A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Shakespeare’s London

New To The Site! London, England

60 to 90 minutes (Approx.)

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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.

Description

Pass By: The Blackfriar, 174 Queen Victoria St, Greater, London EC4V 4EG, UK

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.

Pass By: Playhouse Yard, Playhouse Yard, London EC4V, UK

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.

Pass By: Ireland Yard, Ireland Yard, London EC4V, UK

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.

Pass By: The Cockpit, Gateforth Street, Marylebone, London NW88EH

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.

Pass By: The Mermaid, 2 Puddle Dock, London EC4V 3DB, UK

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.

Pass By: St Andrew by the Wardrobe, St Andrew's Hill, Queen Victoria St, London EC4V 5DE, UK

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.

Pass By: St. Paul's Cathedral, St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M8AD

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.

Pass By: College of Arms, 130 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V4BT

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.

Pass By: Millennium Bridge, Thames Embankment, London SE19JE

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.

Pass By: Cardinal Cap Alley, Cardinal Cap Alley, London SE1 9JE, UK

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.

Pass By: Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, 21 New Globe Walk, London SE19DT

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.

Pass By: The Swan, 66 Bayswater Road, London W23PH

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.

Pass By: The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, 9dt Shakespeare's Globe 21 New Globe Walk, London SE19DT

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.

Pass By: The Rose Theatre, 56 Park Street, Bankside, London SE19AR

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.

Pass By: Original site of the Globe Theatre, Anchor Terrace, 125 Park St, London SE1 9EW, UK

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.

Pass By: Clink Prison Museum, Clink Prison Museum Soho Wharf 1 Clink Street, Clink Prison Museum Soho Wharf, London SE19DG

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.

Pass By: Winchester Palace, Clink Street, London SE19DG

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.

Pass By: Golden Hinde, St. Mary Overies Dock Cathedral Street, Cathedral St., London SE19DE

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.

Pass By: Southwark Cathedral, 1 London Bridge, Montague Close, London SE19DA

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.

Pass By: Borough Market, 8 Southwark Street, London SE11TL

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.

Pass By: London Bridge, London SE19DD

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.

Pass By: The White Hart, 89 Whitechapel High Street, London E17RA

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.

Pass By: George, 75 Borough High St, London SE1 1NH, UK

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.