globe theater tour tickets

The Ultimate Guide to visiting the Shakespeares Globe

Shakespeare's globe ultimate guide.

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 held in the recently-opened Sam Wanamaker Playhouse (a candlelit indoor theatre located inside the Globe’s building). Attendees can even stand in the standing rabble directly in front of the stage, just as they did in the original theatre during Elizabethan times.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Highlights

Not only does the Globe Theatre host numerous performances throughout the summer months, they also host guided tours of the playhouse as well as the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, which are led by the Globe’s many performers. During the tours, visitors are educated on the history of the Globe, and will also be shown costume and prop collections which are used during performances at the theatre.

Another highlight includes the Globe Theatre’s Exhibition, which educates visitors on Shakespeare’s life, as well as where he lived in London. It also gives some background on what Southwark would have looked like during Elizabethan times, as well as more information on the construction of the original playhouse.

Depending on when you visit, there may also be some temporary exhibitions and/or galleries being held inside the playhouse, which range from historical to photography exhibitions.

Special Tips

Getting There

Visiting the globe theatre.

Make sure you check the weather forecast before you book your tickets, as those in the standing area may be “exposed to the elements” while watching a performance; (it is an open-air theatre after all). The use of umbrellas is strictly forbidden, so make sure you bring an extra raincoat and warm shoes, just in case. If you’re worried about standing in the rain, there are seats available which are protected under a sound roof.

Guided tours of the Globe Theatre and the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse take about 30 minutes each, and you’re welcome to ask questions at the end of each tour. Visitors can also go on their own self-guided tour of the Exhibition which includes a complimentary audio guide that is available in several different languages; (visitors can pick up their audio guides at the admissions desk at the Exhibition). If no tour is running on the day of your visit, visitors can enter the Exhibition at a reduced price.

Visitors can also go on a tour to the Rose Theatre archaeological site (only on certain days when there is an afternoon matinee performance), to view the remains of the original Globe theatre. If you don’t feel like going on a tour, you can easily find the spot of the original theatre on your own, as it is marked with a plaque as well as information panels about 200 metres away from the Globe.

Ticket prices and Opening Hours

Due to the fact that the Globe is an open-air theatre, performances are only held from mid-April to mid-October. The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse theatre season is from October until April, but candlelit music concerts are performed here throughout the year.

Globe Theatre tours, on the other hand, run every day throughout the year (except December 24th and 25th); however, during the performance season tours finish around mid-day in order to allow time for matinee performances. Sam Wanamaker Playhouse tours are only available on selected days, and generally run every 30 minutes between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The hours for the Globe Theatre tours are:

• 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Mondays)
• 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Tuesday to Saturday)
• 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Sundays)

Both the Exhibition and tour tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served bases, so try to arrive at least 30 minutes before the final tour of the day to ensure yourself a spot.

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 £20 and £45.

If you want to watch a candlelit concert at the Globe Theatre, tickets cost £10 (for standing) or anywhere between £15 to £48 (for seating). Tickets for opera performances cost £10 (for standing) or £26-£79 (for seating), while tickets for comedy shows cost £10 (for standing) or £25-£35 (for seating).

Free Tours in Your Language

Shakespeare's Globe Guided Tours with Optional Shakespearean Afternoon Tea

• Enjoy an immersive guided tour of the theater
• Gain an in depth understanding of Shakespeare
• Upgrade to have afternoon tea at Swan at the Globe
• Guided tour of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre (maximum 30 people)
• Guided tour and Shakespearean themed afternoon tea, if option selected
• Entry/Admission - Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
• Hotel pickup and drop off
• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Visitors need to arrive at the entrance of the Groundling Gates on Bankside opposite the river, where a staff member will greet you at an outdoor information pod.
• We advise visitors arrive 15 minutes prior to tour departure.
• Most travelers can participate
• Duration of guided tour is 50 minute.
• The Globe is a working theatre, tour times vary due to performance schedules or sometimes take place during rehearsals (giving you an exclusive look at the rehearsal process!).
• Guided tours take place in all weathers.
• There is no dress code, but we recommend visitors wear appropriate clothing and footwear as tours take place outdoors.
• Tuesday to Saturday afternoon tea is served at 1.00pm if option is chosen
• Sunday afternoon tea is served at 12.00pm if option is chosen
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• infos392 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Truly amazing This is a truly amazing site to visit, treat yourself, go on the tour, and see a show. Sheltered but outside the theater. The play was outstanding. Get some delicious meals before or after your visit because it's near to Borough Market. Read more Written April 14, 2024
• dawnmY6236XA 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Check show times One of the first glorious days in london this year so it seemed everywhere was busy we walked from london bridge through borough market and along to the globe so many people all out enjoying the sun Had got the tickets a month or so before so was pleased it wasn't raining. Quite busy inside we had lower gallery seats we had a teenager in our party, she hasnt seen or read any Shakespeare yet and she enjoyed the performance The only negative I've never been to any show, performance where so many people turn up late I can understand maybe a few but at least 5 times we had to move or were blocked but late arrivals trying to find there seat and not just a little late so this did spoil it Read more Written April 14, 2024
• Delta-on-tour 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Affordable culture for all! Epic visit during Easter hols, second visit this year and second play for £10 or less, this time Romeo and Juliet! One of Shakespeare’s best known plays authentically adapted to ensure accessibility for all ages and audiences, truly spectacular! Read more Written April 4, 2024
• Dolphduncan 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Definitely worth a visit Wonderful experience of a modern day production of Romeo and Juliet. We sat on the seats which are wooden benches and paid for the cushions which were a god send lol. Fantastic experience Read more Written April 4, 2024
• 508katep 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great piece of history We used the London Pass to visit the Globe Theatre. Paige was our tour guide and she was phenomenal. You can tell she definitely loves her job and everything about Shakespeare. She was very informative. Read more Written April 3, 2024
• adventerousfamily 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Must see in London Had a wonderful time with my family (kids ages 11, 15,18). The museum section was informative and fun. The whole family had a wonderful time dressing up and learning interesting facts about the time and plays. The tour was the highlight. We had a wonderful guide who entertained us with his jokes as he gave us an in-depth look into the workings of the theatre and the life and times of Shakespeare. A wonderful way to bring Shakespeare's life and plays to life. Read more Written April 2, 2024
• joanneu857 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Worth a visit Thank you to Vincent on an excellent tour around the globe. Really informative and interesting and was clearly passionate about the globe and all it stands for. Would recommend a visit Read more Written April 1, 2024
• Y194VBtomg 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Upper Gallery - Bay M M3 Definitely order the cushion. You are sitting on the bench. There is nothing to lean back on, so you can lean forward with the rail in front of you. May have the most restrictive legroom I’ve ever had, but at 6 feet, I made the best of it, and really enjoyed myself. View is excellent. Read more Written March 30, 2024
• mildredd807 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Guided tour We went on the guided tour and had a great time! Our guide, Mick, was very obviously passionate and knowledgeable on Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre’s history. His insights into the processes used in performances from the past as well as current shows were very interesting and his quips and jokes were very fun and informative at the same time! I understand you can’t request a guide, but if possible, ask for Cockney Mick! Read more Written March 29, 2024
• ninabV264CI 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles An amazing Education Group Shakespeare tour and workshop! Want to say a massive thank you to all the staff from admin, check-in, to our guide Jack, in regards to our KS3 Education workshop and tour today. Jack was fantastic even getting the most shy to participate in fun learning of Macbeth. Very friendly, professional staff, full of knowledge. Highly recommend and we will definitely be back for a show. Read more Written March 27, 2024
• Getaway56998209873 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles After a great tour with an awesome tour guide I'm looking forward to Summer and my return! Amazing experience. The tour guide was Michael (New Zealand) is an extremely friendly and knowledgeable person who made sure the tour was a pleasurable experience you'd never forget. Thank you Michael, you were fantastic! Read more Written March 25, 2024
• Grandmastreasures 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Thoroughly enjoyable tour Thoroughly interesting and enjoyable tour of the theatre. Our guide Llyr was very knowledgeable , entertaining and made the tour fun. Worth every penny. Read more Written March 19, 2024
• ChrisRville 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A glimpse into theatrical history We had a fantastic tour with our guide Llyr. He was extremely knowledgeable and engaging and we learned so much about not just the Globe but about theatre in Shakespeare’s time. Read more Written March 18, 2024
• orint2024 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles “True crime” Shakespeare walking tour with Michael Michael did a great job showing us around the area, giving us entertaining insights on the “true crime” aspects of Shakespeare’s life. It also included some tucked-away historical sites and other gems we would not have stumbled upon otherwise. An afternoon well spent! Read more Written March 15, 2024
• markhF2708HP 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Bench seats at the Wannamaker. We Booked for the Sam Wannamaker Theatre showing the Duchess of malfi. We have been to the Globe before and it was excellent, we kind of expected the same ish thing. We were A bit disappointed, it is really our fault, because we just expected it to be like before and in Shakespearian costumes! which was not the case, (also, some old language and some new) we knew it would be a small theatre!! but, the seats!!!! so uncomfortable, so, be prepared, your back... Read more Written March 5, 2024

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Shakespeare's Globe Guided Tours with Optional Shakespearean Afternoon Tea provided by Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Globe Story and Guided Tours

Shakespeare's globe theatre, book now from £27.00, become immersed in shakespeare's london.

In the brand-new, walk-through exhibition space, you’ll be immersed in the sights, sounds, and secrets of Shakespeare’s London, travelling through over 400 years of fascinating history.

You’ll be able to relive some of our most iconic shows with seasonally curated displays, and even have the chance to get ready for the stage yourself with interactive costumes and props.

Whether you're a theatre enthusiast, a Shakespeare fan or just someone who's looking for a fascinating historical day out in London, this tour is for you!

What's included in my Globe story guided tour?

• A 50-minute fully guided tour by some of the best experts out there!
• Relive past shows and performances in an exhibition
• Try on amazing original stage costumes in the costume exhibit
• Get the chance to see some of the productions team at work on current shows!

The History of the Globe

“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” So said Shakespeare in ''As You Like It''.

Venture into the Globe Theatre itself where your expert Guides bring to life the thrilling story of our iconic wooden ‘O’. Hear how the original 1599 theatre survived the plague, fire and political oppression and rose again in the 1990s as part of one man’s radical vision.

Wonder at its craftsmanship and imagine how thousands of Londoners once packed in to see the greatest actors of the day.

After your Globe Tour

So much to do - why not grab a bite at the Swan Restaurant, or even some afternoon Tea! Get yourself a beautiful stationary gift set at the Gift shop, or take a walk around the area along the River Thames!

How to Find Us

There are excellent footpaths along the river from Waterloo and from Southwark Bridge. The Millennium Footbridge is 50 metres from the theatre.

Local stations are: Blackfriars (10 minute walk, South Bank exit, lifts to street level from platform); London Bridge (15 minute walk); Cannon Street (20 minute walk) and Waterloo (25 minute walk).

There are uncovered public bike racks on Bankside and New Globe Walk, both 10 metres from the theatre. There is also a Transport for London Santander Cycle Hire docking point on New Globe Walk.

Local routes include: 45, 63, 100 (to Blackfriars Bridge); 11, 15, 17, 26 (to Mansion House); 76 (to St Paul’s Cathedral); 344 (from Liverpool Street Station, towards Clapham, on Southwark Bridge Road) and 381, 344 (towards Liverpool Street Station, on Southwark Street).

Is The Globe wheelchair friendly?

Yes! Shakespeare's Globe have disabled access & toilets, guide dogs are allowed, and cater to many other disabilities.

Does The Globe Story Guided Tour have any age restrictions?

All tours are in English and suitable for all ages!

What should I wear for my tour?

The Globe is an open-air theatre and tours go ahead in all conditions so dress for the weather.

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Shakespeare’s Globe Guided Tour Tickets

About Shakespeare’s Globe Guided Tour

Hear the story of the original 1599 theatre, how the Globe battled to survive plague, fire and political oppression, and how one man’s vision saw it rise again after 400 years.

Wonder at the craftmanship and imagine how thousands of Londoners would have once packed in to see the greatest actors of the day. Every tour is led by an expert tour guide, in English, and is suitable for all ages. Information sheets are available in several languages. Remember! This is an open-air theatre and tours go ahead in all conditions, so please do dress appropriately.

50min. Average visit time.

All ages. Children under 5 FREE. Children 5 – 15 Years Of Age.

Opening Times & Itinerary

During the Globe Theatre performance season, which runs from mid-April to mid-October, tours normally finish tours around midday to allow for matinee performances. Globe Tours - Monday 10:00, 11:00,12:00 Tuesday - Saturday 10:00, 11:00 Sunday 10:00,11:00

Admission Information

Please exchange your voucher at the exhibition Tour Entrance.

Important information

The Globe theatre is an open-air arena. This means that if you are in the yard (the area surrounding the stage) on your tour then you may get wet. As British weather is often inclement, it is advisable to bring waterproofs, especially in winter. The weather never stops the tours.

The guided tours of the Globe are only in English.

With tours of the Globe Theatre, free information sheets are available in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Korean, Portuguese, Romania, Greek and Hungarian, and these can be picked up on the day of your visit. These are available for FIT’S, for booked groups who are allocated their own tour guide, the group leader is welcome to translate as the guide gives the tour.

Shakespeare's Globe Tours

We are a member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) and operate within the code of practice STAR sets down for its members.

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Shakespeare's Globe

Price & Hours

• Facilities 5.0
• Atmosphere 4.0

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're able, opt for a standing ticket at the performance. You'll get a more authentic experience, plus your proximity to the actors lets you admire their facial expressions and costumes. – Marisa Méndez, Senior Editor

This is not the Globe Theatre of Shakespeare's time. The original Globe Theatre – which staged Shakespeare's plays and where the Bard wrote "Twelfth Night," "King Lear," and several others – opened in 1599 and burned down in 1613. The second Globe was erected in 1614 but was then torn down in 1644, after all theaters where shuttered by Parliament. The current incarnation – referred to as the Globe Theatre by its staff – has been in operation since 1997 and it is a celebrated performing arts venue dedicated to staging the Bard's plays. In a nod to its much older namesake, today's open-air theater has a thatched roof – the only one in the city – that does not cover the central yard. Seating is in the round. Or, for a truly memorable experience, you can choose to stand in the yard just below the stage to watch a performance (as many did in Shakespeare's time).  

Theatergoers tend to appreciate the stunning reconstruction and report that the performances put on therein are top-notch.

Starting times for specific performances can vary. The box office is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; it's also open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Performance tickets have varying prices depending on your seat location, but know that yard tickets are often the cheapest option starting at 5 pounds (around $6). Guided tours featuring accounts of the original Globe and its modern-day reincarnation, which visitors find both informative and entertaining, cost 26 pounds (about $33) for adults and 19 pounds (around $24) for children 15 and younger. Several times for the tours are available; check the theater's website  for options. A tour of the theater is included in the price of a London Pass. Located next to the Tate Modern and across the Thames from St. Paul’s Cathedral , the theater can be reached via the Underground using the District and Circle Lines to Blackfriars station or the Jubilee and Northern Lines to London Bridge station. Bus routes nos. 45, 63 and 100 stop at Blackfriars Bridge while 11, 15, 17 and 26 stop at Mansion House.

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Buckingham Palace, King Charles III's London home, is open for touring (except for the king's private quarters, of course) from July to October. On the tour, you'll have access to the 19 State Rooms where the king and members of the royal family host guests for state, ceremonial and official affairs. Opulently accented with chandeliers, candelabras, paintings by Van Dyck and Canaletto, and exquisite English and French furniture, these rooms display some of the most magnificent pieces from the Royal Collection. Along with the grand interiors, the State Rooms, where kings and queens have entertained guests on both official and ceremonial occasions, are also a witness to history. Those who followed the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton closely will recognize the Throne Room, which served as the backdrop for the pair's official wedding photographs.

For tours in the summer, recent travelers suggested taking advantage of the multimedia guide (included with admission and available in multiple languages), so that you hear a detailed history of each room at your own pace. The palace advises you set aside at least two hours to see the State Rooms (and that you wear comfortable shoes), while recent travelers advised that you use the facilities prior to the start of the tour; there are no public restrooms available until you reach the garden. Except in the Garden Café, no food or drinks (except bottled water) are permitted in the palace.

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Shakespeare's Globe

VIRTUAL TOUR.

Step inside the Globe Theatre

• Virtual tour: online
• Virtual tour: 360 app

Everyone, no matter where they are in the world, can now walk around Shakespeare’s Globe with our virtual tour and 360 iOS app .

Use this page or download the app to tour the Globe Theatre from the comfort of your own home. Our interactive 360 degrees virtual tour uses photos, videos and audible wonder to guide you along the way.

This online digital tour is free. We ask that you consider a donation to us in return, as a charity currently relying on your support more than ever before. Thank you.

VIRTUAL TOUR: ONLINE

Using your mouse or your finger if you are on a mobile or tablet tap the box that says “VIEW 360”.

Then click and hold or tap and drag the screen to look around the interior of the Globe Theatre.

Tap on the circles and explore the images, videos and sounds that are located around the Globe Theatre.

Tap out when you are done and keep tapping away to find discover more!

Have fun and keep on discovering!

VIRTUAL TOUR: 360 APP

Packed with interesting facts, videos and photos, our free app allows anyone in the world to explore a virtual version of the world’s most iconic theatre.

Move around the virtual theatre, zoom in and out and reveal the theatre’s oak frame. Venture through the oak doors and head inside, where you can explore the theatre as stunning 360 degree images. Locations include an actor’s-eye view from the stage, backstage in the tiring-house, the musicians’ gallery and standing in the Yard.

The app is free and available on Apple iOS.

It contains an optional in app purchase.

 Globe 360 via App Store

 Globe 360 Marker

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Globe Story and Guided Tours

• 2hrs (incl. 50min guided tour & self-guided exhibition space)

Globe Theatre

If you want to know more about the history of London’s most famous theatre, GLOBE STORY AND GUIDED TOURS  at the Globe Theatre is the perfect opportunity to learn about centuries of history of one of the most famous stages in the world.

In our brand-new, walk-through exhibition space, you’ll be immersed in the sights, sounds, and secrets of Shakespeare’s London, travelling through over 400 years of fascinating history. You’ll be able to relive some of our most iconic shows with seasonally curated displays, and even have the chance to get ready for the stage yourself with interactive costumes and props.

Venture into the Globe Theatre itself where our expert Guides bring to life the thrilling story of our iconic wooden ‘O’. Hear how the original 1599 theatre survived the plague, fire and political oppression and rose again in the 1990s as part of one man’s radical vision. Wonder at its craftsmanship and imagine how thousands of Londoners once packed in to see the greatest actors of the day.

All tours are in English and suitable for all ages. Information sheets are available in a number of languages. We are an open-air theatre and tours go ahead in all conditions so dress for the weather.

Book your GLOBE STORY AND GUIDED TOURS tickets with LOVEtheatre today!

What is Globe Story and Guided Tours about?

Be transported back to Shakespeare’s London, discover the magic of stagecraft, and explore the iconic Globe Theatre itself as part of Shakespeare’s Globe Story & Tour.

Ticket Information

Tickets available for performances from 14 Feb – 31 Oct 2024

Running Time

2hrs (incl. 50min guided tour & self-guided exhibition space)

Cast & Creatives

Wednesday 17th april.

21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT

Located on the bank of the River Thames in Bankside's Cultural Quarter, Shakespeare's Globe welcomes thousands of visitors to experience world renowned productions of Shakespeare every day. Founded by the pioneering American actor and director Sam Wanamaker, Shakespeare's Globe stands a few hundred yards from its original site. Other than concessions to comply with modern day fire regulations, the Globe is as accurate a reconstruction of the 1599 Globe as was possible with the available evidence. Shakespeare's Globe is best accessed on foot. There are excellent footpaths along the river from Waterloo and from Southwark Bridge. The Millennium Footbridge is 50 metres from the Theatre.

Where is Globe Story and Guided Tours taking place?

How long is globe story and guided tours and when does it finish, what is the age guidance for globe story and guided tours.

• Booking Available

Select a Performance

Booking period.

14 Feb - 31 Oct 2024

For group bookings of 10 or more:

Venue information, nearest tube/rail station.

Blackfriars/ Mansion House (10 minute walk). London Bridge / Southwark/ Central Line (15 minute walk).

45, 63, 100 to Blackfriars Bridge; 15, 17 to Cannon Street; 11, 15, 17, 23, 26, 76 to Mansion House; 381, RV1 to Southwark Street; 344 to Southwark Bridge Road

Nearest Car Parks

There is an NCP car park on Thames Exchange on the north side of Southwark Bridge

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Visiting Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

This post is an overview of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, including how to take a tour and see a live show.

As a local tour guide and resident of London, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing quite a few shows over the years at this historic theatre.

Below I share with you information to help you have a great experience there.

Also, I’ve included the thoughts of some of the more than 165,000 members of our London Travel Tips Facebook group.

The group is made up of locals (like our tour guides), frequent travelers to the UK, as well as first-time visitors to London.

You don't need to join to read the posts, comments, and recommendations. So, check out our group once you've finished reading this post.

• Take a Tour
• Tips from Locals and Travellers
• William Shakespeare's London Walking Tour
• London Theatre Tour

Perhaps one of the most famous theatres in the entire United Kingdom, the Globe Theatre is best known as home to William Shakespeare’s playing company.

Although the original Globe Theatre was lost to fire, today a modern version sits on the south bank of the River Thames.

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Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is now a huge complex holding a reconstructed original outdoor theatre, a winter theatre, a museum, and an education centre.

In the following sections, we go over Globe Theatre tours and directions there.

We will also cover details about how to see a show there.

TIP: Tours of the Globe are included with both the London Pass and the Explorer Pass .

You can also save money on tickets with the London City Pass .

Where is Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

The original Globe Theatre was built in 1599 and stood very near the location of the modern-day version.

Read an in-depth history at the end of this post.

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The site of the original was not certainly known until 1989 when the foundations were discovered in a car park.

However, the foundations lie underneath a listed building, so no excavations can take place.

A plaque and information panel are in place near 67-70 Anchor Terrace on Park Street to commemorate this original location.

The modern-day theatre is located on the south bank of the River Thames.

Directions there:

The nearest London Underground Station is London Bridge (Northern and Jubilee lines), but you can also access it by walking over the Millennium Bridge from St. Paul’s Cathedral.

We recommend using this link for directions to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre from anywhere in the London region.

TOURS OF SHAKESPEARE'S GLOBE THEATRE

Whether or not you plan to see a show, you can still get a good look inside Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre by taking a tour.

In the first 50 minutes of the tour, you will be led through the venue by a talented expert guide who will discuss the history of the theatre and what London was like when the Globe became famous.

Next, you will have 50 minutes of interactive experiences including access to past exhibitions, the chance to try on original stage costumes in the exhibition and see some of the production teams at work.

This tour is offered all year long, so you can take it just about any time regardless of the weather.

Keep in mind that it is an open-air theatre, so the weather might play a role in your enjoyment of the experience.

• Tickets: £26 Adults | £19 Children under 16 years of age
• Availability: Daily (except for holidays)
• Schedule: 10 am - 5 pm, every 15 minutes. Fall/Winter months have shorter hours.
• Duration: 2 hours
• Purchase tickets in advance and learn more .

If you can’t manage to secure tickets until the day of your trip, you can walk up to the box office and ask about any available tour spots.

Chances are that they will be able to accommodate you.

TIP : If you are considering buying one of the money-saving tourist attraction passes, such as the London City Pass , London Pass , or Explorer Pass , a Globe Theatre tour is included.

Alternatively, you can also use Discount London to get your tickets for less.

If you want to learn about the Globe Theatre and Shakespeare himself, join us for our pay-what-you-wish William Shakespeare's London Walking Tour !

SEE A SHOW AT SHAKESPEARE'S GLOBE THEATRE

No matter how old this venue gets, it’s still one of the best places in London to enjoy a theatrical performance.

The Globe Theatre is an open-air playhouse, so most shows will take place between April and October.

At the start of each theatre season, a new schedule will be posted on their site.

You can learn more about the next available show by visiting their What’s On page.

Although the guided tour is available throughout the year, other performances and activities will only be offered for a short time.

There are only 857 seats, so seated tickets can be difficult to obtain and expensive (from £25-£75).

Thankfully, there are 700 standing-room tickets available for each show and they only cost either £5 or £10 so this doesn’t have to be an expensive activity.

We highly recommend purchasing tickets well ahead of time to avoid missing out.

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELLERS

Here are some tips and opinions from members of our London Travel Tips and Hacks Facebook group on both the tour and the performances.

Reviews of the tour were overwhelmingly positive. All age groups got something out of it.

Here’s a group member who has taken the tour twice and seen shows. It was a hit activity with the whole family.

The member has been lucky enough to do the tour and see more than one show.

Here’s what group members thought of the performances.

If you do see a show, here is some advice on how to prepare…

…and how once the show begins, you won't notice anything else but!

HISTORY OF SHAKESPEARE'S GLOBE THEATRE

The Globe was constructed in 1599 and the first production here was likely either Henry V or Julius Caesar although no firm record exists.

The theatre was owned by several Shareholders – and Shakespeare himself was just one of the people in this group.

It is estimated that Shakespeare’s ownership in the Globe eventually diminished to just 7% throughout his career.

Although today we heavily associate The Globe with Shakespeare, many other playwrights had work performed at this theatre.

The first recorded performance of a play at the Globe Theatre was not a Shakespeare play at all, but Every Man Out of His Humour by Johnson.

Although the exact dimensions of the original theatre are not known, the structure and design of the building have been researched heavily throughout the centuries.

Primary sources leave enough information that the construction of the Globe can be accurately estimated.

The Globe was a three-story open-air amphitheater with a diameter of around 100ft (30m) and could hold upwards of 3,000 spectators.

Although imagined as a circular shape (a “wooden O” as referenced in Shakespeare’s Play Henry V), the theatre was likely a polygon of around 20 sides.

The base of the stage held a yard where – for a single penny – spectators could buy a ticket to become a ‘groundling’ who would stand on the dirt floor throughout the performance.

This yard was surrounded by three levels of stadium-style seats, a more luxurious option for wealthier patrons.

Above the stage was a filing known as the “heavens” which was painted like the sky with clouds and stars.

The heavens contained a trap door with which actors could descend and ascend when required.

A trap door built into the stage also allowed for the movement of actors on and off the stage.

Destruction

During a performance of Henry VIII on the 29th of June 1613, a fire sparked by the firing of a theatrical cannon lit the wooden beams and thatching the theatre alight.

Although the theatre was destroyed, nobody was injured in the tragic event (aside from a single man whose breeches were on fire, but the flames were put out with a bottle of ale).

Modern Recreation

In 1970, American actor and director Sam Wanamaker founded the Shakespeare Globe Trust and the International Shakespeare Globe Centre.

The idea was a faithful recreation of Shakespeare’s Globe should be built near its original position on the banks of the river.

No easy task, Wanamaker fought detractors who believed a faithful reconstruction would not be possible.

Many insisted that the new building would be a fire hazard, and others said the recreation would not be a viable tourist attraction.

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Despite the criticism, Wanamaker persevered and (with minor exceptions such as external staircases and fire sprinklers) a faithful reconstruction of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre was eventually designed and built, using the same materials as the original.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre was then opened to the public in 1997 – 4 years after Wanamaker died.

Performances here are staged to duplicate the original environment of the Globe. This means there are no spotlights, and where possible plays are staged in the daylight.

There are also no microphones or speakers of any sort. All music accompaniment is performed live and the proximity of the actors to the spectators makes performances appear more accessible and intimate.

Although the outlay is the same, the seating capacity in the modern Globe is 857 with 700 more standing – giving it around half the capacity of the original Theatre.

Built of English Oak like the original, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre was constructed with absolutely no structural steel.

The thatched roof of the New Globe was a subject of much debate as roof thatching had been outlawed after the Great Fire of London in 1666.

Wanamaker fought long and hard to utilize the thatch and this is the first – and only – permitted thatched roof in London since 1666!

While not an exact reconstruction of an original building, the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse loosely resembles the nearby Blackfriars Theatre which had been built in 1566.

Today, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre stands around 230m (750ft) from the original Globe site.

The design of the theatre is the same as the original with a stage surrounded by a circular yard (where ‘groundlings’ can still view performances!) and three tiers of raked seating.

Because the theatre is circular, there is no roof over the centre of the structure, so plays are only staged during the summer.

Originally, women were not allowed on stage, and during Shakespeare’s lifetime, it would have been only men who performed his work.

Occasionally the Globe harkens back to this era, putting on entire performances where all roles are played by men.

However, both genders are on stage regularly throughout the seasons.

In addition to the recreated Globe Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe’s Trust now also houses the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse – a 17th-century style indoor theatre.

Much like Shakespeare’s Globe, the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse was built using period-accurate materials and building styles, and similarly, as well, the Playhouse uses beeswax candles to light the stage rather than modern-day lighting fixtures.

The Playhouse houses around 340 seats and hosts productions throughout the winter and spring months.

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