A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Shakespeare’s London

Duration1h - 1h 30m

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

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

Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Smartphone and headphones

What to expect

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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.
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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.
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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.
The Cockpit
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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.
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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.
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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.
St. Paul's Cathedral
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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.
College of Arms
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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.
Millennium Bridge
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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.
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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.
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
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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.
The Swan
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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.
The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
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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.
The Rose Theatre
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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.
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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.
The Clink Prison Museum
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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.
Winchester Palace
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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.
Golden Hinde
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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.
Southwark Anglican Cathedral
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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.
Borough Market
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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.
London Bridge
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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.
The White Hart
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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.
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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.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

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.

End point

The tour ends at The George Inn, built in 1676 and London's only surviving galleried inn.

Additional information

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

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