Shakespeare’s Globe London is a full-scale rebuild of the open-air theatre where Shakespeare’s company performed. It stands on Bankside, on the south bank of the Thames, a short walk from Tate Modern and St Paul’s. This guide explains how the visit works, how to get there and how to plan a first trip from the US.
The Globe is one of the easiest London sights to fit into a busy trip. You can tour the building by day or see a play in the evening. Either way, you need a plan, because the theatre is open to the sky and the seasons shape what you see.
What Is Shakespeare’s Globe London?
The original Globe opened in 1599. Shakespeare’s company built it from timber from an earlier playhouse. It burned down in 1613 when a stage cannon set the thatch alight during a performance. The company rebuilt it the next year, and Puritan authorities closed all theatres in 1642.
The modern Globe opened to the public in 1997. The American actor and director Sam Wanamaker led the campaign to build it. The team used research on Tudor buildings, so the oak frame, the plaster walls and the thatched roof follow the style of the period. The new theatre stands a short distance from the original site.
Two theatres share the complex. The outdoor Globe stages plays in the warmer months. The indoor Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is a candlelit theatre that runs through the colder months. Check the official What’s On page for current productions.
Why the Globe feels different
Most theatres hide the audience in the dark. The Globe does the opposite. The actors can see you, and you can see them. Daylight fills the space, and the performers often speak straight to the crowd. That is how Shakespeare’s audiences saw his plays.
Tickets, Seats and Standing Places
You have two main choices for a play. You can take a seat on a wooden bench, or you can stand in the yard in front of the stage. The standing places are the cheapest option. The people who stand there are called groundlings.
- Seats: Wooden benches in three covered galleries. Most benches have no back, so bring a jacket for comfort. Check the official site to see whether cushions or backrests are available.
- Standing in the yard: You stay on your feet for the whole play. The yard has no roof, so you get the weather. Wear comfortable shoes.
- Prices and dates: These change by production. Always check the official ticket page before you plan around a date.
Book early for popular productions and for weekend dates. Summer evenings in particular tend to fill up. If you are building a longer trip, our best time to visit London guide explains how the seasons affect your plans.
What happens if it rains?
The plays go ahead in rain. Seated visitors stay dry under the gallery roofs, although seats near the edges can catch a few drops. Standing visitors get wet. Many people bring a lightweight poncho. Umbrellas are a problem in the yard, because they block the view for people behind you.
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Taking a Daytime Tour of the Globe
You do not have to see a play to enjoy the Globe. The theatre runs an exhibition and a guided tour, and both help first-time visitors understand the building. A guide walks you through the theatre, explains how Tudor stages worked and tells the story of the rebuild. Times change with the season and the rehearsal schedule, so check the official visit page before you set off.
Plan on about an hour or two for the exhibition and tour together. If a show or rehearsal is on, the tour may use a different part of the building. The theatre staff will tell you.
How to Get to Shakespeare’s Globe London
The Globe sits on Bankside, close to the river. Several routes work well.
- Walk from St Paul’s Cathedral: Cross the Millennium Bridge on foot. The bridge lands you beside Tate Modern, and the Globe is a few minutes along the river path. Our St Paul’s Cathedral guide covers the other side of this walk.
- Tube or rail: Blackfriars, Southwark and London Bridge stations are all within a short walk. Blackfriars and London Bridge also have National Rail services. Use the TfL journey planner for live routes.
- Walk along the South Bank: Start near Westminster and follow the river east. Our Westminster and the South Bank guide maps the route.
For help with Oyster cards, contactless payment and the Tube, read our getting around London guide.
Is the Globe accessible?
The Globe publishes access information for visitors with mobility needs, and the team can advise on step-free options. Contact the box office before you book so that they can match you with the right seats.
What to Do Near the Globe
Bankside is one of the best walking areas in London. Combine the Globe with other sights to fill a half day or a full day.
- Tate Modern: The huge gallery in the old power station is next door. Read our Tate Modern planning guide before you go.
- The Thames Path: The river walk here is flat and busy with street performers, food stalls and views of St Paul’s.
- Borough Market: Walk east for lunch. It is a short stroll from Bankside.
If you are planning your first days in the city, the Globe fits well into a South Bank morning. Then you can head to the City or the West End for the afternoon.
Tips for US Visitors
- Arrive 30 minutes before a performance. Security checks and bag checks take time.
- Dress in layers. The theatre is open-air, so the temperature changes through the evening.
- Read a short plot summary beforehand. The language is easier to follow when you know the story.
- Pick an evening show for the best atmosphere. Summer evenings in the long light are very popular.
- Check the running time. Some plays run for three hours with an interval.
A Simple Half-Day Plan
Here is an easy way to fit the Globe into a South Bank day. Start at St Paul’s Cathedral in the morning. Walk across the Millennium Bridge and join the Globe exhibition and tour. Eat lunch at Borough Market, then spend the afternoon in Tate Modern or along the river. If you want to see a play, book the evening performance and finish the day inside the theatre.
This plan keeps the walking short and gives you a mix of history, art and food. It also works well for families and for visitors who are still adjusting to the time difference. Keep the evening free if you have a ticket, because the plays are the best part of the visit.
Shakespeare’s Globe London FAQ
Is Shakespeare’s Globe London worth visiting?
Yes. The Globe gives you a rare view of how a Tudor audience watched a play. Even a short tour shows how the building shapes the experience.
How long should I allow for a visit to the Globe?
Allow one to two hours for the exhibition and tour. A play usually runs for around three hours, so plan an entire evening. Check the official site for exact running times.
Is the Globe the original theatre?
No. The modern Globe is a reconstruction, and it opened in 1997. It stands close to the site of Shakespeare’s original theatre on Bankside.
Do I need to book in advance?
Book ahead for plays, especially at weekends and in summer. Tours and the exhibition are easier to fit in, but you should still check times online.
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