Visiting Shakespeare’s Globe in London

Q: What are Shakespeare’s Globe theatre hours?

Tours, exhibitions, and the shop run roughly from 10am–6pm daily. The Swan bar/restaurant and the Box Office have shorter hours.

Q: Is there a tour combined with a performance?

Yes, special tours like Romeo & Juliet Guided Tour are timed to precede performances and enrich your Globe theatre tour experience.

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Visitor information at a glance

⏰Opening hours

Guided tours & exhibitions generally run 10am–6pm daily; performances and the Globe theatre’s box office hours vary.

📍Location

21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1, on the Thames.

☀️Best time to visit

Spring & summer afternoons to catch performance vibes with manageable crowds.

🍽️Key amenities

Shakespeare’s Globe guided tours, theatre performances, exhibition, shop, restaurant, family‑friendly services.

Shakespeare’s Globe opening hours

Globe theatre & tours: The Globe theatre timings generally run from 10:00 to 18:00; guided tours are available daily, even off-season.

Box office:

Monday–Friday: 11am–6pm

Saturday: 10am–6pm

Sunday: 10am–5pm

Shop: 10am–5pm daily.

Swan Bar & Restaurant

Mon–Sat: 12pm–8:45pm

Sun: 11:30am–8:45pm

Best time to visit Shakespeare’s Globe theatre in London

Weekdays vs weekends

Weekdays (Monday to Thursday) tend to be less crowded, making them ideal for quieter Globe theatre tours or experiences. Visitors often arrive relaxed, and groundling (standing) tickets are easier to book.
Weekends, especially Saturday and Sunday matinees, draw larger numbers of visitors. These sessions can feel livelier but also more crowded; late arrivals and ticket lines can take longer.

Best time of the year

Summer (June to August) is the most popular time to visit Shakespeare’s Globe, with ideal weather for open-air shows.
Autumn (September to November) brings cooler days, fewer crowds, and the start of indoor performances.
Winter (December to March) is quieter, with only Sam Wanamaker Playhouse shows and ongoing theatre tours.

Best time of the day

Morning tours (10am-11am) are calm and uncrowded, great for exploring early.
Late afternoons (3pm-4pm) offer fewer crowds and great lighting before evening shows.
Evenings (after 6pm) are atmospheric and scenic, especially for weekend shows by the river.

Where is Shakespeare’s Globe located?

Address: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London, SE1 9DT

Find on maps

Set on London’s iconic South Bank, just 230 m upriver from the original 1599 site. Close to Tate Modern, Southwark Cathedral, Millennium Bridge & Borough Market.

Closest landmark: Tate Modern – approx 2-minute walk.

How to get to the Globe theatre

By metro: London Bridge (Northern/Jubilee lines) is the closest station, about a 10-minute walk via the South Bank or river path. Southwark (Jubilee line) is another option, around 15 minutes away past Borough Market.
By bus: Routes 45, 63, 343, and 100 stop near Blackfriars Bridge. Routes 15 and 17 serve Cannon Street—just a short walk to the Globe.
By Thames Clippers: Get off at Bankside Pier, only 2 minutes from the theatre entrance.
By taxi / ride-hail: Drop-off is available on New Globe Walk. Accessible parking requires advance booking through the Globe’s Access Scheme (call 020 7401 9919).
By car: Parking is limited. Book accessible bays in advance. Nearby garages include Q-Park Southwark (5 min walk) and NCP Blackfriars (8 min walk).

Getting there

Know before you go

Entrances

Facilities

Accessibility

Visiting with family

Events & exhibitions

Shop

Dine

Tips

Main theatre entrance: Located at 21 New Globe Walk, near the Thames and Tate Modern. Tour guests enter via the “Groundling Gates” beside an info pod. A short stairway leads to the Piazza and auditorium. Step-free access is available on request.
Swan Restaurant entrance: Adjacent to the Globe foyer, with signposted entry from Bankside. Use steps by the Groundling Gates before 4pm or a level entrance anytime. Staff will guide you to the dining area.
Group & coach access: Coaches can drop off at Southwark Bridge. A step-free route via Sumner Street and Emerson Street leads to the Globe, ideal for accessible visits.

Facilities at Shakespeare’s Globe entrance

Globe exhibition & guided tours: Interactive walkthrough exhibition plus tours explaining Elizabethan staging, theatrical traditions, architecture, and Globe history. Live demonstrations include sword‑fighting and costume showcases.

Cloakroom & restrooms: Located on the Piazza level near the shop. Family and accessible facilities are provided. Baby-changing is available next to the shop.

Audioguides & educational displays: Available all year, offering deeper insight into the Globe theatre structure and Shakespeare’s world.

Step‑free access: Entrance and lobby are wheelchair accessible. A public lift serves all levels (B, G, P, 1, 2).

Wheelchair seating: One space in the Yard, plus three in the Gentleman's Box P, each with companion seats and excellent stage views.

Hearing & visual support: Induction loops, open captioning units, audio-described and signed performances. Guide dogs and hearing dogs welcome. Large‑print / high‑contrast resources and relaxed performance familiarisation offered.

Prams are allowed in public spaces and on tours (upper levels restricted), stored at visitors’ risk during performances. Baby slings are accepted.

Baby-changing facilities in the restroom near the shop; children’s menu and highchairs available at the Swan Restaurant.

Support for breastfeeding and formula preparation is available. Open-door policy for family shows.

generic photo of family events in shakespeare's globe (eg. workshops)

Globe exhibition: Walk-through immersive installation covering 400 years of theatre history. Includes costuming, stagecraft, and Bankside’s vivacious theatre district.
Guided tours: A variety of themed tours like “Heaven to Hell,” “Ghosts & Ghouls,” Bankside walking tours, and backstage or rooftop tours reserved for members.
Family events & workshops: Special shows, storytelling sessions, immersive Tempest workshops, festive tours for children aged 5–12.

photo of shakespeares globe on-site shop

The Shakespeare’s Globe shop is adjacent to the main entrance and functions from 10am–5pm.

You’ll find a superb selection of Shakespeare merchandise, from clothing and mugs to books, stationery, homeware and more.

Most products are exclusive designs, and proceeds support the Globe’s educational and theatrical mission with strong, sustainable and local sourcing. Shakespeare’s Globe gift shop is a must-visit for any theatre or Shakespeare enthusiast seeking unique gifts.

Swan Bar & Restaurant: Located at Shakespeare’s Globe, Swan offers a modern British menu with seasonal dishes, Shakespeare-themed afternoon teas, and views of the Thames. Great for pre-show dining or drinks.

Anchor Bankside Pub: A historic riverside pub dating back to Shakespeare’s time. Serves traditional British fare like fish & chips, pies, and Sunday roasts.

Founders Arms: Contemporary riverside pub just minutes away, with terrace seating and a seasonal menu. Perfect for relaxed meals with a view.

Book early: Especially April–October; groundling tickets sell fast. Book tours or special themed experiences in advance.
Groundling tickets: Standing in the Yard gives an immersive experience under the original-style thatched roof, the cheapest option. Book early for £5 prices, which often rise to £10 later.
Hire cushions or bring layers: The Seats are wooden benches. Hire cushions and bring warm/water-resistant clothing for open-air Yard performances.
Camera rules: Photography and video are prohibited in performances and exhibitions.
Weather-aware clothing: The Globe is open‑air, dress for rain or shine. Bring layers, waterproofs, or sun protection.
Plan before you arrive: Check weather forecasts and arrive early to explore the exhibition before performances, especially family or guided events.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Shakespeare’s Globe

What are Shakespeare’s Globe theatre hours?

Tours, exhibitions, and the shop run roughly from 10am–6pm daily. The Swan bar/restaurant and the Box Office have shorter hours.

Can I visit any time during opening hours?

Yes, with a pre-booked ticket. Tours run regularly, and performances follow a separate Globe theatre schedule.

How long does a Globe tour take?

Standard Shakespeare’s Globe theatre tour runs about 60–120 minutes, depending on included exhibitions or themes.

Is the Globe theatre wheelchair accessible?

Yes, step-free entrance, accessible lifts, designated wheelchair seating and hearing assistance available. Assistance dogs welcome.

Can I buy standing groundling tickets?

Yes, Globe theatre tours and performance tickets include groundling options. Standing tickets typically cost £5–10.

Is there a tour combined with a performance?

Yes, special tours like Romeo & Juliet Guided Tour are timed to precede performances and enrich your Globe theatre tour experience.

Is there a dress code to visit the Globe theatre?

No formal dress code, but visitors should wear weather‑appropriate clothing due to the open-air Yard and minimal shelter. Comfort is key.

Can families attend? Are prams allowed?

Families welcome! Prams are allowed in public areas and tours (upper levels restricted); baby-changing, children’s menus, and family-focused guided tours are available.