Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Guided Tours

Learn about Shakespeare’s plays at the Globe Theatre

Discover everything there is to know about how shows were produced in Shakespeare's time; from writing and rehearsals, to music and the performances on immersive Shakespeare’s Globe guided tours.

The Globe Theatre is a faithful reconstruction of the open-air playhouse in which William Shakespeare worked. Your dedicated guide will lead you on a fascinating tour of the auditorium where you will learn more about the original 1599 Playhouse, the Globe reconstruction process in the 1990s, and the London that Shakespeare would have known in the Elizabethan era.

History of the Globe Theatre

Opened in 1599 and originally located in London’s Bankside, The Globe presented many of Shakespeare's greatest plays over 14 years: from Hamlet, to Othello, King Lear and Macbeth, they were all first performed within the theatre walls. 

Disaster struck the Globe in 1613 during a performance Henry VIII when some wadding from a stage canon ignited the thatched roof and destroyed the entire structure in less than two hours. Thankfully, no one was harmed when the theatre burnt down. However, there was a close call when a man’s breeches caught fire, luckily, a bystander put the flames out with his bottle of beer!

The company quickly built a second Globe Theatre; this time with a tiled roof and more decorations (since they could now afford them), and the place remained the home of Shakespeare's company until the closure of all the theatres in 1642 by the England's Puritan administration. No longer in use, the theatre was demolished in 1644.

The new Shakespeare’s Globe:

While visiting London, American actor and director Sam Wanamake was shocked to find only a faded plaque on a wall to commemorate one of the most influential sites in English theatre. A crazy idea took hold and he spent the last 23 years of his life campaigning, fundraising and overseeing the reconstruction of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in every detail. His vision and determination led to the construction of a perfect replica of Shakespeare's Globe that celebrates the history of English theatre.

Please note that information sheets are available in multiple languages:

• English
• French
• German
• Spanish
• Italian
• Japanese
• Simplified Chinese
• Russian

How to use your eTicket

Important: Upon booking your tickets for a Shakeskeapre’s Globe guided tour, you will receive immediate confirmation of payment, and then be emailed a PDF e-Ticket directly from Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre within 4 working days. You must print your PDF e-Ticket and bring it with you, and present it to the tour ticket desk.

What you need to know:

• Guided Tours depart every hour between times advertised. You can also contact their Ticketing & Sales Team between 10.00am – 6.00pm Tuesday to Sunday to confirm tour times on Tel: 020 7401 9919.
• We advise visitors arrive 15 minutes prior to tour departure.
• Visitors need to arrive at the entrance of the Groundling Gates on Bankside, (SE1 9DT, opposite the river) where a staff member will greet them, at an outdoor information pod.
• There are 9 steps leading up on to the piazza, where your guided tour will start from. Step-free and wheelchair access are available, please speak to a member of the team or contact our Ticketing & Sales Team prior to your visit.
• As we are 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.
• Swan Bar & Restaurant is located on site, which pre-booking is essential via their website.

Guided Tours simplified opening times:

March to October:

• Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 - 12:00
• Sunday 10:00 - 11:00

November to February:

• Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00

Keeping you safe during Coronavirus (Covid-19):

• Covid-safe governmental guidelines are strictly adhered to at Shakespeare’s Globe, including the use of PPE, social distancing measures and frequent hand sanitising stations.
• We are only accepting contactless payments, including Apple Pay. Cash not accepted.
• We have received VisitBritain ‘Good to Go’ accreditation and been granted the use of Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre’s ‘See It Safely’ Mark.