A Big Day Out at Shakespeare’s Globe

Make the most out of your day visiting Shakespeare’s Globe in London, including restaurants, shopping and things to do near the theatre

Seeing a show at Shakespeare’s Globe is one of the most uniquely London experiences that you can have in the capital. A reconstruction of the theatre in which Shakespeare’s company, The Lord Chamberlain’s men, once performed, the new ampitheatre stands only a few hundred metres from the original site. With its three-story structure and open-air standing room, Shakespeare’s Globe audiences experience what it might have been like to watch a play back in the Bard’s time, and you can frequently find excellent productions of his work playing here.

If you’re planning a trip to the Globe, we’re on hand to help you have a big day out at this unique theatre. Here’s all the information you’ll need on restaurants, bars and things to do nearby.

Things to do near Shakespeare’s Globe
Restaurants near Shakespeare’s Globe
Shopping near Shakespeare’s Globe
Bars and pubs near Shakespeare’s Globe
Tube stations and bus stops near Shakespeare’s Globe
On-theme activities for Shakespeare’s Globe

Things to do near Shakespeare’s Globe

Seeing a show at the Globe presents the perfect opportunity to take a guided tour of one of London’s most interesting landmarks. Experts will guide you through the 400-year history of the theatre and introduce you to all its many colourful chapters, and in their walk-through exhibit space you’ll find seasonal displays and memorabilia from productions past.

Just six minutes from the theatre is the Tate Modern, one of London’s must-visit museums. Here you’ll find some of the world’s most exciting contemporary art, with paintings, sculptures and installations from around the globe, all free to view. They do also host exciting paid exhibitions, so it’s worth checking the calendar to see what’s on.

To absorb more of the area’s history, you can visit the Golden Hinde, a reconstruction of the Elizabethan galley that was the first English ship to circumnavigate the globe. You can explore the ship alone or take a guided tour. Just a little further afield is iconic London landmark St Paul’s Cathedral. Sightseers can explore the building’s crypt or scale its great dome – or, if you want to visit for free, drop by one of their regular services.

If you want to take in all of London’s sights at once, brave the heights and try The View From The Shard, offering 360 degree panoramic views of London from indoor and outdoor observation decks 800 feet above the city.

Restaurants near Shakespeare’s Globe

There are plenty of great chain and independent restaurants near Shakespeare’s Globe, particularly in the direction of London Bridge. Here are some of our favourites.

Swan Bar & Restaurant – Neighbouring the Globe Theatre is this modern British restaurant on the Thames, offering seasonal menus with ingredients from the best British suppliers. They also do an excellent Sunday roast.

Tonkotsu Bankside – This Japanese restaurant makes their noodles fresh daily, served with broths, katsu curries and gyoza all made from scratch – alongside, of course, their famous ramen. Wash it all down with their signature pale ale.

Flat Iron Borough – If you’re after a no-fuss dinner, this steak chain keeps it simple, with a streamlined menu, and have perfected their side dishes.

Brother Marcus Borough – Offering all-day Eastern Mediterranean dining, vibrant mezzes and sharable small plates, Brother Marcus takes inspiration from the flavours of Crete, Cyprus and beyond, crafting bold dishes no matter if you stop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Mallow Borough Market – This 100% plant-based restaurant in the heart of Borough Market serves up seasonal, sustainable dishes inspired by cuisines from all over the world.

Salt Yard Borough – You’ll find a range of Spanish and Italian tapas dishes at this sleek eatery, which offers the best of the Mediterranean under one roof, all made with seasonal ingredients.

Shopping near Shakespeare’s Globe

There’s lots of great independent and boutique shopping near Shakespeare’s Globe. Borough Market is a must-visit – London’s premiere food market isn’t just a great spot for a snack but is also the perfect place to pick up unique gifts and artisanal goods. Also offering gifts you won’t find anywhere else and tasteful London memorabilia is Bankside Arches Boutique, a cute little gift shop just five minutes from the theatre.

At Borough Yards, an eight-minute walk away, you’ll find independent retailers, global food and drink vendors and brand pop-ups, all house under the revived Victorian rail arches. And Hay’s Galleria, a Grade-II listed building just a fifteen minute walk from the theatre, lets you explore fashion, accessory and lifestyle stores in a beautiful, historic spot.

Bars and pubs near Shakespeare’s Globe

There are lots of great spots for a drink near Shakespeare’s Globe – the surrounding area is particularly rich in historic pubs. All of our recommended restaurants can also pour you something nice. Here are some of our other favourites.

Anchor Bankside – Rebuilt in 1676 after the great fire of London, the Anchor is the sole survivor of the river taverns of Shakespeare’s day. You can take in views of London from their beer garden and explore their fantastic range of wines, beers and spirits.

The Boot & Flogger – This wine bar was recently named the best-reviewed in London. They were one of the first in the city’s history to serve quality wine by the glass, and you’ll find a calendar of wine tastings available to guests.

The Old Thameside – This unique, historic London pub has a heritage of over 150 years, situated right next to the original sight of Clink Prison, with plenty of interesting chapters to their history.

Bedales of Borough Market – This renowned wine bar was featured in Bridget Jones, but that’s far from their only claim to fame. With a celebrated wine collection spotlighting small producers and a food and drink menu inspired by European bistros, they’re a haven in the busy market.

The George – Dating back to at least the sixteenth century, the George is the last remaining galleried inn in London, offering quality beers, wines and spirits, along with a sunny beer garden, pub food classics and live sports.

Tube stations and bus stops near Shakespeare’s Globe

The closest tube station to Shakespeare’s Globe is London Bridge on the Northern and Jubilee lines, which is a nine minute walk from the theatre. London Bridge is also your closest National Rail station.

Other nearby stations are Blackfriars on the District and Circle Lines (10-minute walk), Mansion House on the District and Circle Lines (10-minute walk), Southwark on the Jubilee Line (15-minute walk) and St Paul’s on the Central Line (15-minute walk).

Multiple buses also drop off and pick up nearby. It’s best to plan your route with TFL.

On-theme activities for Shakespeare’s Globe

The Lion King – If you’re considering visiting another theatre during your time in London, make it the Lyceum. Believe it or not, The Lion King was actually inspired by what many believe to be Shakespeare’s greatest work. A retelling of Hamlet, it follows a very similar structure, featuring the tragic death of a beloved king, a usurper to the throne, and a prince struggling to grow into his role.

New Inn Broadway – Shoreditch is famous for its street art, and one stunning work in particular is worth a visit this week. The mural on the side of New Inn Broadway honours Romeo & Juliet, marking the site of the theatre where the tragedy was first performed.

Leicester Square statue – At the heart of Leicester Square gardens you’ll find a marble statue of the Bard, copied from Peter Scheemakers’ 18th-century monument by sculptor Giovanni Fontana. On the scroll in Shakespeare’s hand, you’ll find an extract from one of his plays – see if you can identify which one.

Explore what’s on at Shakespeare’s Globe here