21 New Globe Walk Bankside London SE1 9DT
10am - 5pm daily. Tours every 30 mins
Thames Clippers to Bankside Pier, Overground: Blackfriars, London Bridge, Tube: Blackfriars, St Paul's, Southwark
50 mins+
10+
https://www.euansguide.com/venues/shakespeares-globe-theatre-london-1712
from £18pp
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About Shakespeare’s Globe Story & Tour
Fancy mixing a bit of culture with your family day out? The Globe Theatre tour and show combo is the ultimate way to get stuck into Shakespeare, even if the kids have only heard of him through Horrible Histories.
Start with a guided tour of this beautiful open-air theatre, a faithful reconstruction of the original Globe from 1599. The guides are brilliant – expect juicy facts, fun anecdotes, and just the right amount of sword-fighting gossip to keep everyone hooked. You’ll explore how plays were performed in Shakespeare’s time and see the stage up close – trapdoors, secret balconies, and all.
Then, if you’re up for it, stay and see a show. Groundling (standing) tickets are just a fiver and give you a proper old-school experience – no seat, but right in the heart of the action. Or treat yourself to a cushion and a bench like a fancy Elizabethan noble.
Top tip from the KidRated Team:
Go early, do the tour, grab lunch nearby, and come back for the show, proper family day out sorted.
Yes, especially if your kids love stories, history, or being a bit dramatic. The guides are brilliant at making it fun and engaging, even for kids who’ve never heard a sonnet in their life. Expect gory facts, funny tales, and lots of wow moments.
We’d say ages 10+ for most performances, but some plays (especially the comedies) are fine for younger ones too. Teens with a love of English, theatre, or TikTok drama will be in their element. Just check the age guidance on the show you’re booking.
The guided tour lasts about 50 minutes, short enough to hold younger kids’ attention, but packed with fascinating facts for grown-ups too.
Nope, you can do just the tour or just the show. But doing both on the same day is a brilliant family outing. Tour in the morning, grab lunch nearby, then catch a matinee or evening performance.
Yes, if they’re up for it. Groundling tickets are £5 and put you right by the stage. You’ll stand for 2–3 hours, but the energy is great and it’s surprisingly fun. If you think your little ones might get tired, book a seat (cushions available to rent!).
Yes. There’s lift access, step-free routes and friendly staff to help. Groundlings area is standing only, but seats can be booked with access needs in mind.
Snacks are allowed in the yard (groundlings) but not in the seated area, and definitely no rustling bags during the soliloquies! There’s also a lovely café onsite if you want to fuel up before or after.
Mornings are great for tours, quieter and cooler. For shows, matinees are ideal for families. Evening shows are magical too, but younger kids might fade before the final act.
Yes, especially for shows during school holidays or sunny weekends. Tours can sometimes be booked on the day, but it’s safer to reserve online to get the times you want.
You’re right by the South Bank where there’s loads to explore. Tate Modern, Borough Market, the Golden Hinde and lots of riverside places to eat. It’s easy to turn your Globe visit into a full-on adventure.
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We went for a tour and not for a performance. I will say that it seemed more interesting for the adults, so it might not be one to bring younger kids to. Perhaps that would be different if you attended a play and it was the right performance. If you have an older kid or teen who is keen on history or Shakespeare it might be a better bet. Something to note: it's not the original Globe theatre, but it is a very good replica. They were keen to use the same kinds of construction materials and techniques as the original.