Step into the fascinating world of Elizabethan drama with a Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour in London. This iconic theatre offers a truly unique journey back in time. Explore a faithful recreation of William Shakespeare’s original open-air Globe Theatre. You can almost feel the bustling crowds and hear the thrilling performances of centuries past. This immersive experience allows you to truly picture life in Shakespearean London. Imagine the sights and sounds that once filled this historic South Bank location.
The Globe Theatre Tour
The tour takes you right inside the renowned “wooden O.” Here, you’ll witness the remarkable traditional Elizabethan interior. Every detail reflects the historical authenticity. Expert guides, who are also compelling storytellers, bring the theatre’s rich and often tumultuous history to life. They delve into what truly inspired Shakespeare’s timeless plays. Learn about the dramatic events that shaped the Globe Theatre itself. Discover its unfortunate destruction by a devastating fire in 1613. Hear about its swift rebuilding, only to face demolition by Puritans in 1642. Finally, understand its modern reconstruction in 1997, a passionate vision brought to life by the dedicated American actor, Sam Wanamaker.
You will also explore the intimate, candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. This indoor theatre offers another unique perspective on historical stagecraft and performance. The knowledgeable guides help you vividly visualise an Elizabethan theatre-going crowd. Picture the lively atmosphere, including the vibrant taverns and even the brothels that lined the streets nearby. These surrounding elements were all part of the bustling historical Bankside. This comprehensive 2-hour experience includes an interactive look at Elizabethan stagecraft and the art of storytelling. You might even witness live demonstrations, significantly enhancing your understanding of how plays were originally performed with limited technology.
It’s perfect for keen history enthusiasts, passionate theatre lovers, and anyone simply curious about London’s rich cultural past. This journey offers a chance to feel the spirit of Shakespeare. Come and experience the magic and profound history of Shakespeare’s Globe. This truly memorable journey awaits you on the vibrant London South Bank. It’s an unmissable part of any visit to the capital.
Built in 1599, the original Globe Theatre faced a turbulent history. It was tragically destroyed by fire in 1613. Remarkably, it was rebuilt on the very same site just a year later. However, its existence was cut short in 1642 when it was demolished by Puritans. They feared the theatre was an ungodly place, drawing people away from the church.
The Globe that stands today was rebuilt and reopened in 1997. It is located approximately 230 metres from its original historical footprint. This ambitious project was founded by the dedicated actor Sam Wanamaker, father to actress Zoe Wanamaker, known for her role as Madam Hooch in the Harry Potter films.
A Glimpse into Elizabethan Theatre
During your visit, expert guide-storytellers will lead you through the famous Globe Theatre auditorium. You’ll gain a profound sense of what truly inspired Shakespeare to write some of his most celebrated plays. The guides excel at recreating vivid stories, allowing you to picture what an Elizabethan theatre-going crowd would have been like. Back then, raucous taverns selling ale and bustling brothels lined the streets around the theatre. Many theatre-goers, particularly those with cheaper standing tickets, could often be found in the ale houses before a show. This paints a fascinating picture, a far cry from the more civilised Shakespearean crowds we observe today.
Your two-hour experience will also explore how both the iconic “wooden O” and the intimate, candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse operate in the modern era. Expect an engaging, interactive look at stagecraft and storytelling. You might even witness captivating live demonstrations, all part of your comprehensive guided tour of the Globe Theatre.
Operational Note: Please be aware that Shakespeare’s Globe is a fully operational theatre. Consequently, guided tours may occasionally be unavailable due to ongoing rehearsals, performances, or special events not listed on this website.
Student Tickets: All visitors purchasing student tickets are required to present a valid student ID upon arrival.
Matinee Performances: Access to the theatre is not possible during matinee performances.
Useful Information
Address: Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT
Closest Train Stations: Blackfriars or London Bridge (approximately a 10-minute walk).
Closest Underground Stations: Blackfriars, Mansion House, or London Bridge (each approximately a 10-minute walk). Southwark and St Paul’s stations are also accessible (around a 15-minute walk).
Bus Routes Serving the Area: 11, 15, 17, 23, 26, 76.
Guided Tour Hours:
Monday: Tours run at 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM, and 4 PM.
Tuesday – Saturday: Tours are available at 10 AM, 11 AM, and 12 PM.
Sunday: Tours begin at 10 AM and 11 AM.
Please note that guided tours will be closed from 23rd to 26th December.
The ever-increasing demand and availability for well-organised, safe and reliable trips means that we now go further afield, so while we love taking people on tours of England, Ireland and Scotland we are pleased to offer that little bit more with river tours of Amsterdam, coach tours of Paris and train trips to the chocolate capital of the world, Brussels!
There are so many and we cater for everyone so it may be a case of a leisurely Out of London trip to Stonehenge or you may want the buzz and excitement of a theatre tour of London – all the glitz and glamour is there. Out of London, we offer all sorts of adventures: Roman Baths, Shakespeare country, the Royal Pavilion, Brighton – you name it. Same with London – we don’t just do the round London tours – we can take you to Kew Gardens or we can take you on an expedition on the roof of the O2 Dome to the platform at the top offering spectacular views.
So we offer Out of London, Around London, Theatre and Hotels and then there are the spectacular Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day tours – what a way to celebrate the fun season.
