• The Blackfriar - Begin your exploration of Shakespeare’s London at The Blackfriar. This renowned venue provides the perfect introduction to the Bard’s life and career in the lively city.
• Playhouse Yard - Visit Playhouse Yard, a place rich in theatrical history where Shakespeare’s plays were staged, immersing yourself in the dynamic cultural scene of Elizabethan London.
• Ireland Yard - Stroll through Ireland Yard, a site with literary ties to Shakespeare’s time and close to the Globe Theatre, offering insights into the playwright’s creative environment.
• The Cockpit - View The Cockpit, a former theatre known for its varied entertainment during Shakespeare’s era, offering a glimpse into the diverse entertainment scene of the time.
• The Mermaid - Walk past The Mermaid, a historic tavern popular with actors and playwrights in the Elizabethan era, providing a look into the social gatherings and artistic exchanges of the period.
• St Andrew by the Wardrobe - Admire St Andrew by the Wardrobe, an ancient church linked to Shakespeare and other literary figures, offering a sense of the religious and cultural context in which the playwright flourished.
• St. Paul’s Cathedral - Behold the magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral, a landmark of London’s skyline, and consider its importance as a cultural and religious icon during Shakespeare’s time.
• College of Arms - Visit the College of Arms, a heraldic institution connected to Shakespeare’s era, where coats of arms and genealogical records were carefully kept, reflecting the cultural and social norms of the time.
• Millennium Bridge - Walk across the Millennium Bridge, a modern engineering feat over the River Thames, providing sweeping views of the city and serving as a gateway to London’s historical and cultural gems.
• Cardinal Cap Alley - Wander through Cardinal Cap Alley, a historic passage with a vibrant history, offering glimpses into London’s lively streetscape and the colorful life during Shakespeare’s era.
• Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre - Dive into the world of Shakespeare at the reconstructed Globe Theatre, a tribute to the lasting legacy of the Bard’s works and the vibrancy of London’s theatrical scene.
• The Swan - Walk by the Swan London, a riverside venue next to Shakespeare’s Globe, where today’s visitors can enjoy culinary treats with the Thames as a backdrop, echoing the convivial spirit of Shakespeare’s time.
• The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse - See the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, a theatre within the Shakespeare’s Globe complex, honoring its founder’s vision and preserving the traditions of Elizabethan theatre.
• The Rose Theatre - Pass by the Rose Theatre, a historic playhouse linked to Shakespeare’s era, where the Bard’s works and those of his peers were performed, enriching London’s theatrical heritage.
• Original site of the Globe Theatre - Pay tribute to the original site of the Globe Theatre, where Shakespeare’s renowned plays were staged, and soak in the atmosphere of the bustling Elizabethan theatre district.
• Clink Prison Museum - Discover London’s darker side at The Clink Prison Museum, where visitors can delve into the city’s notorious past and learn about the criminal underworld familiar to Shakespeare.
• Winchester Palace - Admire the ruins of Winchester Palace, a medieval landmark with connections to London’s past, offering insights into the city’s architectural heritage and historical importance.
• Golden Hinde - Encounter a replica of The Golden Hinde, a 17th-century ship that represents London’s maritime history and reflects the adventurous spirit that inspired Shakespeare’s tales of exploration.
• Southwark Cathedral - Visit Southwark Cathedral, London’s oldest Gothic church, where Shakespeare and other literary greats found solace and inspiration, shaping the city’s cultural landscape.
• Borough Market - Experience the lively atmosphere of Borough Market, a bustling center of culinary delights and cultural diversity, where the sights, sounds, and aromas evoke the sensory experiences of Shakespeare’s London.
• London Bridge - Cross London Bridge, a historic route over the River Thames, and follow the path of travelers who entered the city through its gates, reflecting on the vibrant metropolis that inspired Shakespeare’s creativity.
• The White Hart - Explore White Hart Yard, a charming area with links to London’s literary history, where Shakespeare may have drawn inspiration for his iconic characters and timeless stories.
• George - Conclude your journey at the George Pub, where Shakespeare once performed, reflecting on the enduring legacy of the Bard and the lasting impact he made on London’s cultural scene.

• Unlimited, lifetime use of the tour before and after booking date
• Virtual playback option to listen like an audiobook from anywhere
• Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
• Self-guided GPS tour to explore at your own pace
• Directions to the starting point for automatic tour start

• Smartphone and headphones

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.

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