Where is Shakespeare's Globe: location, history, and how to visit

The original Globe and its modern reconstruction

Shakespeare's Globe is both the name of the historic Elizabethan playhouse where many of Shakespeare's works were first performed and the modern reconstruction standing near the original site. The theatre was first built in 1599 by the Lord Chamberlain's Men on the south bank of the Thames in Southwark. An early venue for Shakespeare's plays, it burned down in 1613 and was rebuilt in 1614. The contemporary Globe, faithful to the original design, opened in 1997 as a working theatre, research facility, and educational resource dedicated to Shakespearean performance and study.

The reconstructed Globe stands a few hundred metres from the site of the 1599 theatre, allowing modern audiences to experience Shakespeare in a setting that reflects the open-air, thrust-stage design of the late Elizabethan period. The reconstruction uses traditional materials and techniques where possible, offering insight into how the plays may have sounded and looked in their first performances.

Address and precise location

The modern Shakespeare's Globe is located in London, on the south bank of the River Thames in the Borough of Southwark. Its exact address and nearby transport links make it straightforward to reach by foot, bicycle, public transport, or car.

Site context and riverside position

The Globe sits in the Clink area of Southwark, close to the Thames Path and a short walk from landmarks such as Southwark Cathedral, Borough Market, and the Tate Modern. Its position on the river reflects the historical concentration of theatres near the Bankside waterfront, where audiences could arrive by boat. The reconstructed theatre occupies a site chosen to match the orientation and riverside character of the original Elizabethan venue.

Historical background of the original Globe

The first Globe was built in 1599 by Shakespeare's playing company using timber from an earlier theatre, The Theatre in Shoreditch. It was an open-air playhouse with a thatched roof, three levels of seating, and a thrust stage projecting into the yard. Performances took place in daylight, relying on natural light and minimal artificial scenery. The Globe became closely associated with Shakespeare, hosting many premieres of his plays. In 1613, a cannon fired during a performance of Henry VIII set the thatch alight, destroying the building. A second Globe was erected on the same site in 1614, operating until the theatres were closed in 1642.

Archaeological studies in the late 20th century helped refine the design of the reconstruction. The new Globe aimed to respect the original layout while meeting modern safety and accessibility standards. The result is a working theatre that balances historical authenticity with contemporary needs for comfort, accessibility, and regulatory compliance.

Practical visiting information

Visitors can attend performances, take guided tours, and participate in educational programmes. Planning ahead for tickets, transport, and accessibility needs improves the experience.

• Booking tickets: For performances, book in advance through the official website or box office. Demand can be high, especially during the summer and festival periods.
• Guided tours: Regular tours explain the theatre's history, architecture, and staging conditions. Check the official schedule for times and pricing, and note that tours may run separately from performance days.
• Transport and access: Use the Underground (Waterloo or Southwark) or National Rail (London Waterloo). Allow extra time on event days, as the thoroughfare in front of the venue can become busy. The venue has step-free access from the street to the exhibition space; access to the yard and the galleries may involve some steps.
• Dining and riverside walks: There are cafes and restaurants nearby, and the South Bank walk offers views across the Thames toward the City of London.

Key facts at a glance

Comparison: original Globe vs. modern reconstruction

While the reconstruction closely follows the known design of the Elizabethan playhouse, there are practical differences to note. Modern health, safety, and accessibility requirements have introduced features not present in the 16th-century venue, such as stepped access seating options, accessible toilets, and climate-controlled exhibition spaces. The thatched roof of the original is replaced with modern fire-resistant materials, and lighting and sound systems support evening and all-weather performances. These adaptations allow the theatre to operate year-round while preserving the atmosphere and proportions of the historic design.

Nearby points of interest

A visit to Shakespeare's Globe often forms part of a broader exploration of Southwark's historic riverside. Nearby sites include Borough Market for food, Southwark Cathedral for architecture, the Clink Prison Museum for the area's past, and the Tate Modern for modern art. The River Thames walk on the South Bank connects these attractions, making it easy to build a half-day or full-day itinerary around the theatre district.

Conclusion

Shakespeare's Globe is situated at 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT, on the south bank of the Thames near Waterloo. This modern reconstruction of the Elizabethan playhouse allows visitors to experience the scale and atmosphere of the original theatre associated with Shakespeare's work. By combining historical research with contemporary performance needs, the Globe remains a living venue for scholarship, theatre, and public engagement with Shakespeare.