shop, please note that it currently only accepts contactless payments.
Ticket prices and Opening hours
Due to the open-air nature of the Globe Theatre, most performances are held from mid-April to mid-October. During the winter season, many performances take place in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, with a few special events held in the Globe Theatre itself.
The Shakespeare’s Globe Story & Tour runs year-round and is usually available several times a day. Visitors must book their time slot in advance through the official website. The prices for the tour are as follows:
- Adult: £27
- Under 16: £20
All tours can be booked with a 10% donation, and transactions through the website incur a £2.50 commission fee.
For Shakespeare performances, seat ticket costs range depending on visibility. There are 700 standing tickets available (which offer the best views of the stage) and cost £5 each. Seating tickets for the lower, middle and upper galleries cost anywhere between £25 and £75.
Are you visiting The Globe Theatre? You might also want to check out some of the many free tours in London departing every day.
