Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Tour

Explore this faithful recreation of William Shakespeare's iconic Globe Theatre: once the centre of London's famous Bankside entertainment district. 

Visit Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Tour with The London Pass®

- Pay nothing at the door - simply show your pass.
- Step inside Sam Wanamaker's faithful reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre.
- Relive the enchantment of Shakespeare's plays in an authentic setting.
- Take part in guided tours to discover the history and construction of this incredible building.
- Discover how shows were produced in Shakespeare's time to how the space is used today
- Tour sheets available in multiple languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Mandarin and Japanese.

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- Shakespeare's Globe Theatre history

- Shakespeare's Globe Theatre highlights

- Shakespeare's Globe facts

- Don't miss

- Know before you go

- Make the most of your London Pass

- How to get there

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre history

The original Shakespeare's Globe is a reconstruction of Shakespeare's original Globe Theatre. It was built by the actor and director Sam Wanamaker close to the original site - just 230 metres away.

Their expert guide-storytellers provide a fascinating 50-minute tour of the Globe Theatre auditorium, vividly recreating colourful stories of the 1599 Playhouse, the London Shakespeare would have known and the Globe reconstruction process in the 1990s. Their guides will also bring the theatre to life for visitors, exploring how the ‘wooden ‘O’’ works today as an imaginative and experimental space for performance.

Enjoy exciting live demonstrations in the public space at various times throughout the day, which include Elizabethan clothing dressings, stage fighting, and printing the plays using a replica 17th-century press.

Tours are available in English only, with written information available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, or Simplified Chinese.

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre highlights

• The open-air theatre has a framework constructed using traditional techniques and held together using 9,500 wooden pegs.
• The two big pillars on the stage are one oak tree each – builders had to research and measure a lot of trees to find the right dimensions.
• For the authenticity of a Shakespearean play, there are no spotlights, microphones, speakers, or amplification. All music is performed live on period instruments.

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre facts

• Shakespeare wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets during his lifetime – this works out as an average 1.5 plays a year since he first started writing in 1589.
  
  
• As well as being a playwright, Shakespeare was an accomplished actor, family man, property owner and manager of an acting company and theatre.
  
  
• The original theatre burned down in 1613 because of a miss-fired cannon during a Henry VIII performance.
  
  
• His plays are associated with the Elizabethan times, yet he created most of his popular works in the Jacobean era.
  
  
• Although he was a famous playwright in London, in his hometown of Stratford, he was a well-known businessman and property owner.
  
  
• Shakespeare put a curse on his epitaph at his grave in Stratford-upon-Avon. He dared anyone to move his bones to make room for more grave space. A common practice at the time.

Guided Tour times:

13th April - 18th April: 10AM - 4PM

24th April - 23rd May: weekends only 10AM to 4PM

25th May - 31st October: Tuesday to Saturday 10AM to 12PM and Sunday 10AM to 11AM

1st November - 31st December: Tuesday to Saturday 10AM to 4PM

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Don't miss

Check the official website for current plays and events. 

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Know before you go

To ensure the health and safety of its staff and visitors, this attraction is operating pre-booked, timed ticketing. London Pass customers are able to walk up on the day without booking but admission is subject to availability so you may need to wait for the next available tour.

• Tour sheets are available in multiple languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Mandarin and Japanese. Ask upon arrival to make the most of the visit.
  
  
• Want to take a tour? Globe Theatre Tours every half hour. Go early, between 09.00 and 10.30, to avoid the crowds. Groups of 15+ must book in advance at this attraction.
  
  
• Your London Pass does not include the cost of plays at this attraction. Book your tickets before you travel. As Shakespeare's Globe is a working theatre, opening times are subject to change.
  
  
• This attraction has a bag size policy: avoid taking large bags to ensure admission.
  
  
• Visitors need to arrive at the Groundling Gates, on Bankside (SE1 9DT, opposite the river) where a staff member will greet them at an outdoor information pod.
  
  
• There are 9 steps leading up on to the piazza where your guided tour will start from. Step-free and wheelchair access are available, please speak to a member of the team or contact our Ticketing & Sales Team prior to your visit.
  
  
• As it 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.

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Getting in

For the latest information about tour times and dates, please click here.

Make the most of your London Pass®

• While you're in the area, why not visit other included attractions along the Thames and South Bank such as the HMS Belfast?

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How to get there

Tube
- Blackfriars on the District and Circle Lines -10-minute walk.
- Mansion House on the District and Circle Lines - 10-minute walk.
- London Bridge - Northern and Jubilee Lines - 15-minute walk.
- Southwark - Jubilee Line - 15-minute walk.
- St Paul's - Central Line - 15-minute walk.

Train

Blackfriars - 10-minute walk.
London Bridge - 15-minute walk.
Cannon Street - 15-minute walk.
Waterloo - 25-minute walk.

Bus
- 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.

For more things to do in London, check out The London Pass® Blog or read more about this attraction here.

See all attractions

Testimonial

"Being a fan of the Bard I had wanted to visit the Globe for some time. Finally got round to it, and what a treat it was. The tour guide, Vicky, brought the location and the Elizabethan period to life with informative and fun descriptions and anecdotes. I thoroughly enjoyed the visit and learnt a lot".

- Richard from Cagliari, Italy.

 Image credit: John Wildgoose

Visiting Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Tour

Visiting Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Tour

• Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Tour 21 New Globe Walk Bankside London SE1 9DT
• Closest Underground Station London Bridge
• Closest Bus Stop Stop SW & SQ; Route 381 N343 N381 RV1

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