• The Blackfriar - Begin your exploration of Shakespeare’s London at The Blackfriar. This renowned spot sets the scene for diving into the Bard’s life and work in the lively city.
• Playhouse Yard - Walk through Playhouse Yard, a place rich in theatrical history where Shakespeare’s plays were once staged, immersing yourself in the vibrant cultural life of Elizabethan London.
• Ireland Yard - Stroll through Ireland Yard, a site with literary ties to Shakespeare’s time and close to the Globe Theatre, offering insights into the playwright’s creative environment.
• The Cockpit - Take a look at The Cockpit, a former theatre known for its varied entertainment during Shakespeare’s era, providing a glimpse into the diverse entertainment scene of the time.
• The Mermaid - Visit The Mermaid, a historic tavern popular with actors and playwrights in the Elizabethan era, offering a peek into the social and artistic gatherings of the period.
• St Andrew by the Wardrobe - Admire St Andrew by the Wardrobe, an ancient church connected to Shakespeare and other literary figures, giving a sense of the religious and cultural context in which the playwright thrived.
• St. Paul’s Cathedral - Look upon the grand St Paul’s Cathedral, a landmark of London’s skyline, and consider its importance as a cultural and religious icon during Shakespeare’s time.
• College of Arms - Walk by the College of Arms, a heraldic institution linked to Shakespeare’s era, where coats of arms and genealogical records were kept, reflecting the cultural and social norms of the period.
• Millennium Bridge - Cross the Millennium Bridge, a modern engineering feat over the River Thames, offering sweeping views of the city and serving as a gateway to London’s historical and cultural sites.
• Cardinal Cap Alley - Wander through Cardinal Cap Alley, a historic passage with a vibrant past, offering glimpses into London’s lively streets and the rich tapestry of life during Shakespeare’s era.
• Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre - Dive into Shakespeare’s world at the reconstructed Globe Theatre, a tribute to the lasting legacy of the Bard’s works and the vibrancy of London’s theatrical scene.
• The Swan - Visit the Swan London, a riverside venue next to Shakespeare’s Globe, where today’s visitors can enjoy food and drink by the Thames, echoing the convivial spirit of Shakespeare’s time.
• The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse - See the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, a theatre within the Shakespeare’s Globe complex, honoring its founder’s vision and preserving Elizabethan theatre traditions.
• The Rose Theatre - Pass by the Rose Theatre, a historic playhouse from Shakespeare’s era, where the Bard’s works and those of his peers were performed, adding to London’s rich theatrical heritage.
• Original site of the Globe Theatre - Pay tribute to the original site of the Globe Theatre, where Shakespeare’s famous plays were staged, and soak in the atmosphere of the bustling Elizabethan theatre district.
• Clink Prison Museum - Discover London’s darker side at The Clink Prison Museum, where visitors can learn about the city’s notorious past and the criminal world familiar to Shakespeare.
• Winchester Palace - Behold the ruins of Winchester Palace, a medieval site with links to London’s history, offering insights into the city’s architectural heritage and historical importance.
• Golden Hinde - See a replica of The Golden Hinde, a 17th-century ship that represents London’s maritime history and the adventurous spirit that inspired Shakespeare’s tales of exploration.
• Southwark Cathedral - Visit Southwark Cathedral, London’s oldest Gothic church, where Shakespeare and other literary greats found inspiration, shaping the city’s cultural landscape.
• Borough Market - Experience the lively atmosphere of Borough Market, a bustling center of food and culture, where the sights, sounds, and smells evoke the sensory experiences of Shakespeare’s London.
• London Bridge - Walk across London Bridge, a historic route over the River Thames, and follow in the footsteps of travelers who entered the city, reflecting on the bustling metropolis that inspired Shakespeare.
• The White Hart - Explore White Hart Yard, a charming area with literary connections, where Shakespeare might have found inspiration for his memorable characters and stories.
• George - Conclude your journey at the George Pub, where Shakespeare once performed, reflecting on the Bard’s enduring legacy and his lasting impact on London’s cultural scene.

• Unlimited, lifetime use of the tour before and after booking date
• Virtual playback option to listen like an audiobook from anywhere
• Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
• Self-guided GPS tour to explore at your own pace
• Directions to the starting point for automatic tour start

• Smartphone and headphones

London left an indelible mark on Shakespeare. On this self-guided walking tour, you will mask the city’s past while taking in the iconic sites that inspired the Bard. Blue Badge guide and Context Travel expert Tim Barron leads this tour and will give you insight into the renowned playwright’s personal and professional life in the bustling city.

You’ll explore the Blackfriars area and Southwark borough where Shakespeare lived and worked. As you walk, you’ll hear about the Bard’s life, from the enigmatic ”lost years” to the inspiration behind his iconic works. You’ll stroll past various spots central to the history of theatre in the city, including the original site of the Globe Theatre, the Rose Theatre, and the George Pub, where he performed.

On this tour, Tim will reveal how Shakespeare and his contemporaries navigated the city’s volatile theatrical landscape and offer you a peek into the vibrant cultural milieu of Elizabethan London.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.