Shakespeare's Globe is a reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre, where many of William Shakespeare's plays were performed in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Located on the banks of the River Thames, this iconic structure allows visitors to experience the essence of Elizabethan theatre. The theatre features an open roof and a thrust stage, enhancing the authenticity of performances. In addition to plays, the Globe hosts educational programs and exhibitions focused on Shakespeare's life and work, making it a cultural hub for both locals and tourists.
What each source says
- Viator 4.5 32,366
- Google Places 4.6 23,609
- Tripadvisor 4.5 9,049
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Educational Enrichment Beyond the shows, the venue serves as a cultural landmark. With its on-site exhibition and historical context, it is a perfect destination for history lovers and students looking to deepen their understanding of Shakespeare’s life and work.
- Engaging Performances The actors are highly talented and frequently interact directly with the audience, breaking the fourth wall. Whether traditional or modern in interpretation, the energy is electric and keeps viewers thoroughly entertained throughout the entire show.
- Exceptional Guided Tours The history tours are widely praised for being both educational and entertaining. Knowledgeable guides bring the story of Shakespeare and the Globe to life with engaging anecdotes and expert insights into 16th-century theater history.
- Immersive Atmosphere The theatre offers an incredible, authentic Elizabethan experience. Being open-air and modeled after the original design, it transports you back in time, making every performance feel intimate, magical, and truly unique compared to standard indoor venues.
- Incredible Value Tickets, especially the standing groundling options, are remarkably affordable at five to ten pounds. This makes world-class live Shakespearean theatre accessible to nearly everyone, offering high-quality entertainment for the price of a simple meal.
Criticised
- Challenging Interpretations Some patrons find the modern, avant-garde adaptations of classic plays to be confusing or off-putting. If you are seeking a strictly traditional, period-accurate production, check the show's description beforehand to avoid disappointment with bold or experimental directorial choices.
- Physical Accessibility For those with mobility issues, the venue can be difficult. Between the lack of comfortable seating and the requirement for many audience members to stand for long durations, it is not always the most accessible or comfortable option for visitors with physical limitations.
- Restricted Sightlines Due to the authentic architectural design, certain seating areas may have obstructed views of the stage caused by supporting pillars. It is wise to research specific seating blocks or arrive early to secure better, unobstructed vantage points.
- Uncomfortable Seating The gallery seating consists of hard, narrow wooden benches without back support. Sitting for several hours is physically taxing, so visitors are strongly advised to purchase or rent cushions to avoid significant discomfort during the performance.
- Weather Sensitivity As an open-air theatre, the environment is vulnerable to the elements. Standing groundlings are fully exposed to rain and direct sun, meaning poor weather can significantly impact your comfort and overall enjoyment of the performance.
The longer read
Shakespeare’s Globe is widely celebrated as a must-visit cultural landmark in London, offering an immersive experience that transports visitors back to the 16th century. As a meticulously detailed reconstruction of the original Elizabethan playhouse, the open-air design creates an electric atmosphere. Visitors consistently praise the venue's intimacy, noting that the unique architecture ensures a connection between the audience and the performers that is rare in modern theatres. However, being an open-air venue, it is highly sensitive to the British weather; if you choose standing tickets as a Groundling, you will be exposed to the elements, and no refunds are offered for rain.
Understanding the seating options is essential for your comfort. The theatre offers two distinct experiences: the standing pit and the tiered wooden bench seating. Standing tickets are incredibly affordable, providing the most intimate, up-close view of the stage, but they require standing for the duration of a three-hour performance. For those opting for seats in the galleries, be aware that the wooden benches are famously hard and lack back support. Multiple reviewers strongly advise booking a seat cushion in advance or hiring one on arrival to make the experience manageable. If you need support, aim for the back rows of the upper galleries where you can lean against the wall. Because shows sell out, booking well in advance is highly recommended.
Beyond the plays, the guided tours are frequently cited as a highlight. These tours, led by enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides, offer fascinating historical insights into Shakespeare’s life and the construction of the venue. The exhibits are educational and provide a perfect, quiet counterpoint to the high-energy live shows. When it comes to the performances, reviewers generally commend the talent and energy of the acting troupes. However, there is a divide regarding production style. While many appreciate the innovative, modern interpretations—featuring gender-swapping, contemporary music, or avant-garde costumes—a segment of the audience prefers traditional renditions and may find these creative liberties distracting. If you are a purist, checking the specific production style before booking is wise.
To make the most of your visit, plan to spend time in the area. The location on the South Bank is vibrant, with easy access to public transport, the scenic riverside, and nearby dining options like Borough Market. While the on-site gift shop is a popular stop, some advice suggests seeking out local restaurants rather than relying on on-site concessions. Staff and volunteers are consistently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness. Whether you are a dedicated Shakespeare fan or a casual tourist, the Globe offers an unforgettable day out, provided you manage your expectations regarding seating comfort and modern performance interpretations.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 20 7401 9919
- Website
- shakespearesglobe.com
| Mon | 11:00 - 18:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 11:00 - 18:00 |
| Wed | 11:00 - 18:00 |
| Thu | 11:00 - 18:00 |
| Fri | 11:00 - 18:00 |
| Sat | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Sun | 10:00 - 17:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.5 against a median of 4.5 across the 14 venues we hold for Bankside, where the most-reviewed is Tate Modern.
Still deciding?
- What is the historical significance of Shakespeare's Globe in London?
- What types of performances or shows are typically held at Shakespeare's Globe?
- Are guided tours offered at Shakespeare's Globe and what do they include?
- How can I purchase tickets for a play or tour at Shakespeare's Globe?
- Is Shakespeare's Globe suitable for children or families visiting London?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.