How to Visit the Globe Theatre in London (all your options, detailed)

Shakespeare fans simply cannot miss out on a bucket list experience of visiting the real life recreation of the Globe Theatre in London.

Being a dedicated literary traveler, I have visited the London Globe several times over the years in just about every possible way. That’s right, there’s not just one way to visit the Globe; on the contrary, you have several options, which can easily get confusing.

The best choice for you will of course depend on your budget and time limitations, but I’m going to help you out. I’ve put together this one-stop resource that details, reviews, and compares all your options for visiting the Globe Theatre. I’ll break down what each option entails, how much it costs, and how much time you’ll need for each.

Plus, since I’ve personally done just about everything on this list, I’ll give you my honest feedback and tips for each option, along with my suggestions on what to prioritize depending on your interests and limitations.

No one should miss out on a chance to see the modern Globe. It really is an unforgettable experience.

Don’t forget to pin this post for later reference during your London trip planning research.

Whenever possible, I recommend buying books at local bookshops or through Bookshop.org, because shopping there puts the profits right into the hands of indie bookstores all over the country.

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A Quick Overview

The modern Globe Theatre you see in London today is a recreation of what Shakespeare’s most famous playhouse might have looked like when it was built in 1599 (though it’s NOT an exact replica — find out why and other fascinating facts about the Globe). 

The current theatre was built in the 1990s led by the efforts of Sam Wanamaker, an American filmmaker. It’s home to the Shakespeare’s Globe acting company (to see the Royal Shakespeare Company, you’ll have to trek out to Stratford-Upon-Avon), who put on modern interpretations of Shakespeare’s plays, perform other plays, and host workshops and lectures throughout the year. 

The creative directors of the Globe Theatre strive to create as authentic an experience as possible for modern theatre goers. As far as is possible, your visit to the Globe will be quite similar to how someone would’ve experienced it during Elizabethan times.

As a traveler in London, you have a lot of options for how you want to experience the modern Globe Theatre. Basically, you can choose from among the following (or any combination of them):

• Take a guided tour or a specialized guided tour
• See a performance at the Globe
• Walk through the Globe museum exhibition 
• Browse the Globe theatre shop
• Attend a workshop or course
• Have afternoon tea at the Globe 
• Just check out the exterior (perhaps on a walking tour)

Which you choose will of course depend on how interested you are in the Globe or theatre in general and how much time and money you want to dedicate to this particular sightseeing endeavor. In the rest of the post, I’ll give you a detailed look at each option, but for now, here are my recommendations in summary.

Location: 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT, on the South Bank of the Thames

Nearby tube stops: Blackfriars Station (District + Circle); Southwark Station (Jubilee); and St. Paul’s (Central)

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Take a Guided Tour of the Globe

The modern Globe Theatre offers several options by way of guided tours. There are general guided tours (called the Shakespeare’s Globe Story & Tour) that show you the inside of the Globe theatre and provide some background information to help it come to life for you. These regular, scheduled tours are given in groups of 20-40 people and led by a staff tour guide. 

During your Globe Theatre tour, you’ll get some history about the theatre and Shakespeare’s role in its story. Then, you’ll get to walk inside the Globe Theatre to see the stage up close. After, you will take a seat in the stands while you learn even more about the theatre’s construction and tradition. Afterward, you’ll step outside the theatre to take a closer look at the flagstones, and finally, you’ll be left at the Globe gift shop.

Your guided tour ticket also gives you access to explore the Globe museum exhibition at your own leisure (see the section below for more details). 

You can also select guided tours with more specialized focuses. In 2024, for example, you can take the general guided tour, an LGBTQ-focused tour, a family-focused tour, or a tour based specifically on the play currently showing at the theatre. So be sure to have a poke around their website and choose the tour that best suits your interests and needs.

Things to know about guided tours:

• Guided tours do not allow you to go on the theatre’s stage or see any of the backstage areas

• Tours are generally given in English, but if you are a non-English speaker, you can pick up an information packet in your native language (the options were pretty extensive) and/or get an audio guide in your native language to listen along on the tour. 

Cost: £27.00

Time commitment: 45 min – 1.5 hours

My honest review

I have taken a guided tour of the Globe twice now, once when I was in university studying English language and literature, and one this summer to refresh my memory. 

The guided tour is an interesting way to learn about the history of the theatre if you are an audio learner. Sadly, I wasn’t terribly impressed by my tour guide on my most recent visit. He made his dislike of Americans plainly known from the get-go. He also was uninterested in any back-and-forth discussion with tour members. In my experience, the best tour guides are open to hearing the experiences, insights, and questions of their audience to make it more of a discussion than a lecture.

That particular experience aside, there are MANY tour guides on the payroll at the London Globe, so I would still recommend the experience of a guided tour overall. 

My tips 

• The guided tour takes approximately 45 minutes, after which you can explore the gift shop and exhibition, so I’d allow for about 1.5 hours overall for the experience. 
• It’s perfectly possible to do both a guided tour and see a play at the Globe Theatre on the same day. I’d book the tour time at least two hours before the start of the play so you have time to enjoy it and leave for some food before the play begins.
• Book tickets online in advance, as they do sell out. 
• If you’re planning to visit the exhibition space, consider taking a themed tour, as the exhibition mostly covers the same information you get in the traditional Globe Story tour.

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See a play or performance at the Globe

If you are visiting London between the months of April and October, I highly recommend trying to make it to a stage performance at the Globe Theatre. Not only will you get to see the inside of the Globe (all the same places you can see on a guided tour), but you’ll also get the experience of stepping into the shoes of an Elizabethan theatre goer.

The Globe is an open-air theatre, meaning both audience members and actors are exposed to the elements. Unsurprisingly, then, plays are restricted to the less extreme temperature months of April through October (outside of these months, you’ll have to catch a play at the indoor Sam Wanamaker Playhouse).

The Globe Theatre Company packs in tons of performances during these months, including a rotating selection of Shakespearean plays as well as works from other playwrights.

So, what’s it like seeing a play at the Globe? Now that I have finally visited London during the right months, I can tell you firsthand that it’s one of my favorite Shakespearean literary bucket list items I’ve experienced to date. If you’ve only been to conventional theatre productions, you’ll be surprised by how interactive the plays are here. Like in Shakespeare’s time, the actors look and talk directly to audience members, sometimes even standing amongst them. At the Globe, the audience themselves are a part of the play.

True to the progressive spirit of Shakespeare, the Globe Theatre Company takes a fresh and innovative approach in their productions. All plays feature gender-blind and color-blind casting, with an ethnically diverse cast appearing in each show.

For me, that meant I got to see Richard III starring Michelle Terry, and she did a phenomenal job in the role despite some criticism the theatre received for casting an able-bodied actor in the role. 

In part of the theatre’s response to the criticism they reiterated theoretical approach to casting: 

“’We believe the Shakespearean canon is based on a foundation of anti-literalism and therefore all artists should have the right to play all parts…” 

globe theatre

They are making strides toward expanding opportunities for disabled actors in their company. Nadia Nadarajah, a D/deaf actor, is a current member of the Globe Theatre Company and has played such roles as Celia in As You Like It and Guildenstern in Hamlet. 

Expect most plays to be a shortened version, as most modern audiences simply aren’t prepared for the length of unabridged Shakespeare. Also expect for each play to have some modern interpretations — during the performance I saw of Richard III, for example, the actor playing Richard included a few infamous lines spoken by Donald Trump about how he treats women. 

Search for the best price tickets for plays at the Globe and, in the winter, the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

As in Shakespeare’s time, there’s very little by way of props and set. They rely on the words they speak to create the setting. There’s also a live band on stage, who use their instruments both as sound effects and to create mood music. While I find this does at times compete with your ability to hear and understand the actors, overall I think it is a nice effect. 

Performances typically happen in the afternoon at 2 pm (the same time they started in Shakespeare’s day) and in the evening at 7:30 pm. The run times vary depending on the play, but they’re usually listed on the website within a couple weeks of the opening performance. 

Just as in Shakespeare’s day, there are a number of ways to take in a play here that can fit into any budget. In Shakespeare’s day, a standing ticket to a performance at the Globe cost 1 penny. While it may not be quite as cheap today, the modern theatre has continued the tradition of allowing up to 700 people to see each performance standing in the gallery, and these tickets are remarkably affordable at only £10. 

In Shakespeare’s time, seats in the Globe’s gallery cost from 2-3 pennies. These days, you can snag them for anywhere between £25-65. You can also pay a couple of pounds extra to reserve a seat cushion, as seats are just hard, wooden benches (trust me, it’s worth it for the cushion). 

Cost: £5-65

Time commitment: 3-4.5 hours 

Related: If you’re based in the US and can’t make it to London to catch a performance, I highly recommend checking out the American Shakespeare Centre at the Blackfriar’s Theatre in Staunton, Virginia. 

My tips:

As you plan to see a performance at the Globe, consider these tips from my experience and research there to help you make the most of your experience:

• As in Shakespeare’s time, performers are not mic’d, so they rely on their own ability to project in the theatre. If you struggle with hearing, this might be a challenge. They do have BSL interpreters and even projected captions at some performances, so you might consider attending one with these (they are all labeled on the website). There was a BSL interpreter at the performance I attended, and she was fabulous, taking on the physical demeanor and maneuvers of each character for whom she was signing. 

• If you are attending with children or are anxious about your experience, consider buying tickets to one of the Relaxed Performances. These have an open-door come-and-go policy, so you can feel free to step out during the show if needed. You’ll also get a synopsis before the play including content and trigger warnings. There’s also a dedicated quiet space available during these performances.

• As with most destinations in London, the sooner you book your tickets, the more options you’ll have for your tickets. However, if you are trying to get last-minute Globe Theatre tickets, you can look into the £5 Rush tickets (standing). These are released online each Friday at 11 am for performances the following week. That even includes sold-out performances, but hurry, because they are first come first served.

• If you have a standing ticket, it pays to get there early! You might be able to claim a spot along the edges of the standing room where you can lean on a railing rather than stand upright the whole time.

• Dress for the weather! Plays go on even during rain, snow, or cold weather.

• If you have a seated ticket, trust me — it’s worth the extra couple of pounds to get a seat cushion. 

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Recommended Reading: I love this book about Shakespeare by Bill Bryson.

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Visit the Globe Exhibition

The Exhibition Space at the Globe Theatre is a relatively recent addition to the visitor experience. It’s essentially a small museum that provides further information about Shakespeare as a man and playwright and the history of the Globe Theatre, both past and present versions. 

There’s not a whole lot of actual items on display apart from some costumes and props from previous productions at the modern Globe. It’s mostly signage to read as you walk through. 

One interesting thing to see on display is a replica of Shakespeare’s will. There are also a few interactive elements, such as a section that allows you to recreate some of the sound effects that might have been used for plays during the Elizabethan era. 

My tips:

I wouldn’t call the Globe Exhibition a must-see attraction, but I think it’s a worthwhile stop. You can visit it a couple of different ways:

• Visit for free if you’ve purchased a ticket to a guided tour
• Purchase a £10 exhibition only ticket

If you are planning to visit the exhibition, I’d consider booking one of the themed guided tours. Otherwise, you’ll get mostly repeated information from both sources.

I also think that a visit to the exhibition would be a great combination either before or after catching a performance and in lieu of a guided tour (since you’ll already see inside the Globe during the performance).

Cost: £10 exhibition only ticket or free with a guided tour 

Time commitment: 40 minutes – 1.5 hours depending how thoroughly you want to read

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Related: While you’re in London, I recommend checking out both the Sherlock Holmes Museum and the Charles Dickens Museum.

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Browse The Globe Shop

Even if you don’t have a ticket for a play or a guided tour at the Globe, you are still welcome to browse the Globe Theatre gift shop, and it’s worth checking out. 

The gift shop is massive and mostly carries items that are exclusively made for the Globe Theatre. The options are extensive, from tote bags to tshirts, puzzles, books, mugs, tea towels, puzzles, and beyond. There are so many different themes for items, from general Shakespeare to the specific plays showing at the time of visit. 

You can expect to pay about £24 for tshirts, £12-20 for tote bags, and £10 for mugs and tea towels, as an approximate guide for the cost of items. Also, make sure you check the small sale section for cheaper items, often featuring previous performances that have since ended. 

It’s important to know ahead of time that the gift shop ONLY accepts contactless payment options. 

You can also shop online for some products, with international delivery available. 

Tip: with access to the Globe shop, you can see a few items of interest, including one of the Shakespeare’s First Folios on display. 

Cost: £0, just the cost of whatever souvenirs you buy 

Time commitment: at your discretion

2024 Globe Shop Opening Hours: 10.00am–5.00pm, 7 days a week

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Attend a Workshop at the Globe

In addition to the many plays put on at the modern Globe Theatre, you can also choose to take part in some of the workshops offered. Most workshops are geared toward kids, but some are also for families and adults, like family stage combat demonstrations and acting classes. 

There are also short acting courses for youth and even workshops for acting teachers on teaching Shakespeare.

These are offered sporadically throughout the year, so your best bet is to check the What’s On section of the Globe’s website to find about upcoming events. 

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Enjoy a Shakespeare Afternoon Tea at the Globe

Another way to enjoy the Globe is to dine at the Swan, a pub next to the theatre.

The setting is very nice, and it makes for a convenient place to enjoy an afternoon tea or other meal before or after a tour of the Globe or taking in a performance. You can even add on a reservation to your Globe ticket purchase.

On my most recent visit, I decided to have the Shakespeare Afternoon Tea at the Swan in between the guided tour and the afternoon performance. The timing worked out very well, and the location was wonderfully convenient.

I was a little disappointed to see that the theming was pretty nonexistent. Neither the food nor the teas are themed, despite the advertisement as a Shakespeare Afternoon Tea. I thought that’s a little misleading and so point it out for future customers. The food was decent compared to other London afternoon teas I’ve had. The atmosphere is lovely, the views are great, and the location is quite convenient for a day or partial day at the Globe. 

This is a popular venue, so you should make your reservations well in advance (that’s really true of any afternoon tea in London). 

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Related: My all-time favorite afternoon tea in London is still the Library at County Hall, located not too far away. My recommendation would be to schedule your afternoon tea there if you have the time. 

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Take a Walking Tour Near the Globe

And finally, if you are fine with only seeing the exterior of the famous Globe theatre and bypassing seeing the interior, you can always walk there yourself (stop at Borough Market on the way for a snack!) or stop by on a scheduled walking tour of London.

This is your best option if you’re short on time or money to do anything else at the Globe.

As far as walking tours go, you can book a Shakespeare Walking Tour if your interest is specifically in the Bard’s history. Alternatively, you can see the Globe during just about any walking tour that covers the South Bank area, including the Harry Potter walking tour I did last year. 

Tip: Check out my comprehensive guide to literary tours in London to help you pick the best Shakespeare themed tour!

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Other bookish attractions in London

London is one of my favorite cities, and it’s a treasure trove of sights for the bookish-minded traveler. Here’s a quick reference to some of my guides to other London attractions you might enjoy:

• The Charles Dickens Museum where the author lived and wrote many of his bestselling novels
• The Sherlock Holmes Museum, a recreation of Sherlock and Watson’s fictional Baker Street apartment
• Dr. Johnson’s House, where he compiled the first comprehensive English dictionary
• For Harry Potter fans, a complete list of Harry Potter things to do in London
• Take the Literary London Pub tour, an unforgettable night on the town for those who want to learn a little something while they socialize and drink

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That about wraps up all the options you have to visit the Globe Theatre. Hopefully you feel well-equipped to make your choice and book your visit.

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