Shakespeare's Globe Guided Tours

Activity code: SGO

Highlights

Step inside this faithful recreation of William Shakespeare’s iconic open-air Globe Theatre
A guided tour inside the reconstructed theatre with traditional Elizabethan interior
Expert guides will immerse you in Elizabethan drama
Learn about the tumultuous history of the theatre

Description

Built in 1599, a turbulent past saw the Globe destroyed by fire in 1613, rebuilt on the same site a year later, and then demolished by Puritans in 1642 who feared the theatre was an un-godly place that lured people away from the church.

Rebuilt and reopened in 1997 approximately 230 metres from the original site is the Globe that stands today, a project founded by the actor Sam Wanamaker, father to actress Zoe Wanamaker who played Madam Hooch in the Harry Potter films.

Get a sense of what inspired Shakespeare to write some of his most famous plays, and imagine what an Elizabethan theatre-going crowd would have been like. Raucous taverns selling ale and brothels would have lined the streets, and most theatre goers in the cheap standing tickets could be found in the ale houses prior to a show. A far cry from the civilised Shakespearean crowds we see today.

The tour will last 40 minutes with expert guides and storytellers colourfully setting the Elizabethan scene with live demonstrations, stage fighting, and a lesson on 17th century script printing.

A Shakespearean Afternoon Tea at Swan at the Globe

Why not add a Shakespearean Afternoon Tea at the Swan at the Globe Theatre after your guided tour. You will be served a beautiful and traditional afternoon tea served on bespoke crockery. Comprising of a selection of sandwiches, scones, clotted cream and jam and sweets, treats, pastries and other delicious bites. Served at the Swan, the Globe’s riverside dining rooms, which are frequently voted for in editorial ‘top ten’ lists for afternoon tea in London.

Additional Information

Please note:

For groups of 15 people or more please contact our Groups Department ([email protected]) directly for a reduced rate.
To collect your guided tour tickets please bring your printed voucher to the Box Office on New Globe Walk and staff will print your tickets
The Globe is a working theatre so occasionally tours will not be able to take place due to rehearsals/performances/events that won’t be listed on this website
Please make a note of the tours availability in the schedule tab
All people purchasing student tickets must have a valid ID with them
There is no access to the theatre during matinee performances
Tours begin every 30 minutes during opening hours

Venue Information:
Shakespeare's Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT
Nearest Train Station: Blackfriars or London Bridge (10 minute walk)
Nearest Underground: Blackfriars, Mansion House, London Bridge (10 minute walk) Southwark & St Paul’s (15 minute walk)
Bus Routes: 11, 15, 17, 23, 26, 76

Golden Tours act as an official agent for these activities, as such you are subject to the terms and conditions of the supplier.

Schedule

Globe Theatre Tours Opening Times:

October Opening Times: Thursday – Saturday at 10:00am, 11:00am and 12:00pm.
Sunday at 10:00am, 11:00am.

November Opening Times: Thursday – Saturday at 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm and 4:00pm.
Sunday at 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm.

December Opening Times: Friday – Saturday at 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm and 4:00pm.
Sunday at 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm.

We will be open on 27, 28, 29, 30 December at 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm.

Guided Tours will be closed: 1 November to 14 November & 23 to 26 December.