Whilst the productions may only play between April and October, Shakespeare’s Globe theatre is open all year round for a behind the scenes look at this historic building. Guided by an expert, you will be shown inside the unique building, learning more about the venue and England’s most famous playwright, William Shakespeare.
Situated under the theatre itself is an exhibition celebrating the life and work of Shakespeare. This informative and engaging display explores the London of Shakespeare’s time, grants insight into the theatre for which he wrote and tells exclusive stories of the Bard's home life.
This is an opportunity to imagine the theatre as it would have been - England’s theatrical history and rich legacy brought to life in the surroundings of our most-celebrated writer.
Open all year round, the Globe Tour gives you an opportunity to learn more about this unique building and its most famous playwright, Shakespeare.
Imagine the Globe as it would have been: the centre of what was once London’s most notorious entertainment district, surrounded by raucous taverns and bawdy-houses.
From 25th February 2019, the mezzanine level of the exhibition is shut. A new experience will be offered in the lower level of the current space that will develop further over the course of the year. This will continue to offer a thought-provoking and engaging experience with re-imagined and renewed programming including short talks about the Globe, Shakespearean history and insight into Elizabethan London.
Our Shakespeare’s Southwark Tour and Sam Wanamaker Playhouse Tour will still be part of our guided tours group offering, which adds more to Shakespeare’s story.
The Globe theatre is an open-air arena. This means that if you are in the yard (the area surrounding the stage) on your tour then you may get wet. As British weather is often inclement, it is advisable to bring waterproofs, especially in winter. The weather never stops the tours.
The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is an indoor playhouse, but the tour begins by leading you on a short outdoor walk from the Exhibition to the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.
The guided tours of both the Globe Theatre and the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse are only in English.
With tours of the Globe Theatre, free information sheets are available in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Korean, Portuguese, Romania, Greek and Hungarian, and these can be picked up on the day of your visit. These are available for FIT’S, for booked groups who are allocated their own tour guide, the group leader is welcome to translate as the guide gives the tour.
A complimentary audio guide for the Exhibition only is available in English, French, German Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Russian and Mandarin.
The Exhibition is fully accessible with lifts leading to each section of the Exhibition and up to the Globe theatre piazza level. There is no lift serving tours of the Globe Theatre, so if stairs are a problem please call the access information line on 02079021409.
In order to gain entry you must present a printed copy of your voucher.
Globe Tours
Monday 9.30am - 5.00pm
Tuesday - Saturday 9.30am - 12.00pm
Sunday 9.30am - 11.00am
Please exchange your voucher at the Tour Entrance.
Children are from the age of 5 to 15. Kids under 5 go free. Students are 16+ with valid ID.
Find out more about the venue's location and how to get there.
Exit the station, following signs for the River Thames/South Bank. As you reach the river, head west and the Globe is by the Tate Modern on the south side of the river.