Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour

Highlights

• Discover the history of the world-famous Globe Theatre on this fascinating guided tour.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour

Each year thousands of Shakespeare fans from all over the world head to England, learning more about the life and history of the famous playwright. One of the most important activities for these travellers is the Globe Theatre tour. Most of Shakespeare’s plays written during the second half of the 16th Century, such as the Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and Othello, owes its popularity to this theatre.

Experiencing the globe theatre tour

The site where many of these plays were staged, the theatre was built in 1599. However, the building succumbed to a fire in 1613. More than 350 years later, in 1970, Sam Wanamaker, a famous American actor and director, started the reconstruction of the structure. Even though he lacked the original plans for the building, during recreation the theatre was restored to its former glory. Due to Wanamaker’s efforts, the Globe Theatre tour is possible today. With 20 wooden bays, thatched roof and lime plaster walls, the theatre is a noteworthy building in terms of architecture.

Exhibition under the Globe Theatre

Apart from the historical significance of the site, the real attraction of the Globe Theatre is underneath it. Crafted by Shakespeare’s own playing company, this exhibition houses live demonstrations and interactive displays. Those looking to learn the intricate factors about the esteemed storyteller can peruse the trivia at this location.

The Elizabethan costumes at this exhibition is another impressive thing to look at. During the tour, you can come to know more about Globe’s history and heritage. Once you are done checking out the exhibition, you can enjoy one of the many plays inside the theatre.

Guiding you through the tour

First-time travellers to the Globe theatre tour can face difficulty understanding all aspects of the monument. A guide accompanying the tour, on the other hand, makes it easier to comprehend the historical significance of the theatre. Lasting around 40 minutes, the guide for the tour focuses on imparting interesting trivia about Shakespeare and the Theatre in the late 16th Century.

A tour departs every 30 minutes. However, timings can differ due to shows or other events being staged at present. Children below 3 years can pass without tickets, whereas kids aged between 5 and 15 years can avail a reduced price on tickets to enter the theatre. The monument remains open from 10 in the morning to 6 PM.

After completing the tour of this Globe, the tour proceeds across the Thames toward a similar Globe theatre, under construction, at Bankside. Even though the guided tour of the Globe is in English, you can opt for free information sheets in Japanese, Russian, Italian, German, French and Spanish for better understanding.

After booking, receive a confirmation mail with the voucher. Carry a copy of this voucher along with a valid ID proof on the date of travel. Reach the venue at least 15-20 minutes before the start of the tour. Cancellation or amendment of a booking is impossible.

A Shakespeare fan should visit the Globe Theatre during their London vacation to learn the rich literary history of England.

Additional

• Globe Theatre Tour Times

  The theatre box office is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Globe Theatre tours depart every thirty minutes and last roughly forty minutes.

• How to get to the Globe Theatre

  By Train:
  The closest major stations are Blackfriars, London Bridge, Cannon Street, and Waterloo.

  By Bus:
  Local bus routes include 45, 63, 100, 15, 17, 11, 15, 17, 23, 381 and RV1.

  By Tube:
  Blackfriars – District and Circle Line
  Mansion House – District and Circle Line
  London Bridge – Northern and Jubilee Line

• Getting your tickets

  You will receive email confirmation shortly after booking. Please display your tickets on your mobile device along with valid photo ID. Students must carry valid student IDs. Please ensure that you arrive ten to fifteen minutes before the start of your tour.

• Accessibility

  There are no lifts or ramps inside the theatre, but it is possible to accommodate wheelchair users. Please inform at the time of booking if a wheelchair is required. A copy of the brochure is available in large print and high contrast on request. Induction loops are installed in both the theatres.

• Additional Information

  Tour times may vary according to performances scheduled. Some tours may take place during rehearsals, giving you an exclusive behind-the-scenes view of the theatre’s workings.
  No push chairs or buggies are allowed in the theatre. Please note that there is limited parking around the theatre.

• Cancellation Policy

  Tickets cannot be cancelled, refunded or rescheduled.