Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Tour

Situated on London’s Bankside, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre reconstructs the open-air playhouse where the playwright penned his greatest work.

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.

Explore this faithful recreation of William Shakespeare's iconic Globe Theatre: once the centre of London's famous Bankside entertainment district. It’s more than just a historical site; the Globe Theater London continues to function as a vibrant performing arts venue. Grab your tickets now to catch a play or join a guided tour.

 

What You Will See On Your Globe Theatre Tour

• Walk-through Exhibition: The tour begins with a walk-through area where you can learn about Shakespeare's London and over 400 years of history. You can see displays of famous shows and even try on costumes and use props.

• Globe Theatre Tour: After that, you'll enter the Globe Theatre. Knowledgeable guides will share the theatre's history with you, including how it survived events like the plague and fires, and how it was rebuilt in the 1990s.

• Language and Age: The tour is in English but they've got info sheets in other languages. It's suitable for all ages, so it's a family-friendly activity.

• Practical Info: The theatre is open-air, so dress appropriately for the weather. The total tour time is around 2 hours, with 50 minutes being guided and the rest being self-guided in the exhibition. Also, depending on what's happening on stage, you might have restrictions on taking photos.

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. More Globe Theatre Facts here!

Throughout the year, expert guides bring this extraordinary open-air theatre to life in a 50-minute Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Tour. You'll hear stories of the original Globe, learn all about its reconstruction process in the 1990s, and find out how the building works today as an experimental theatre space. Reserve your guided tour now and take the journey of a lifetime through theatre history. Take a seat 'within this wooden O' – listen, absorb and ask questions as the secrets of the Globe unfold.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre highlights

• A reconstruction of the original Elizabethan playhouse, built in 1599.
• Take in an authentic timber frame building with an open-air stage.
• For the authenticity of a Shakespearean play, there are no spotlights, microphones, speakers, or amplification. All music is performed live on period instruments. Experience this authentic setting by booking a performance ticket.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre facts

• Shakespeare wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets during his lifetime – this works out as an average of 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.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a Shakespeare fan, the Globe Theatre in London and its tours provide an enchanting step back in time. So, if you find yourself in the area, don’t hesitate! Secure your tour tickets today and immerse yourself in the world of the Bard!

 

 

London Pass tips:

• Guided Tours depart every hour between times advertised. You can also contact their Ticketing & Sales Team between 10AM – 6PM Tuesday to Sunday to confirm tour times on Tel: 020 7401 9919.
• We advise visitors arrive 15 minutes prior to tour departure.
• Visitors need to arrive at the Guided Tours Entrance, opposite the river, and present your pass at the ticket desk.
• 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.

Getting in: present your pass at the admissions desks at the guided tours entrance. Passholders do not need to book, but you may be asked to wait until the next available slot.