Shakespeare's Globe (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Shakespeare's Globe?
What makes it 88% Solo-Friendly: The open-air plays, £5 groundling tickets and 50-min tours give a solo visitor flexible, low-cost cultural time without needing companions.
Positives:
- Interactive Atmosphere: The theatre lets you feel part of the action, especially as a groundling.
- English Practice: Live Shakespeare in original language boosts listening skills.
Challenges:
- Standing Duration: Groundling tickets require standing for up to 2 hours without seating.
- Open-Air Exposure: Performances run in all weather; prepare for rain or strong sun.
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 solo trip?
- Stand with the groundlings for a lively, close-up view
- Join a guided tour to explore the modern Globe’s workings
- Snag £5 Friday Rush tickets for budget-friendly entry
- Enjoy themed gifts and refreshments at the on-site shop and café
- Catch indoor shows at Sam Wanamaker Playhouse from £5
Recommended visit duration: 2 hours
Why 2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough time to explore the theatre, join a guided tour, and catch a performance.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Shakespeare's Globe
Stand as a groundling:
Buy a £5 standing ticket and join the groundlings in front of the stage.
Tip: Arrive 30 minutes early to secure a spot and brace for the open-air elements.
£5 Friday Rush:
Try the weekly £5 Rush on Fridays at 11 a.m. for next week’s performances.
Tip: Use a mobile connection to refresh the site quickly when tickets go live.
Guided Theatre Tour:
Join the 50-minute tour for a behind-the-scenes look at the modern Globe.
Tip: Book online in advance; seats fill fast during peak season.
Visit the Globe Shop and Café:
Browse themed books and souvenirs, then grab coffee or snacks.
Tip: Shop before the show start to avoid crowds at intermission.
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse Show:
See an indoor performance with low-priced standing tickets from £5.
Tip: Check the schedule online and book standing spots early for popular shows.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Shakespeare's Globe
- Book Early: Secure guided tour and seated tickets online to guarantee entry.
- Use Friday Rush: Set a phone alert for 11 a.m. Fridays to grab £5 tickets quickly.
- Weekday Visits: Attend shows on weekdays to face smaller crowds and shorter lines.
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)?
The open-air theatre has no cover; pack a raincoat or sunhat. Shows run year-round in most weather.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Groundling standing ticket | GBP 5 |
| Guided tour | GBP 25 |
| Coffee and snack | GBP 5 |
| Playhouse standing ticket | GBP 5 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 40 |
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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