Shakespeare's Globe (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Shakespeare's Globe?
What makes it 77% Kids-Friendly: Interactive family tours, sword-fighting workshops and half-price show seats suit ages 7–12, but long standing periods and Elizabethan benches may tire young children quickly.
Positives:
- Child-Friendly Tours: Tours include interactive elements designed for ages 7–11 to keep kids active.
- Budget Flexibility: Standing tickets from £5 let families enjoy a play on a small budget.
Challenges:
- Open-Air Comfort: Yard seating is uncovered; bring layers and rain gear in variable weather.
- Stairs and Accessibility: Guided tours use narrow stairs to upper levels; prams must stay on ground floor.
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 with kids?
- Hands-on guided tour lets kids explore the Elizabethan stage.
- Standing tickets from £5 offer low-cost family theatre access.
- Free activity trail and exhibits keep children engaged.
- Swan Bar overlooks the Thames with a child-friendly menu.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives time for the family tour, a quick play view and a snack without rushing kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Shakespeare's Globe
Family Globe Theatre Guided Tour:
Join the 50-minute family tour with hands-on exhibits and Elizabethan stage stories.
Tip: Book online early to secure child spots and meet at least 10 minutes before start.
Catch a Matinee Performance:
See a live open-air play with standing yard or covered gallery seating.
Tip: Buy £5 standing groundling tickets for lively views or choose gallery seats for shade.
Explore the Globe Exhibition:
Self-guided exhibit on the theatre’s rebuild, with artefacts and stage models.
Tip: Pick up the free kids’ activity trail at the entrance to keep children engaged.
Browse the Globe Shop:
Shop theatre-themed gifts, costumes and books designed for young visitors.
Tip: Look for family gift sets and souvenir masks around £10–£15.
Snack at Swan Bar & Restaurant:
Views over the Thames with a child-friendly menu and free highchairs.
Tip: Reserve a table online to avoid queues at peak lunch times.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Shakespeare's Globe
- Buy Tickets Early: Book family tour and gallery seats online up to two weeks ahead to secure availability.
- Use £5 Rush: Check Friday 11 a.m. sales for last-minute standing tickets at £5 each.
- Pick Gallery Seating: Choose covered gallery spots for better sound and shelter from sun or rain.
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)?
In summer, bring sun hats and water for open-air seating. In December–January, join the Festive Family Tour for holiday-themed activities.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Family Guided Tour (2 A + 2 C) | GBP 86 |
| Groundling performance tickets (4×£5) | GBP 20 |
| Snacks at Swan Bar | GBP 25 |
| Souvenir from Globe Shop | GBP 15 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 146 |
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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