Landmark
Shakespeare's Globe was rebuilt in the 1990s close to the site of the original 1599 theatre, thatched roof and timber frame included, and continues the tradition of staging Shakespeare's plays much as Elizabethan audiences would have seen them, standing in the open-air yard or seated on wooden benches. Reviewers with a 4.6 rating enjoy the novelty of the format but also warn that the backless bench seating can be tough going over a two-hour-plus performance, so it rewards a bit of preparation. It's less a passive sightseeing stop and more an experience to build an evening around, ideal for anyone wanting theatre with genuine historical texture rather than a conventional West End show.
✨ Reasons to go
💡 Good to know
⏱️ Typical visit
1h
🕰️ Best time
morning, afternoon or evening
🚶 Walking intensity
Moderate walking
What people say
"What an amazing time we had when we visited The Globe to see Midsummer Night's Dream! We started with lunch outside at The Swan - the mussels were to die for - then went straight into The Globe, armed with our cushions. The atmosphere was joyful. Thongs going on all around us half an hoyr before the petformance started. There were "auditions" on the stage, fabulous music and singing to join in with. We loved it all. The play was fantastic - we knew it would be but, somehow it was even better - exceeded every expectation. Well done to everyone at The Globe we had an afternoon we will never forget. Thank you."
— Mandy
