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(667)
Great experience of the building. Shame we couldn't do the museum afterwards, so if you are having a tour, get there early
The location is very original. Our guide was very professional and friendly.
Although it is not Shakespeare's original theater, it is a very faithful recreation of the original, and the performances are done in accordance with how they were done in those times. We took the guided tour and, although we had initial reservations, we loved it. If you are lucky enough to get Vicki, she makes it very enjoyable. The ticket entitles you to both the guided tour and the exhibitions, and although the tour is in English, they provide sheets with the information in your preferred language.
A complete tour ot the theatre with a passionate and efficient guide . As usual with Viator , the tour was well organised and the staff the Globe nice and welcoming.
I went with my family in April 2026, a fairly welcoming location, which represents an important piece of history for everyone. The only flaw was that this was not the original globe, and we were told that the remaining parts of the original were a few kilometers away. But it remains a lively location.
Excellent tour. Llyr was an excellent guide - he was so knowledgable, had great stories and kept all ages engaged. Highly recommend
Had a fun and lively guided tour today with our guide Cockney Mick! A must do if you're also going to one of the performances at the Globe. Very informative and accessible also.
Kind and informative guide. But too short I think
I’ve been to Globe many times for the performances but never for the tour. We had some friends over and thought this would be a nice thing to do. We learned so much about the history of original theatre and how project came to life! Our tour guide was excellent. He was from New Zealand with brilliant sense of humour and way to deliver information!
We would have loved to see a performance - but we were unlucky with the schedule. The regular tour is also worthwhile, however. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to take photos (perhaps only because of the rehearsals taking place?). In any case, it was very interesting and informative.
