Step back in time and explore Shakespeare’s London on this engaging walking tour. Discover the origins of the Globe Theatre, hear Shakespearian speeches, and immerse yourself in the history, literature, and drama of the Elizabethan era.
- Thames River - Walking from the north to the south bank
- Southwark Bridge - Cross Southwark Bridge to see the Globe Theatre
- Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre - The tour passes by The Globe Theatre on the south bank, with views from the Thames Walk but no entry.
- Millennium Bridge - Cross the Millennium Bridge after viewing the Globe Theatre
- Playhouse Yard - Site of the Blackfriars Dominican Monastery and the first and second Blackfriars Playhouses
- St. Paul’s Cathedral - Circle St Paul’s Cathedral along Cheapside and up Milk Street.
- St. Mary-le-Bow - Pass by and learn about the bells of London.
- Guildhall - Hear about the history of the liveries, Shakespeare’s first folio housed in the Guildhall, and the remains of the Roman amphitheatre.
- Roman wall of Londinium - See the ruins of the Roman Wall on Noble Street and the plaque marking Shakespeare’s lodgings on Silver Street.
- Barbican Highwalk - Explore a lesser-known walkway through the Barbican estate with great views and history of the estate and Barbican Centre.
- Barbican Centre - Home of the Royal Shakespeare Company, learn its history, view St Giles Cripplegate, and take a 20-minute rest and refreshment break before continuing down Silk Street to Shoreditch.
- Bunhill Fields - Walk up Whitecross Street, see the site of the Fortune Playhouse, then cross into Shoreditch and learn about the burial ground’s history.
- Shoreditch - Walk through the modern district of Shoreditch towards Curtain Road
- New Inn Yard - Site of the first playhouse, The Theatre, and now the location of The Shakespeare Museum
- Actor-guided narration
- No entry fees
- No refreshments, food or drink provided by host
This immersive theatrical experience takes Shakespeare’s working life back to its roots. Led by professional actor guide, meeting Mansion House Tube/Garlick Hill, crossing Southwark bridge, to view the world renowned Globe theatre, crossing back over the Millennium Bridge, to trace the Globe’s history to it’s birthplace, Shoreditch, via key locations in Elizabethan Renaissance Theatre. A player guide will recount the history of the first British Playhouses, and perform suitable Shakespearian speeches at key points. Packed with history, literature, theatricality, comedy, tragedy, fact, fiction and drama, including modern sights and sounds, cultural references, superb street art in Shoreditch, an exciting cut through the Barbican estate, and crosses boundaries and genres on the way, 90 mins walking walking plus 20 min interval at the Barbican Arts Centre, home of The Royal Shakespeare Company, ending at New Inn Yard, Shoreditch. Groups limited to max 6 people. Age suitability 16+ years.
- Steps and Stairs included on walk
- Road crossings
- 20 minute interval at Barbican
- Suitable walking footwear required
- Umbrella or rain macs may be required
- Bring own bottled water
- The total duration includes walking time
- Not suitable for Children under 16
- Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues
- Not recommended for travellers who have difficulty walking or keeping up with a group
- Rest Rooms Available at Barbican
- Not recommended for under 16 year olds
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.