Visiting Shakespeare’s Globe by Train

For a cultural experience like no other, visitors to London should add a stop at Shakespeare’s Globe to their trip planning. Thankfully, the historical theatre is conveniently located in the centre of London on the South Bank of the River Thames. Between Southwark Bridge and Millennium Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe is easy to reach from London Blackfriars Station.

London Blackfriars is a central London station that welcomes passengers from Luton, Cambridge, Brighton, Bedford, and St Albans. An accessible station, with step-free access to all platforms, as well as accessible toilets and a seating area for passengers, Blackfriars also has refreshments, an ATM machine, and bicycle storage facilities. Services to and from London Blackfriars are operated by Thameslink.

For arrivals to other London train stations, you will easily be able to access Shakespeare’s Globe via the London Underground. Take the Circle or District Line to Blackfriars tube station, from where you’ll be only 10 minutes from the famous old theatre.

To visit Shakespeare’s Globe, either plan a trip to see a performance of a play, or book onto one of the theatre’s unique guided or backstage tours.

Prices for guided tours start from £27 for adults (with reduced rates for under 16s). Check for availability and book online before you travel.

If you want to attend a play at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, check online to see what’s on and secure your seat. Performances include William Shakespeare’s greatest plays, as well as a wide variety of other playwrights’ shows, both classical and contemporary.

A world-renowned theatre, education centre, and cultural landmark, Shakespeare’s Globe bursts with history and entertainment. Here are our top picks for what to do on a day trip to one of London’s top cultural venues:

Watch a play

Choose from laugh-out-loud comedies and classic Shakespearean tragedies that combine wit, wordplay and the full panoply of human emotions. Watching a play in Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is a unique experience for world-class theatre in unforgettable surroundings. The theatre is roofless (open air), so prepare for the weather!

Take a guided tour

On guided tours of Shakespeare’s Globe, you’ll learn about the history of the famous theatre, from the story of its construction in 1599, through plagues, fires, and political oppression, to its rebirth in the 1990s. Sneak a peek at incredible craftsmanship and feel more than 400 years of history in every nook and cranny.

Go on a Shakespeare walking tour

If you would rather wander a little further into Shakespeare’s London, take a walking tour that showcases the sights of Southwark’s Bankside area, London’s original theatre district, and explains the history and significance of local landmarks. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and secrets of Shakespeare’s London, and let the thrilling stories around Shakespeare’s Globe come to life. Prices from £18 for adults, and £10 for children.

Before your show, enjoy a bite to eat, or a few drinks, at the Swan Bar and Restaurant, a dining area right next to Shakespeare’s Globe.

Focusing on seasonal British produce, the Swan Restaurant has a varied menu showcasing local ingredients. Enjoy your meal, while looking out over stunning views of the River Thames and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Opening hours for the Swan Restaurant are as follows:

• Monday – Saturday: 12.00pm – 2.30pm (lunch); 5.00pm – 9.00pm (dinner)
• Sunday: 12.00pm – 6.00pm

If you don’t want a full meal, stop by for a drink and bar snacks. Or, for a truly English experience, why not book a Shakespeare-inspired afternoon tea? This feast of mini sweet and savoury snacks and drinks is served daily in the Swan restaurant, with menus available for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free guests.

Cambridge to London

Take the train from Cambridge to London Blackfriars in just 1 hour 15 minutes with Thameslink. On this convenient service, you’ll arrive in the capital mere minutes from Shakespeare’s Globe. Better yet, you can save money on your trip when you buy cheap train tickets in advance with TrainPal.

Manchester to London

Travelling by train to Shakespeare’s Globe from Manchester? Enjoy fast, affordable travel on Avanti West Coast services from Manchester Piccadilly to London St Pancras. You’ll reach London in about 2 hours 5 minutes, and then Shakespeare’s Globe in another 15 once you hop on the Thameslink service to Blackfriars.

Cardiff to London

Get from Wales to London faster with Great Western Railway (GWR) services from Cardiff Central to London Paddington. In only 1 hour 50 minutes, you’ll reach the busy West London station, from where you can take the Circle Line straight to Blackfriars. Don’t forget to add a Railcard discount to your booking for a third of your ticket price.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.

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