Shakespeare's Globe (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Shakespeare's Globe?
What makes it 84% Couple-Friendly: Seated evening shows and the Thames-view Swan restaurant create a shared cultural date, though benches lack cushions and bad weather can reduce comfort.
Positives:
- Intimate Setting: Small galleries and groundling areas let couples feel close to the action.
- Riverside Location: Easy to combine with a South Bank stroll before or after your visit.
Challenges:
- Weather Exposure: Performances are open-air—check rain forecasts and dress in layers.
- Limited Seating: Gallery tickets sell out fast; book at least two weeks in advance.
What is Shakespeare's Globe?
- An oak-and-thatch reconstruction of the original 1599 Elizabethan playhouse on London’s South Bank
- A circular, timber-framed open-air theatre with a thrust stage under a thatched roof, faithfully replicating early modern performance architecture
- A cultural and educational hub featuring exhibition galleries and research facilities dedicated to Shakespearean drama and Elizabethan theatre practice
What is so special about Shakespeare's Globe for couple trip?
- Guided tour of the reconstructed Elizabethan theatre
- Open-air Shakespeare performances in historic style
- Romantic riverside dining and drinks at the Swan Bar
- Evening walking tour with candlelit Shakespeare tales
- Easy South Bank location to pair with other attractions
Recommended visit duration: 2 hours
Why 2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Time for a guided tour and a quick browse of the theatre and shop
Couple-Friendly Activities in Shakespeare's Globe
50-Minute Guided Tour:
Explore the reconstruction of the wooden ‘O’ and learn how the open-air theatre operates.
Tip: Join the first tour of the day to avoid crowds and take photos on the empty stage.
Open-Air Performance:
Watch a Shakespeare play as groundlings or from the gallery for a historic experience.
Tip: Book gallery seats early for riverside views; bring a thin blanket for standing spots.
Twilight Walking Tour:
Enjoy an atmospheric evening stroll around Bankside with candlelit Shakespeare stories.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and a jacket; tours start at dusk for best mood.
Swan Bar & Restaurant:
Sip tea, lunch or cocktails overlooking the Thames and Globe façade.
Tip: Reserve a window table for sunset views; try the Shakespeare-inspired cocktails.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Shakespeare's Globe
- Advance Booking: Reserve play and tour tickets online to secure best seats and times.
- Early Arrival: Arrive 30 minutes before a performance to explore the exhibition and shop without rush.
Reviews of Shakespeare's Globe
Frana Marija Vulić Vranković
Great place to see a show outdoors. For those who don’t enjoy traditional plays, the guided tour of the theatre is a mix of stand-up comedy and a history lesson. The tour guides are both hilarious and knowledgeable. Lovely gift shop as well. Prebook!
Samantha Larner
The Twelfth Night was beyond incredible! The Actors were amazing, they were so engaging, funny & vibrant! It was an absolute delight to see such a diverse range of cultures playing such prominent parts, it fills me with joy & hope to also see disability inclusion & pride positivity! My visit to the globe in 1998 with my school started my love affair of Shakespeare & to finall return all these year...
Eduard Rudyk
Restored Shakespeare's time theater. Great performance and amazing atmosphere. We took standing tickets, they are really cheap and close to the stage. The actors sometimes interact with public near the stage. In standing area there are also places you can lean on, and these are taken fast so come early. It is prohibited to shoot during the performance and they closely monitor that you follow. Over...
Karen Ballantine
Fantastic venue! Very intimate and a perfect step back in time to the days of Shakespeare himself. Lots of helpful staff and a lovely shop, coffee shop too. Would recommend paying for cushions as the wooden benches are very hard and obviously no backs as a bench so could be uncomfortable if you have back issues. No negatives, brilliant place to visit - you won’t be disappointed!
Joanna Uchwat
The Globe Tour and the play we attended were truly inspiring experiences. We embarked on a morning guided tour with the incredible Gabi, who illuminated the rich history of The Globe for us. Afterward, we savored a delightful brunch at a nearby Borough Market before returning for the show. Today, we watched The Merry Wives of Windsor, sharing a couple of glasses of wine along the way. Make sure to...
When is the best time to visit Shakespeare's Globe (London, United Kingdom)?
Bring a light raincoat in summer; winter evenings get chilly in the open yard.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Guided Tour tickets (2 adults) | GBP 50 |
| Gallery Play tickets (2 adults) | GBP 60 |
| Drinks at Swan Bar | GBP 20 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 130 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Shakespeare's Globe
Address: 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT, UK
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