guided tour shakespeare globe

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.

You might also like

Uber boats river roamer ticket: hop on hop off pass.

There is no better way to experience the attractions of the capital than with the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers River Roamer ticket on the River Thames

Thames Speedboat Ride - Best Price Tickets

Take to the Thames in an exhilarating speedboat ride that takes you to London's most iconic landmarks in an exciting river cruise

Richard III

Meet Richard: the man, the myth, the monster. A new production of Shakespeare’s Richard III unfolds in the Globe Theatre this summer!

Thames Barrier Experience - Thames RIB Experience

Enjoy 70 minutes of high speed thrills along the River Thames as you spot iconic sights along the Thames Barrier Experience RIB tour

Princess Essex

Discover the world of Edwardian seaside beauty pageants at the Globe this summer, as Princess Essex bursts into the iconic open-air theatre!

Canary Wharf Experience - Thames RIB Experience

Embrace your inner James Bond on the Thames RIB Experience - a 45 minute high speed sightseeing adventure of Canary Wharf!

Shakespeare's England Explorer Pass

Visit your choice of 15 astounding Warwickshire attractions with this incredible offer with Shakespeare's England Explorer Pass!

Rough Magic

Shakespeare’s Globe and Splendid Productions present a brand-new family show, Rough Magic, in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse this summer!

What else is on

Antony and cleopatra.

For the first time in ten years, Antony & Cleopatra, Shakespeare’s epic story of love, duty, and power unfolds in a ground-breaking production

Much Ado About Nothing

Get your tickets to the Globe Theatre this summer as love in its many forms is celebrated in Shakespeare’s timeless comedy, Much Ado About Nothing.

The Taming of the Shrew

Step inside an absurd carnival this summer as Shakespeare’s vicious comedy The Taming of the Shrew arrives in the Globe Theatre!

The Comedy of Errors

Back by popular demand, experience ‘the Globe at its most joyous’ as the five star production of The Comedy of Errors makes a return this summer!

More things to do nearby

Tower of london, historic royal palaces.

No London visit is complete without a stop to the Tower of London. The iconic royal tower where you can see the Crown Jewels up close

Grand London Bike Tour

See and learn about places in London that other forms of transport just can't reach on this bike tour. From the biggest sights to the most secret...

City of London Historic Pub Tour - Ales and Tales

Ales and tales tours.

Experience London's historic square mile while enjoying some of the finest beverages when you head on Ales and Tales' City of London Historic Pub Tour

London: 3 City Walking Tours Pass - Vox City

With your ticket, discover London with unlimited access to Vox City Walks flexible walking tours.

Early Access Tower of London & Tower Bridge Tour

Enter the Tower of London and see the Crown Jewels before anyone else!

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.

• 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
• sally1957 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Globe tour On a lovely day my family and I went on a tour of the Globe. We had a marvellous guard who was jolly and informative. The museum was great. Easy to negotiate and understand. At the end we felt that we would like to watch a production in the future. Read more Written March 5, 2024
• pmac633 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A visit to the globe We attended the 1130 tour. The guide was knowledgable and made the facts fun. Both of us enjoyed the tour and it's history. Read more Written March 4, 2024

More to explore in London

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

• Search Experiences
• Manage Booking
• Phone # SMS #
• My Offers 5

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Experience & Guided Tour

Be the first to get offers and news, shopping cart, find your experience.

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 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.

Average visit time 50 minutes

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.

• All Attractions
• Deals & Special Offers
• Family Theatre
• Privacy policy
• Terms and conditions

Reservation Terms and Conditions

Home Page › Our tours › Moscow tours

• Our Service
• Our Photo Album

Moscow tours

We take part in bbc series of documentaries "world's busiest cities"(moscow).

Buy Tickets to the Bolshoi Theatre

Other special offers...

Interpreting and assistance at exhibitions and conferences, our garage ( vehicles+drivers), where to stay in moscow, what and where to eat in moscow, visa support, learning and discovery, our partners (trips to st.petersburg).

Copyright 2015 - Moscow Navigator

Shakespeare's Globe

As you like it guided tour.

This event has now passed. Visit our What's On to see our current and upcoming events.

Take our unique As You Like It Guided Tour of the Globe Theatre this Summer 2023 and discover more about Shakespeare’s fantastical tale.

Inside the wooden ‘O’, you’ll be introduced to the plot and characters of the play by our expert guides before delving into its history and themes.

Explore some of Shakespeare’s best-loved speeches, including the famous ‘All the world’s a stage’ monologue by melancholy clown Jaques; learn what makes this comedy ‘pastoral’ and talk about its themes of love, gender, community, justice and reconciliation.

You might even catch a glimpse of the company preparing for the next performance of As You Like It .

You don’t need to have booked to see the show to take a tour, but it would complement attending a performance of As You Like It perfectly. The tour is timed so you can comfortably enjoy it before the show.

Tickets Adult £20 Under 16s £16

This event is on-site in the Globe Theatre.

Visit time 60 minutes

Join the conversation   #ViewFromTheGlobe #AsYouLikeIt

Terms and conditions A £2.50 transaction fee per order applies online and over the telephone.

Part of Guided Tours

Photography: Sarah Cresswell Art Direction: Irene Omodeo Zorini and Helena Milsom

Plan your visit

Find out how to get here, where to stay and read our FAQs.

Everything you need to know about our access offering, including a full list of upcoming access performances.

MORE EVENTS

Directing for the Globe Theatre: 3 Day Course

Macbeth: Family Storytelling

Family Sword Fighting Demonstration

Macbeth: 5 – 8 years Family Workshop

Macbeth: 9 – 12 years Family Workshop

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience from our website.

Carry on browsing if you're happy with this, or find out how to manage cookies .