Guided Tours
Globe Theatre Tour
Our expert guides will take you on a fascinating tour of the iconic Globe Theatre, bringing the space to life with colourful stories of the 1599 Globe, of the reconstruction process in the 1990s, and of how the ‘wooden O’ works today as an imaginative and experimental theatrical space.
Tours are in English and last approximately 40 minutes. Information sheets are available in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese and Simplified Chinese. As we are a working theatre, tour times vary due to performance schedules.
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Globe Theatre Family Tour
The family tour introduces younger visitors to Shakespeare’s world. From blood and gore to poetry and prose, this tour will delight and disgust.
Perfect for 7–11 year olds.
Family Tours run during schools holidays at specific times all children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
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Sam Wanamaker Playhouse Tour
Opened in 2014, and named after the Globe’s founder, the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse explores the experiences of actors and audiences in indoor playhouses in contrast to the more expansive, public spaces of the open-air theatres like the Globe. Discover the impact on Shakespeare’s writing in his late plays and more on this unique tour.
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Shakespeare's Southwark Tour
Shakespeare’s Southwark tours are available as an alternative to the Globe Theatre Tour, when performances prevent access to the Theatre. Your tour guide will transport you back to Elizabethan London highlighting interesting historical landmarks of the area, including the former locations of the original Globe and Rose theatres.
Tours are in English and last approximately 40 minutes. Tickets from £13.50 (concessions apply), available on the door from the Bankside entrance.
VISITING WITH A GROUP OF 15 OR MORE?
Create an unforgettable experience for your group at Shakespeare’s Globe. Combine your Guided Tour with one of many attractions along Bankside, live demonstrations of Elizabethan practices, or refreshments at the Swan Restaurant & Bar, to create the ultimate Shakespeare day out.
Groups of 15 people or more are required to pre-book their visit in advance and receive special rates to our Guided Tours with every 16th person going free.
Can one desire too much of a good thing?
— As You Like It, Act IV, scene 1
Find out more about our tour packages, demonstrations, and group dining choices.Our additional group options offer a great way to immerse groups in the history of Shakespeare’s London and his performances. Enhance your visit with a variety of tour add ons, and if you need help deciding why not take a look at our example experience packages.
TOUR PACKAGES FOR GROUPS
EXPERIENCE ALL THAT SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE HAS TO OFFER WITH OUR RANGE OF GUIDED TOURS.
ALL TOUR OPTIONS CAN BE COMBINED WITH A SERIES OF EXTRAS TO CREATE A BESPOKE PACKAGE TAILORED TO YOUR TOUR GROUP. this CAN include food & drink, historical demonstrations and access to other local attractions.
Globe Theatre Tour
Our expert guides will take you on a fascinating tour of the iconic Globe Theatre, bringing the space to life with colourful stories of the 1599 Globe, of the reconstruction process in the 1990s, and of how the ‘wooden O’ works today as an imaginative and experimental theatrical space.
Shakespeare's Southwark Tour
Delve into the history of Bankside as a theatre district with our Shakespeare’s Southwark Tour. Your guide will transport you back to Elizabethan London, highlighting interesting historical landmarks of the area including the original site of The Globe and the archaeological remains of The Rose, Bankside’s first theatre. Entry does not include a tour of the Globe Theatre.
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse Tour
Explore the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, our indoor theatre. Discover the impact on Shakespeare’s writing in his late plays, the role of music, how the intricate details of our theatre were painstakingly researched from contemporary Tudor and Jacobean buildings such as Hatfield House, and wonder at the remarkable craftsmanship. Entry does not include a tour of the Globe theatre.
Shakespeare's Southwark & Globe Theatre Tour
Our tour guides take you on a discovery of this Elizabethan entertainment district and some of its most notable places, including the locations of the original Globe and Rose theatres.
Sam Wanamaker & Globe Theatre Tour
Completing your tour of the reconstructed Globe Theatre, you can discover the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, our indoor theatre. Discover the impact on Shakespeare’s writing in his late plays, the role of music, how the intricate details of our theatre were painstakingly researched from contemporary Tudor and Jacobean buildings such as Hatfield House, and wonder at the remarkable craftsmanship.
GROUP PRICES PER PERSON
| Ticket and tour type | Adult | Child (5-15 yrs) | Senior (60+ yrs) | Student (with valid ID) |
| Globe Theatre Tour | £16.00 | £9.00 | £14.50 | £12.50 |
| Shakespeare’s Southwark Tour | £12.50 | £8.50 | £11.50 | £10.00 |
| Sam Wanamaker Playhouse Tour | £12.50 | £8.50 | £11.50 | £10.00 |
INTRODUCING THE DISCOVER TICKET
If you are a student group aged 18 or under visiting for a Globe tour you can now add a Sam Wanamaker Playhouse and/or Shakespeare Southwark tour to your visit at the special group rate of £5.50 per student. Adult rates apply.
This ticket is only available when combined with a Globe Tour.
EXAMPLE EXPERIENCE PACKAGES FOR GROUPS
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT WITH ONE OF OUR TAILOR-MADE EXPERIENCES.
ALL TOUR OPTIONS CAN BE COMBINED WITH A SERIES OF EXTRAS TO CREATE A BESPOKE PACKAGE TAILORED TO YOUR TOUR GROUP. this CAN include food & drink, historical demonstrations and access to other local attractions.
Elizabethan Experience
Adding to our Globe Theatre and Shakespeare’s Southwark package, the popular Elizabethan Experience also includes an Elizabethan Dressing demonstration. Our guide will explain the intricacies of dressing and the significance of clothing in Elizabethan society. This can also include in a tasty cream tea of scones with jam and clotted cream, served with tea and coffee. Refreshments will be served in the Swan Bar with stunning views across the Thames to St Paul’s cathedral.
Globe Theatre & Tate Modern
In addition to the Globe Theatre Tour, explore Tate Modern to see its collection of international modern art from 1900 to the present day. Choose from 3 different themed gallery tours: General Highlights, Interpreting Modern Art and Architectural. This experience can also be supplemented with optional extras such as lunch or an afternoon tea.
A Long View of London
Start off your group visit with our Globe Theatre Guided Tour. The focus of the Tour is London’s Elizabethan and Shakespearean history, as well as exploring the modern Globe’s place in this timeline. Your group will then set off for a session at The View from the Shard where you will have the opportunity to visit the 69th and 72nd floors and see how the landscape of London has changed.
GROUP DEMONSTRATIONS
Elizabethan Dressing
Do you know the origin of the phrases ‘straight-laced’, ‘loose women’ or ‘pin money’? Find out as we dress someone from your group as a Shakespearean character and discuss the significance of clothing in Elizabethan society. Maximum of 45 people per demonstration.
Duration: approx. 30 minutes
Shakespeare's Use of Stage Fighting
Watch an exciting demonstration of Elizabethan stage combat techniques. This includes an explanation of how stage fighting was used by Shakespeare and his contemporaries in Early Modern plays. Maximum of 45 people per demonstration.
Duration: approx. 40 minutes
Printing the Plays
Hardly anything written in Shakespeare’s hand survives today: we have his plays and poems only because they were printed as books. Using a full-size recreation of a 17th century printing press, we’ll show you the amazingly sophisticated methods behind making books. Discover the remarkable and precarious journey of playwrights ’words from the stage to the page. Maximum of 25 people.
Duration: approx. 30 minutes
GROUP DINING
Cream tea in the Swan Bar
With stunning views of the River Thames and St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Swan Bar is the perfect spot for relaxing and enjoying a delicious selection of scones served with jam and clotted cream, teas and coffees.
£10 per person
Tea and biscuits in the Swan Bar
For a lighter choice, you can enjoy tasty tea and biscuits in the Swan Bar. This option is a great way to treat yourself and relax at the end of your tour, or to take a break and refuel as part of a larger itinerary!
£5 per person
Lunch in the Swan Bar
For something a bit more substantial, add on our buffet-style lunch which includes a selection of sandwiches, the tart of the day, salad and chips, with the option to pre-book vegetarian and vegan options. Served at the sharing tables, the buffet is followed by tea and coffee.
£16 per person
Afternoon tea in the Swan Bar and Restaurant
For a special treat, choose the ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ afternoon tea, which is inspired by the scenes from Shakespeare’s much-loved play. The tea will be made up of a selection of sweet and savoury delights, many of which can be traced back to the food and characters seen in the play itself. The menu features apricots, which Titania feeds to Bottom, when she is cast under the potion’s spell; and mulberries from the lovers’ tree. To make your experience extra special, your tea is accompanied by a glass of English sparkling wine.
£35 per person
Theatre dining in the Swan Restaurant
