
Shakespeare's Globe is a faithful reconstruction of the original 1599 Elizabethan playhouse, where many of Shakespeare's plays were first performed. Opened in 1997, it offers an authentic open-air theatrical experience, immersing audiences in the atmosphere of Shakespearean London. Its unique thrust stage and standing 'groundlings' yard foster an intimate connection between performers and spectators, making it a significant architectural and cultural landmark.
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Seating
- Yard (Groundlings)Cheapest, most immersive, but prepare to stand for 2.5-3 hours in any weather.
- Lower GalleryClose to the action, but beware side views and limited legroom on benches.
- Middle GalleryA balanced view of stage and yard; benches and legroom still a factor.
- Upper GalleryHighest tier, cheapest seats: broad view, but details and side views suffer.
Yard (Groundlings)
Stand directly around the thrust stage for the most immersive and intimate experience the Globe offers. You'll be right in the thick of it, with direct interaction potential with the actors. Be prepared to stand for the entire 2.5-3 hour performance, exposed to all weather conditions – rain, sun, or wind. While you'll be incredibly close to the stage, your view might be obstructed by other audience members, especially if you're shorter. These are typically the cheapest tickets, and naturally, legroom isn't a concern.
Lower Gallery
The first tier of seated galleries puts you closest to the stage. You'll find yourself on wooden benches, often without backrests, so consider renting a cushion (or enjoy one included with premium tickets).
Central bays offer excellent, close-up views of the stage. However, if you're in a side bay, be aware that architectural pillars and the acute angle to the thrust stage can significantly restrict your view of parts of the stage, especially the rear stage and discovery space.
Legroom is generally limited due to the bench seating. This gallery also houses the premium 'Gentlemen's Rooms' or 'Lord's Rooms', which boast prime, often cushioned, seating and some of the very best sightlines.
Middle Gallery
Ascend to the second tier for a more elevated and panoramic view of the entire stage and yard than the Lower Gallery offers. Seating is on wooden benches, similar to the tier below, meaning limited legroom and often no backrests – so a cushion is highly recommended or available for rent.
Views are generally good here and less prone to severe pillar obstructions than the Lower Gallery, though you might still encounter partial obstructions in some extreme side bays. This level strikes a good balance between proximity to the stage and an overall perspective of both the action and the audience interaction.
Upper Gallery
Perched in the third and highest tier, you'll have the most distant and elevated views of the stage. Seating here is on wooden benches, just like the other galleries, so expect limited legroom and no backrests – a cushion is highly recommended or available for rent.
Views can be significantly restricted in side bays due to pillars and the steep angle. While your height provides a full overview of the stage and yard, discerning details like facial expressions and subtle acting may be harder.
These are generally the cheapest seated tickets, offering a more traditional, distant theatre experience compared to the immersive lower levels.
See the view from your seat
SeatPlan has photographs taken from individual seats at the Shakespeare's Globe, alongside a full seating plan and reviews from people who sat there. Worth a look before you commit to a restricted-view seat.
View seat photos and planAffiliate link — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Staying nearby
The nearest hotels to the Shakespeare's Globe, for anyone travelling in for a show rather than heading home after it.
- Native Banksideabout 5 min walk
- Locke at Broken Wharfabout 5 min walk
- citizenM London Banksideabout 5 min walk
Hotels.com affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Prices and availability are shown on their site.
Facilities
Toilets
Accessible toilets are available on the Piazza level and Lower Level, with gender-neutral and baby changing facilities on the Piazza level.
Stage door
21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT.
Location
21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT
Getting there
nearest first
- 10–15 min
Blackfriars
DistrictCircleNational Rail - 10–15 min
London Bridge
JubileeNorthernNational Rail - 10–15 min
Southwark
Jubilee
Numerous bus routes serve the area.
Step-by-step walking directions
Shakespeare's Globe is located on the South Bank. The nearest Tube stations are Blackfriars (District & Circle lines, 10-15 minute walk across Blackfriars Bridge), London Bridge (Jubilee & Northern lines, 10-15 minute walk along Bankside), and Southwark (Jubilee line, 10-15 minute walk). Blackfriars and London Bridge also offer National Rail services. Numerous bus routes serve the area.









