Shakespeare's Globe is a faithful open-air reconstruction of the 1599 playhouse where Shakespeare's plays were first performed, built on the Bankside riverbank of the Thames and opened in 1997 after the decades-long campaign of American actor Sam Wanamaker. It pairs the roofless 'Wooden O' with the intimate, candle-lit indoor Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, letting visitors experience Shakespeare much as Elizabethan and Jacobean audiences did. The 2026 summer season brings productions such as A Midsummer Night's Dream and Much Ado About Nothing to the open-air stage, while a roughly 50-minute guided tour lets you explore the theatre even without seeing a show. Sitting beside the Millennium Bridge and Tate Modern, it slots neatly into a half-day of riverside walking.
The roofless circular 'Wooden O' and the 'groundling' (yard) tradition of standing right in front of the stage
The candle-lit, Jacobean-style indoor Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
The building itself, rebuilt with period methods — green oak timber frame, lime plaster and a thatched roof
The roughly 50-minute guided tour led by storyteller-guides, evoking Shakespeare's London and Bankside
The Bankside riverside walk linking the Millennium Bridge to St Paul's and the neighbouring Tate Modern
Good to know
SeasonAs a roofless open-air theatre, performances go ahead in the rain. Even in summer the riverside turns cool after dark, so bring a layer, and a poncho or raincoat if wet. Umbrellas are not allowed during performances as they block others' views.
RulesGroundling (yard) standing tickets mean standing for roughly 2.5–3 hours with no seat and no re-admission. Folding stools are not permitted and large bags may be restricted, so travel light.
MannersPhotography and video are not allowed during performances, and phones should be silenced. Groundlings may catch an actor's eye, but interrupting loudly is considered rude.
CautionBuy tickets only from the official website or box office to avoid marked-up resale and counterfeits. Ignore anyone on the Bankside tourist strip pushing fake charity petitions or street cup-and-ball (shell) gambling.
SafetyThe riverside path and theatre forecourt draw crowds and pickpockets. Keep your passport, wallet and phone in a front-worn bag or inside pocket, and wear backpacks on your front.
RulesPopular shows and guided tours effectively require advance booking. Even sold-out shows release £5 standing tickets via the '£5 Rush' close to the performance day — a good chance for cheap entry (check the latest prices and times).
MannersThe on-site restaurant and bars often add a service charge (typically around 12.5%) to the bill, so check your receipt before adding an extra tip.
Practical info
The nearest Underground stations are Mansion House and Blackfriars (about a 10-minute walk each) and London Bridge (about 9–15 minutes); you can also cross the Millennium Bridge from St Paul's. The address is 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT. Guided tours run at set morning times and must be pre-booked; check the official website for the latest summer open-air and winter indoor schedules and prices.
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