Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Shakespeare's Globe
★4.6(24,047 reviews)$$Theater
🕑 1 hour for tours, 2-3 hours for performances including interval👶 Best for ages 8 and up. Older children and teens with an interest in theater, history, or literature will appreciate the performances and tours most. Younger children ages 5-7 can enjoy family-friendly shows designed specifically for them, though very young children may find longer performances challenging.🧡 Saved by 450+ families
About
Shakespeare's Globe offers families an unforgettable journey back to Renaissance England with its authentic recreation of the famous theater. Children can experience live performances tailored for young audiences, explore backstage areas where actors prepare, and learn about Elizabethan theater through hands-on exhibits. The combination of education and entertainment makes this a magical introduction to Shakespeare and historical London.
Highlights
- ✓Standing as a groundling in the open-air yard just like audiences did 400 years ago
- ✓Backstage tours revealing theatrical secrets, costumes, and special effects
- ✓Interactive exhibition with Elizabethan clothing to try on and historical artifacts to explore
- ✓Special family-friendly Shakespeare adaptations designed for young audiences during school holidays
- ✓The stunning handcrafted theater itself, built using traditional methods with oak timbers and a thatched roof
Pro Tips
- 1.Book the guided tour in advance, especially during summer and school holidays when they sell out quickly. Tours run daily and last 40 minutes.
- 2.For performances, consider standing as a 'groundling' in the yard for the authentic experience, but book seated tickets if you have younger children who may tire during longer shows.
- 3.Check the family workshops and special kids' performances scheduled during school holidays. These interactive sessions are designed specifically for children and include costume activities.
- 4.Arrive 30 minutes early to explore the exhibition space below the theater, which features interactive displays about Shakespeare's world that kids can touch and try.
- 5.The outdoor theater can be chilly even in summer. Bring layers and rain gear as performances continue in light rain, staying true to Elizabethan tradition.
Best Time to Visit
Visit during spring or summer (April to September) when the theater season is in full swing and weather is pleasant for the open-air venue. Weekday mornings are ideal for tours with fewer crowds, while matinee performances work well for families. Avoid evening shows for younger children as they can run late.
What to Know
Tours cost around 17 pounds for adults and 10 pounds for children (ages 5-15), while performance tickets range from 5 pounds for groundling standing tickets to 25-60 pounds for seats. There's a cafe on-site, and the nearest Underground stations are London Bridge and Southwark. The venue is mostly accessible, though the historic nature means some areas have limited wheelchair access.
Seasonal Notes
The outdoor theater season runs from late April to mid-October. Winter months (November to March) offer indoor performances at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse and year-round tours of the Globe. Special Christmas productions and holiday workshops are popular with families. Book well ahead for summer performances and school holiday events.
Nearby Eats
The Swan at the Globe restaurant offers pre-theater dining with river views and a children's menu. For quick bites, Borough Market is a 5-minute walk away with dozens of food stalls offering international options that kids enjoy, from fresh pizza to crepes.
More Activities Near London
Arcade
Camden Town
$
Camden Town is a vibrant neighborhood bursting with creative energy, offering eclectic markets, colorful street art, and alternative culture that fascinates tweens and teens. While the bustling atmosphere and edgy vibe make it less suitable for toddlers, older children will love exploring the quirky shops, sampling international street food, and watching talented street performers along the canal and market areas.
Museum
The British Museum
★4.7$❤️132
The British Museum offers families an incredible journey through human history, from Egyptian mummies that captivate young imaginations to ancient Greek sculptures and treasures from every corner of the globe. Best of all, admission is completely free, making it an unbeatable value for families traveling to London who want world-class culture without the hefty price tag.
Park
Hyde Park
★4.7Free❤️75
Hyde Park is one of London's most iconic green spaces, offering 350 acres of family fun in the heart of the city. From splashing in the Diana Memorial Fountain to feeding swans at the Serpentine lake, renting pedal boats, and exploring multiple playgrounds, this royal park provides hours of outdoor entertainment without costing a penny.
Activity
Tower of London
★4.7❤️561
The Tower of London brings nearly 1,000 years of history to life through interactive exhibits, dazzling Crown Jewels, and entertaining Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tours that engage children with tales of kings, queens, and even executions. Kids are fascinated by the armor collection, medieval torture devices, and the resident ravens, while the fortress setting provides plenty of space to explore towers, walkways, and battlements.