Globe Theatre, London

Abbey in London

Globe Theatre
Globe Theatre
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Sergei Gussev

The original Globe Theatre site lies on the south side of Park Street in Bankside, close to the Thames and only a short walk from the reconstructed Shakespeare's Globe. This is not the timber playhouse visitors picture from Shakespeare films and stage tours. Instead, it is a quieter historical stop where the outline of the theatre's area is marked within Playhouse Court, with notice boards and a visitor platform helping explain what once stood here.

For many travelers, the power of the site comes from imagination rather than spectacle. You are standing at the location of the Globe first built in 1599, rebuilt after the 1613 fire, and finally demolished in the 1640s. It is a place for literary history, Elizabethan theatre context, and the simple thrill of knowing that this patch of Bankside was central to Shakespeare’s working world.

It also fits neatly into a walking tour of the South Bank, which makes it easy to pair with other riverside sights. Expect an active, outdoor-leaning visit: the theatre is open-air for performances, and popular time slots can book up, so planning ahead pays off.

History and Significance of the Globe Theatre

The original Globe Theatre was built in 1599 in Southwark by the Lord Chamberlain's Men, Shakespeare's company, using timber from an earlier Shoreditch playhouse. It quickly became one of the most famous theatres in London and is strongly associated with the first performances of Shakespeare's plays in the Bankside theatre district. That alone gives the site exceptional cultural weight, even before you factor in how deeply the Globe shaped the later image of Elizabethan drama.

The first Globe burned down in 1613 after a cannon misfired during a performance of Henry VIII. A second Globe was rebuilt on the same site in 1614 and continued until theatre closures in 1642, after which it was pulled down in 1644. The original location remained uncertain for a long time until excavations in the late twentieth century confirmed surviving archaeological remains near Park Street and Anchor Terrace.

That rediscovery matters because it turned the Globe from a largely symbolic historical idea into a physically grounded London site again. Today, the original site is important not because it recreates the theatre in full, but because it anchors Shakespeare's story in the real geography of Bankside. It is one of those places where London's literary history becomes tangible under your feet.

Things to See and Do in the Globe Theatre

The main thing to see is the marked site itself. Southwark Council notes that the Globe’s area is laid out in cobbles within Playhouse Court, and notice boards on the visitor platform help explain what stood here. For travelers who enjoy archaeological sites, that low-key presentation is part of the appeal: it asks you to look carefully and imagine the scale and shape of the theatre rather than handing you a theatrical reconstruction.

The best way to visit is to pair the original site with the modern Shakespeare’s Globe a short walk away. The original site gives you the historical grounding, while the reconstructed theatre helps you visualize the architecture, acoustics, and energy of an Elizabethan playhouse. Together, they make far more sense than either stop does alone.

This area also rewards slow wandering. Bankside is packed with theatre history, river views, and old-meets-new London character, so even a brief stop at the site can become part of a richer walking route through Southwark. It is particularly satisfying for travelers who like literary places, urban archaeology, and moments of historical imagination rather than blockbuster attractions.

How to Get to the Globe Theatre Original Site

The original Globe Theatre site is on Park Street in Bankside, near Southwark Bridge Road and within easy walking distance of the modern Shakespeare's Globe, Tate Modern, and the riverfront. Reaching it is straightforward once you are in central London, and it works best as a stop on foot while exploring the South Bank and Southwark area.

If you are arriving in London by air, Heathrow is usually the simplest major airport for a central London itinerary, though Gatwick, London City, Stansted, and Luton can all work depending on your route and onward rail plans. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to London on Booking.com. If you are coming by train, London Bridge and Blackfriars are both useful stations for Bankside, while other major London termini connect easily by Underground and bus. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Buses serve the wider Southwark and Blackfriars area well, and the site is most comfortable to reach on foot for the final stretch. If you are driving, central London traffic, parking costs, and restrictions usually make public transport the better option.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Globe Theatre Original Site

  • Entrance fee: Prices vary by show.
  • Opening hours: Globe Theatre: Open at specific times for tours and performances (pre-booking essential). Box Office (Monday – Friday): 11:00–18:00. Box Office (Saturday): 10:00–18:00. Box Office (Sunday): 10:00–17:00. Shop (Monday – Sunday): 10:00–17:00.
  • Official website: https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/
  • Best time to visit: Go in daylight when the marked layout and interpretation boards are easiest to read, ideally as part of a wider Bankside walk.
  • How long to spend: Allow around 15-30 minutes for the site itself, or longer if you are combining it with Shakespeare’s Globe and nearby sights.
  • Accessibility: The site is easier than many historic attractions because it is viewed from a modern public area, though surfaces in the surrounding streets can still feel uneven in places.
  • Facilities: There are no major dedicated visitor facilities at the original site itself, so treat it as a short outdoor stop rather than a full museum-style attraction.

Where to Stay Close to the Globe Theatre Original Site

For a culture-heavy London stay, Bankside and the South Bank are the best base if you want theatre history, river walks, and easy access to Tate Modern, St Paul's, and central London on foot, while the City side suits travelers who want strong transport links and a more business-focused base.

citizenM London Bankside is a strong choice if you want a modern base close to Bankside’s cultural quarter and an easy walk to the original Globe site. Novotel London Bridge works well for travelers who want practical comfort very near Southwark’s main attractions and transport links.

If you prefer something a little more polished on the river side of the neighborhood, Sea Containers London gives you a stylish base with easy access to Bankside and the South Bank. It suits travelers who want the original site as part of a broader London arts itinerary rather than a purely Shakespeare-focused trip.

Is the Globe Theatre Original Site Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if Shakespeare means something to you or if you enjoy places where history survives through location rather than reconstruction. It is not visually dramatic in the way the modern Globe is, but it has real emotional and cultural force once you understand what happened here.

The honest pivot is that travelers looking for a big, photogenic attraction or a long indoor experience may find it understated. This is a stop for people who value context, literary history, and the pleasure of standing on a genuinely important site rather than for those who want spectacle on its own.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (33,674)

Oak-&-thatch replica of the original Elizabethan theatre, showing Shakespeare plays in the open air.

Monika Gaspar
2 years ago
"To be or not to be... 🐝 If you are a Shakespeare lover.. nothing really to say than go for a play 😊 . I found it fu y, in the break of the Macbethplay I was late coming back to my seat with a glass of red in my hand , saw the door closed , semi panicked that I can't go back in, and a friendly lady from the staff saw me, helped me to it and " you are at The Globe, you come and go as you want " surely that is not the intention of wondering around, just the vibe of freedom and expression that you can sense there is amazing. The actors are mingling in the crowed from time to time, having fun in the meantime as well. Cool place to be at..."
kbially
a week ago
"We attended a Friday showing of Midsummer Nights Dream and it was in fact a dream! Exhausted from flying through the night, I didn't think we wouldbe able to stay awake, but the actors did not disappoint! The entire experience was just incredible! I highly recommend stepping back in time and seeing a show at the Globe. We were lucky enough to be able to see Midsummer (one of my favorites of Shakespeare).But I am sure any show you see would be just as incredible...."
Diana Ogilvy
2 months ago
"Had a wonderful experience on the 50 minute tour of the Globe. Our guide Michael was excellent. You can tell he genuinely loves what he does and hisknowledge of the building and its history is impressive. Well worth the £23. He spoke clearly and made sure everyone could follow along, which was great for visitors who are not native English speakers. There are a few stairs involved but Michael checked that everyone was comfortable and offered help where needed. Already pla ing to come back for a show on my next visit. Highly recommended...."
J BM
2 months ago
"We attended the Twelfth Night workshop at Shakespeare’s Globe, which was aimed at 9–11 year olds. Overall, it was a fun and well-delivered session.The teacher was engaging, clear, and created a welcoming atmosphere for the children. We mainly booked it for our 9-year-old son, who had missed out on his school’s Shakespeare workshop, and he really enjoyed taking part. It was a great opportunity for him to experience Shakespeare in such an inspiring setting. Our 7-year-old daughter also joined in. She has ASD and DLD and attends a Key Stage 2 drama group at school. Despite the workshop being aimed at 9–11 year olds, she actually found it quite easy, likely because of her regular drama experience. It was lovely to see her feeling confident and included. I do think the content should be clearly structured according to Key Stage expectations, so parents can better judge the level. It may also be helpful to recommend watching a BBC Teach summary of Twelfth Night beforehand as useful pre-work. Overall, a positive and enjoyable experience...."
Cat Lemer
4 months ago
"We had two unforgettable experiences here during our visit and we'd be eager to go visit again! The architecture is stu ing, the experience ofstanding gathered around the stage was unique and immersive, and of course the plays were top notch. We came to see The Merry Wives of Windsor and Twelfth Night or What You Will. Wow. Both such impeccable performances, brought together by costumes, props, and such talented artists...."
Matt Wilson
a month ago
"Amazing history even if bittery cold in January. We had a fantastic tour with an actress tour guide. It was so cold, but we braved it to enjoy allthe history of Shakespeare and variants of theatre. Such a great learning experience that we all enjoyed...."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

For families, the original site works best as a short stop rather than a standalone attraction. Children interested in Shakespeare or theatre may enjoy the idea of standing where the Globe once stood, but most younger visitors will get more from pairing it with the reconstructed Globe nearby.

It is a good addition to a South Bank walk because it does not require a long time commitment. Think of it as a quick historical anchor point between more visual or interactive sights.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, this is one of those understated London stops that works well if you both enjoy history and walking. It adds a literary layer to a Bankside stroll and pairs naturally with the river, nearby restaurants, and an evening performance at the modern Globe.

It is especially rewarding for travelers who prefer atmosphere and meaning over checklist sightseeing. The appeal lies in context and imagination, not in grand visuals.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers should include it because it is free and easy to combine with several other Bankside sights. In a city where many major attractions are expensive, it offers a genuine sense of place without costing anything.

It also fits neatly into a low-cost walking day along the Thames. Pair it with Tate Modern's free collections, riverside views, and the surrounding historic streets for a strong central London route.

History Buffs

History buffs are the people most likely to get the full value from this stop. The site carries layers of theatre history, archaeology, religious and civic change in Southwark, and the practical working world of Shakespeare’s company.

It is also significant because excavations confirmed physical remains of both Globe phases, helping settle long-running debates about the theatre's exact position and form. That makes the site important not just for literary history, but for the archaeology of London performance culture as well.

FAQs for Visiting Globe Theatre Original Site

Getting There

It is on the south side of Park Street in Bankside, within Playhouse Court near Southwark Bridge Road. It sits in the Southwark area, close to the Thames and a short walk from the reconstructed Shakespeare’s Globe.
A simple route is to walk inland from the Bankside riverside area near Shakespeare’s Globe and Tate Modern toward Park Street. The site is close enough that it works naturally as part of a short Bankside detour rather than a separate journey.
Walk west from London Bridge through Southwark toward Park Street and Bankside. It is a manageable central London walk and usually the easiest option if you are already arriving at London Bridge.
There is parking in the wider area, but driving is rarely worth it for a short central London heritage stop. Public transport and walking are usually simpler and fit the neighborhood much better.

Tickets & Entry

Yes, the original site is free to see from the public area. If you want a fuller visitor experience, the nearby reconstructed Shakespeare’s Globe offers ticketed tours and performances.
No, not for the original site itself. It is a quick independent stop rather than a timed attraction.
Yes, it is effectively a year-round outdoor heritage stop in a public area. Daylight hours are the best time to visit because the interpretation features are easier to appreciate then.

Visiting Experience

Around 15-30 minutes is enough for most visitors. That is usually plenty of time to take in the marked layout, read the boards, and understand why the site matters.
Yes, but mainly if you are already exploring Bankside or have an interest in Shakespeare. It works best as a meaningful add-on rather than as a single major attraction.
The best pairing is the reconstructed Shakespeare’s Globe, followed by Tate Modern, the river walk, and Southwark Cathedral. That gives you theatre, art, and historic London in a compact area.
It is better in fair weather because it is an outdoor stop and the visual interpretation is easier to enjoy when you are not rushing. In bad weather, it still works, but it is more likely to feel brief and functional.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Some Southwark and Shakespeare-themed walks include it, but many general London tours focus more on the reconstructed Globe. Independent travelers often get more from it when they deliberately build it into a Bankside route.
The original site itself works perfectly well as a quick independent stop. If you want deeper interpretation, the guided experience is usually better taken at the reconstructed Globe nearby.
A strong short route is Bankside riverfront to Shakespeare’s Globe, then Park Street for the original site, followed by Tate Modern or Southwark Cathedral. It gives you a very complete slice of historic and cultural Southwark in a compact walk.

Photography

It is more interesting for documentary or literary-history photography than for dramatic landmark shots. The appeal is in the context, plaques, layout markers, and surrounding Bankside atmosphere.
Daytime is best, especially when the light makes the surface markings and surrounding streets easier to read. Early or late in the day can also make the area feel calmer and more reflective.
The most useful photo is one that includes the marked layout and some of the surrounding urban setting. That captures the contrast between the vanished theatre and the modern city built around it.

Accessibility & Facilities

It is more accessible than many historic ruins because it is viewed from a modern public setting rather than through enclosed excavation spaces. Even so, street surfaces and the wider Bankside walk may still require a little planning.
No major dedicated facilities belong to the original site itself. Use nearby Bankside venues if you need toilets, food, or indoor visitor services.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Bankside is the obvious choice, especially around the riverfront and the modern Globe area. That keeps the visit easy and lets you continue your walk without a big detour.
Yes, the wider Bankside and Borough area offers everything from casual cafés to more substantial meals. It is easy to fold the site into a half-day of walking, culture, and food.

Safety & Timing

Yes, Bankside is one of central London’s better-known visitor areas and is generally pleasant. The site itself is still more rewarding by day, when the heritage interpretation is easiest to appreciate.
Earlier in the day is better if you want a quieter, more reflective stop. Later in the day works well if you are combining it with the livelier riverfront and an evening theatre plan.

The Globe Theatre appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting London!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Globe Theatre: Open at specific times for tours and performances (pre-booking essential).

Box Office (Monday - Friday): 11:00-18:00.

Box Office (Saturday): 10:00-18:00.

Box Office (Sunday): 10:00-17:00.

Shop (Monday - Sunday): 10:00-17:00.

Price:

Prices vary by show.

Address: 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT, UK
London: 2 km
Telephone: +44 20 7401 9919
Official Website

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