Shakespeare's Globe Guided Tour
Description
The iconic Globe Theatre is a faithful reconstruction of the open-air playhouse in which Shakespeare worked, and for which he wrote many of his most famous plays! Their expert guide-storytellers provide a fascinating 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 exploring how the ‘wooden ‘O’ works today as an imaginative and experimental space for performance.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Step inside this faithful recreation of William Shakespeare’s iconic Globe theatre. Imagine it as it would have been at the centre of London’s notorious Bankside entertainment district. Throughout the year their expert guides bring this extraordinary open-air theatre to life in a 45 minute guided tour, with colourful stories of the 1599 Globe, the reconstruction process in the 1990s and how the building works today as an imaginative and experimental theatre space. Take a seat ‘within this wooden ‘O’’ – listen, absorb and ask questions as the secrets of the Globe unfold. Explore the new exhibition space and become immersed in the sights, sounds, and smells of Shakespeare's London.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Visitors need to arrive at the Guided Tours Entrance on Bankside opposite the river, where a staff member will greet you
- We advise visitors arrive 15 minutes prior to tour departure.
- Duration of guided tour is 45 minute, guests may then explore the exhibition at their own pace.
- 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 weather.
- There is no dress code, but we recommend visitors wear appropriate clothing and footwear as tours take place outdoors.
- This tour will have a maximum group of 45 people.
Reviews(627)
Cockney Mick was an excellent tour guide, fun and educational. The tour was just the right length.
very fascinating and fu tour with friends
This tour was WONDERFUL! Very informative and the guide was hilarious. Loved getting to see the ins and outs of the theater and learn more about the history of it. Highly recommend - this was well worth the money!
Just being in the place is exciting. We saw actors in rehearsal, and it was the most original part of the tour.
Tour guide Jeremy was extremely engaging and clearly passionate about Shakespeare - he clearing loves getting to recite the bard in this most special of places. Very good sense of humour too. Exhibition is also well worth a look.
I’ll be the first to admit. I’m not the biggest fan of Shakespeare since school days put me off a long time ago. But I thought it was time to visit The Globe, having passed many times and also been somewhat inspired by the film Hamnet. I loved the guided tour. I didn’t get the lady’s name but she was engaging for the full hour. Fascinating history brought to life. The exhibition area felt a bit crowded when school groups came through but as a solo traveller I could work around them.
We really enjoyed the tour. Very informative and funny, and just the right length. I’ll enjoy a play here (going to book soon) even more as a result. Many thanks to Llyr!
The Play's the Thing! On our whirlwind December 2025 vacation to London, we wanted to be sure to hit all of the sites that were most important to us, including Shakespeare's Globe Theater. On the day we went, we enjoyed a morning at Hampton Court Palace, then took a tube ride stopping at Embankment Station, an afternoon tour of the Globe, and then theater in the evening. Advanced tickets for a Globe tour are a must. This writer's top tip for you is to arrive about 30 minutes early for the tour. Why? Well, I noticed a costume rack in the waiting area. Upon further inspection, the small sign next to the rack informed me that these costumes from former productions were all available for me to try on. Huzzah! What fun. I most certainly took the opportunity to put on a turquoise and yellow jacket and a sequined hat. After having my photo taken, I put everything back, sat down, and proceeded to watch the other several dozen people on the tour file in to the waiting area and generally look in the direction of the costumes, but not read the sign. Alas. They missed out. I didn't think it was my place to say anything... Anyhow, I hope you readers will be the fun and wise ones who will enjoy the costume bin offerings. The expertly delivered tour (in English) of the exterior and interior of the Globe impressed me. I had always wanted to go here, and I am very glad I had the opportunity for a tour.
Another great tour of the Globe. This is the 2nd time we have been and the 2nd time that we have had the pleasure of having Cockney Mick as our tour guide! What a star he is! I love his explanation of why the popular cheap admissions were known as the Penny Stinks! Mick is clearly very knowledgeable and passionate about his subject matter and manages to make the tour highly interesting and informative, whilst injecting a large dose of humour into his anecdotes. A great tour. Highly recommended!
Cockney Mick was an amazing tour guide! We found the tour very interesting and My sister is all set for her globe gcse! Would highly recommend!!!!
