- Shakespeare's Globe hosts around 1,350-1,570 patrons, including 700 standing in the yard and 650 seated across lower, middle, and upper galleries.
- Cheapest tickets are in the stanling yard - great for immersion and proximity. Bring comfortable shoes and be prepared for lengthy standing and weather exposure.
- Central Bays like H, J in the lower gallery give direct, clear sightlines just above stage level. Side and end seats may be pillar-obstructed, but benches in Row E offer some support.
- Bay H center in the middle gallery is ideal-actors often project here. Gentlemen's Box P includes 3 wheelchair spaces with companions, accessible via backstage lift.
- Upper gallery offers sweeping panoramic views. Center seats in Bay H are best— side bays risk angled views, and front bays may encounter roof overhang.
- Best view & sound mix can be found in the middle gallery, central Bay H where projection is strongest.
Shakespeare's Globe
Shakespeare’s Globe features a historic open-air seating plan with a thrust stage, offering 4 areas—the standing yard, and three stepped galleries (lower, middle, upper)—that blend authenticity with differing views and price points
Navigating the Shakespeare's Globe seating plan
How to choose the best seats in the Shakespeare's Globe seating plan?
Find your best seat
Sections available in Shakespeare's Globe
Standing yard
- 700 capacity
- Rows A-E
- This section has no seats and offers only standing tickets. It is unreserved and patrons can move around freely throughout the section.
- The standing section is directly in front of the stage and you'll feel like you're part of the action.
- Since this is a ground-level section without a rake, you might face sightline restrictions due to taller patrons standing in front of you. Be sure to secure a good spot to avoid this once the show starts.
- There is one wheelchair-accessible spot in the Yard.
Lower gallery
- 390 seats
- Rows A-E
- This section is split into Bays (A, B, D, E, G, H, J, L, N, P, and Q) each with a seating capacity of around 30-40.
- The section is raked and slightly elevated, allowing a clear view of the stage all around that is not obstructed by the Yard.
- The further toward the sides you go the more angled the view gets. Some seats, particularly to the sides, are obstructed by pillars.
- Seats in Bay H offer the best viewing experience from directly in front of the stage.
- There are no accessible seats in this section.
Middle gallery
- 280 seats
- Rows A-D & Gentlemen's Boxes A, B, P, & Q
- The Middle Gallery sits above the Lower Gallery. It is elevated and raked and offers a clear view of the stage all around. The center seats in Bay H are the best seats in the house.
- The view from some seats on the sides is obstructed by pillars and a steep angle.
- The Boxes are along the sides and offer comfortable private seating.
- Gentleman's Box P is wheelchair-accessible. It can be reached via the step-free main entrance and a backstage lift, and it has three wheelchair-accessible seats with companion seats. These are toward the back of the stage so some views are restricted but there are no other obstructions.
Upper gallery
- 209 seats
- Rows A-C
- The Upper Gallery is the smallest section and the highest up, sitting above the Middle Gallery.
- The section is raked allowing clear views of the stage from every row.
- The seats at the sides are very angled and some are obstructed by pillars. Additionally, there is a roof above the stage that might obscure some parts of the performance when viewed from this section.
- Seats in the center, in Bay H, offer the best views from this level.
- There are no accessible seats in this section.
Accessible seating in Shakespeare's Globe
- Standing yard (groundlings): One wheelchair-accessible raised platform available—great for those who wish to stand but need support; arrival early helps secure the best positioning
- Middle gallery – Gentleman’s box P: Offers 3 wheelchair spaces plus companion seats, accessible via backstage lift; provides covered, uninterrupted views of the stage
- Upper gallery & lower gallery box options: Some step-free seating available in Upper Gallery; however, Lower Gallery wheelchair options are limited—most accessible fixes are in Middle Gallery and Yard
- Step-free access throughout the site: The main entrance, foyer, Swan Bar, and piazza are all accessible via ramp and lift; lifts also connect through the galleries
- Accessible toilets & facilities: Wheelchair-accessible toilets are located on the piazza/foyer level and near the guided-tour spaces
- Assistance dogs & support services: Guide/assistance dogs are welcome; staff can care for them during performances, and Access Ambassadors support patrons in assisted or signed audio-described performances
Frequently asked questions about Shakespeare's Globe seating plan
Center front of the middle gallery (Bay H, rows A–B) offers excellent acoustics and sightlines, per frequent visitors
The standing yard (groundlings) provides the cheapest immersive experience, while upper gallery centre gives panoramic views at mid-range prices .
There’s 1 wheelchair space in the yard and 3 in the middle gallery’s gentlemen’s box P, all with companion seats and lift access
Only drinks and snacks purchased at The Swan Bar are allowed inside; outside food is not permitted
Yes—there are accessible toilets and a baby‑changing room on the Piazza level near the shop
As an open‑air theatre, performances are exposed to weather—bring layers or consider covered seating in the galleries
Yes—hearing loops and assisted listening services are provided through the Globe’s Access Scheme; inquire when booking
