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Offered languages
- English
- English
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.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The tour begins in front of The Blackfriar Pub at 174 Queen Victoria Street. Travellers can take the Circle, District or Thameslink lines to the Blackfriars station to reach The Blackfriar.
The tour ends at The George Inn, built in 1676 and London's only surviving galleried inn.
Itinerary
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(Pass by)
Start your journey through Shakespeare's London at The Blackfriar. This iconic establishment sets the stage for delving into the Bard's personal and professional life in the bustling city.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Pass by Playhouse Yard, an area steeped in theatrical history, where Shakespeare's plays were once performed, immersing yourself in the vibrant cultural scene of Elizabethan London.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Wander through Ireland Yard, a location with literary connections to Shakespeare's era and proximity to the theatrical hub of the Globe Theatre, offering insights into the playwright's creative milieu.
Admission ticket free -
The Cockpit (Pass by)
Catch a glimpse of The Cockpit, a former theatre known for its diverse entertainment offerings during Shakespeare's time, providing a window into the eclectic entertainment landscape of the era.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Pass by The Mermaid, a historic tavern frequented by actors and playwrights during the Elizabethan era, offers a glimpse into the social gatherings and artistic exchanges of the time.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Marvel at St Andrew by the Wardrobe, a centuries-old church with ties to Shakespeare and other literary giants, providing a sense of the religious and cultural backdrop against which the playwright thrived.
Admission ticket free -
St. Paul's Cathedral (Pass by)
Gaze upon the majestic St Paul's Cathedral, an iconic symbol of London's skyline, and reflect on its significance as a cultural and religious landmark during Shakespeare's era.
Admission ticket free -
College of Arms (Pass by)
Pass by the College of Arms, a heraldic authority with ties to Shakespeare's time, where coats of arms and genealogical records were meticulously maintained, reflecting the cultural and social norms of the period.
Admission ticket free -
Millennium Bridge (Pass by)
Cross the Millennium Bridge, a modern engineering marvel spanning the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the cityscape and serving as a gateway to London's historical and cultural treasures.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Stroll through Cardinal Cap Alley, a historic thoroughfare with a colorful past, offering glimpses into London's bustling streetscape and the vibrant tapestry of life during Shakespeare's era.
Admission ticket free -
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre (Pass by)
Immerse yourself in the world of Shakespeare at the reconstructed Globe Theatre, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Bard's works and the vibrancy of London's theatrical scene.
Admission ticket free -
The Swan (Pass by)
Pass by the Swan London, a riverside establishment adjacent to Shakespeare's Globe, where modern-day patrons can enjoy culinary delights against the backdrop of the Thames, echoing the convivial spirit of Shakespeare's time.
Admission ticket free -
The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse (Pass by)
Catch a glimpse of the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, a theatrical venue within the Shakespeare's Globe complex, honoring the vision of its founder and preserving the traditions of Elizabethan theater.
Admission ticket free -
The Rose Theatre (Pass by)
Walk past the Rose Theatre, a historic playhouse with ties to Shakespeare's era, where the Bard's works and those of his contemporaries were brought to life on stage, contributing to the rich tapestry of London's theatrical heritage.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Pay homage to the original site of the Globe Theatre, where Shakespeare's most famous plays were performed, and immerse yourself in the ambiance of the bustling Elizabethan theater district.
Admission ticket free -
The Clink Prison Museum (Pass by)
Gain insights into London's darker side at The Clink Prison Museum, where visitors can explore the city's infamous past and learn about the criminal underworld that Shakespeare would have been familiar with.
Admission ticket free -
Winchester Palace (Pass by)
Marvel at the ruins of Winchester Palace, a medieval landmark with ties to London's past, offering glimpses into the city's architectural heritage and historical significance.
Admission ticket free -
Golden Hinde (Pass by)
Encounter a reconstruction of The Golden Hinde, a 17th-century ship that embodies London's maritime history and reflects the adventurous spirit that inspired Shakespeare's tales of exploration and discovery.
Admission ticket free -
Southwark Cathedral (Pass by)
Pay a visit to Southwark Cathedral, London's oldest Gothic church, where Shakespeare and other literary luminaries found solace and inspiration amidst its hallowed halls, shaping the cultural landscape of the city.
Admission ticket free -
Borough Market (Pass by)
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Borough Market, a bustling hub of culinary delights and cultural diversity, where the sights, sounds, and aromas evoke the sensory experiences of Shakespeare's London.
Admission ticket free -
London Bridge (Pass by)
Cross London Bridge, a historic thoroughfare spanning the River Thames, and trace the footsteps of travelers who entered the city through its gates, reflecting on the bustling metropolis that inspired Shakespeare's imagination.
Admission ticket free -
The White Hart (Pass by)
Explore White Hart Yard, a quaint enclave with ties to London's literary history, where Shakespeare may have found inspiration for his iconic characters and timeless tales.
Admission ticket free -
George (Pass by)
End your journey at the George Pub, where Shakespeare once performed, reflecting on the enduring legacy of the Bard and the indelible mark he left on London's cultural landscape.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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