Amazing theatre and a brilliant idea, it gives you a real taste of how things would have been in Shakespeare's time. Although I would beg to differwith MaOsm who suggests groundlings or the most expensive tickets. Groundlings are super cheap but your legs will be dying by the end of the evening, and if it rains you are in even bigger trouble (it's London as if it isn't going to rain!). The next time I went I tried the cheapest seated tickets which were on a bit of an angle but for £15 that seat was worth its weight in gold. read more

The Globe is a special day out. It's fantastic to watch the plays, with the sound of the Thames lapping in the background. It's very atmospheric andolde worldy, and would be a great trip for kid doing GCSEs or A Levels in any of the plays. If you're going in the evening, don't forget to take a coat as it can be pretty chilly. The £5 standing tickets are amazing value, though obviously, it can be tough standing for all that time. The Swan restaurant pub is also worth a look, with amazing viewsacross the river and a nice selection of wines. read more

Had lunch at the Swan yesterday before the matinee performance of the Merry Wives of Windsor. I was seated at a small table with an excellent view of the Thames and the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral. The restaurant filled up quite fast so I was glad I had made a reservation. I had the pre-theatre set lunch along with a couple of glasses of wine. The main dish of sea bass pipperade was fantastic - cooked just right, tender with a delicious red pepper sauce, a generous green salad and boiled new potatoes. The starter and dessert were equally tasty. Service was friendly and attentive. That meal has been one of the best of my whole holiday! read more

You can watch a real Shakespearean play in this Globe-replica all through the summer! Pretend to be part of the jostling crowd in the pit or a noble in the galleries you're transported back 400 years to a time when Will played to all and sundry and the Globe. Apart from being steeped in history and seeing a replica of the theatre that was used all those centuries ago, the acting is brilliant and the crowd ingeniously used. Book early and there are cheap tickets available. This was a special experience. read more

The well appointed restaurant and the bar both have enormous windows for a spectularly great view over a pretty iconic stretch of the Thames. Definitely ask for a window table when you book. Looking out over the river with pretty boats floating past, St Pauls thrusting magnificently upwards, offices lit like jewels on the far shore, it's the kind of place where eating alone would be thoroughly pleasurable. Shame the food doesn't quite live up to this magnificence. I seriously doubt Mark Sargent has ever set foot in the kitchen, the food is simply not to that kind of standard. It is good, but not really good, and definitely not great which is a shame. I started with the best dish of the night - a perfectly rare pigeon breast atop a pile of creamy lentils. The man had smoked salmon that had a pretty scattering of boiled egg yolk that added nothing by way of flavour or texture as it was simply to fine to make an impression. The other man had potted shrimp that were a little too fridge cold and not notably spiced with anything. Mains were less good, my cod had been cooked a bit too long and the dryness was not well covered by the mussel and clam soup. At alomst £20 it was a disappointment. The man liked his lamb and it's kidney. The other man ordered the special - steak and kidney pudding - which was tiny. It would easily have fitted into a teacup and came with nothing but a jug of gravy. Lucky we ordered some buttered kale as a side. didn't go for desserts but did have a cheese plate which well presented. Service was friendly but I have to say I'd return to have a drink in the bar downstairs - and order a bowl of chips to go with if I was peckish -rather than climb the stairs for dinner. read more

Nothing quite prepares you for the absolute splendour of this unique landmark!It is like being transported back in time. I went to see Richard III performed this evening and wow what an experience a wonderful performance and an utterly breathtaking experience. Even the break in-between you can enjoy some excellent food and wine (even the burgers are good!) However be prepared the seats are not comfortable so hire a cushion and a backrest-its worth it!You can get cheap standing tickets but i wouldnt advise it-3 hours is a long time to stand especially if its raining, cold etc or exceptionally hot. Plus the view from above makes for a better experience. Don't miss it! read more

Located on the south bank, overlooking the magnificent St Paul's cathedral, The Swan is many things for many people for some, it is a tony spot for a cheeky liquid lunch. For others, it's a place to impress a first date. For others, it's a unique family location. The best part about the Swan? It manages to rise to the occasion, no matter what the occasion. The Sunday late brunch/lunch is a leisurely affair enjoy a lovely eggs florentine with an amazing Bacardi, cordial, and champagne minx called The Theatre. The Swan also features pre theatre packages and a lovely men's/women's high tea for the weekday crowd. But for me, a Sunday lunch at the Swan is the best of England. Enjoy. read more

I went to a dinner at the Swan with some coworkers. It's a nice place, a bit loud by the bar but the upstairs dining room was pleasant with nice views of the Thames. I had the pig head tartine as an appetizer, which was not bad though a bit bland. The duck breast as a main dish was an A+. Cooked perfectly! The beer selection left something to be desired, though I'm not the biggest fan of English ales. I would return here. read more

A magnificent place to watch magnificent and tremendous classical plays. The theatre is also structured ver well because of the great shape.

Excellent, atmospheric place, couldn't stand up all through a Shakespeare play, so took own cushions and sat on the bench, lovely!

Worth a visit. You can get tickets for the shows from as little as £5 if you don't mind standing and getting that shakespearian experience.

Awesome view and location but recommend just a drink here at the overpriced and not very good restaurant. Staff not too attentive. They might mean well but they seem a bit "whatever" read more

Recreated without the use of power tools, all pegs. Cheapest ticket in town to see a play. £5 gets you a groundlings ticket a/k/a SRO.

This is a wonderful theatre on the south bank. If you want to see Shakespeare in its rawest form then you have to come here. I have seen the best Shakespeare of my life here, because of the stage you hear the words and are not blinded by huge sets and costume. This is a place everyone has to visit at lest once. read more

Brilliant place to go to find out more about Shakespeare. Family friendly place. It helped alot with my study of Shakespeare

This is a world class production theatre with some of the finest theatrical actor is London. the acoustics are aweinspriing and many of the plays that are ruined by Hollywood and polished to perfection in this place of dreams. even to those who do not apreciate the subtlety of Shakespeare will find this to be a great place to visit. read more

Fun and different. Love the theatre layout and the dedicated staff. King Lear went on a bit late to catch the end on a weeknight. Some of the foreign groups of teenagers attending were irritating (slap the teacher for bringing them?) and the drinks/bar situation can be poorly organised. I'd still go again though. read more

If you're going to go to the Globe, I say either get the most expensive seats or standing tickets as the others just aren't worth it. There's no expensive sound carrying equipment and the modest stage props suit the environment perfectly. I had not so good seats when I went but shortly after it started got up and stood for the rest of the show which was far more involving and enjoyable. It's a great environment to enjoy theatre within and something which I'd definitely go to again read more

Shakespeare's Globe is one good experience . I've been there a couple of times a year. Most fun is to go and stand - tickets cost £5. This to me is actually better than to pay for a seat because I felt more involved. It doesn't matter if it rains, such is the level of enjoyment. The acting is always first-class, and one has a feeling that there's a commitment from everyone: players, staff and audience. Quite rightly the Globe has become an item on tourism, but it definitely doesn't feel touristy. Anyone will see one of the very finest things the UK can offer. read more

Is this a theatre that I see before me, the door handle toward my hand? Come, let me visit thee. I knew ye not and yet I see thee still. Art thou not, friendly vision, sensible to feeling as to site? Or art thou but a theatre of the mind, a false creation, proceeding from my tourism-oppressed brain? I see thee yet, in form as palapable, as this one on the brochure.. OK, I'm not Shakespeare, but maybe nor was he, according to some rumours. And this is not the Globe. It's a re-creation, not on the original site, envisioned by film-maker Sam Wanamaker. It looks way too new for my liking, and though it pulls in thousands of punters a day, it has an uneasy Disney feel for me. If you want to see where the Globe really was, head south, turn left under the railway bridge and look for a plaque on the wall. It's now a car park for a block of flats. Says it all really. read more

A reproduction of the original theatre. The play I saw (The Tempest) here had multiple characters being played by the same actors. It made the play very difficult to follow. The acoustics are mediocre and it's hard to hear what the actors are saying sometimes. Worth a visit, but it's very touristy. Oddly, the seating area had plenty of empty seats but the staff were very strict about not letting anyone sit there unless they had a ticket for the seating area. Avoid buying a standing ticket--it's miserable. read more

You can see some really great plays here, and they're really good quality as they're professional companies and Shakespeare was an awesome playwright! Recently the sets have been getting more and more extravagant, I recently saw The Merry Wives of Windsor which used a great extension to the stage which evolved throughout the play. I'm sure if Shakespeare could have used it he would have done. Don't go for the seats - get the cheap standing tickets every time, as I said it's cheap and you really do get a better atmosphere out in the elements with other fans! read more

This was a great experience. Although it isn't in exactly the same spot as the original theatre, it has been lovingly and carefully recreated- as shown in the small museum included in the ticket price. Watching performances, you really get a true sense of how it would have been at the time, and why Shakespeare had to put certain stage directions and obvious statements in his plays. I don't think I could cope standing for the whole 3 hour play, but tickets are a lot cheaper and you get the true authentic experience if you do! If you go, take a cushion- you can hire them for a couple of pounds, but the seats are basic wooden benches and not that comfortable when you're sitting for that length of time. read more

The Globe is a great theatre that has been designed to recreate the original theatre Shakespeare performed at. The tour around the theatre is great and takes you all around including back stage. There is also an interesting exhibit which shows the history of the theatre. The shows themselves are great to watch and as with the original Globe theatre you can buy cheap tickets in the pits, this is a area right in front of the stage, however there are no seats and you will need to stand for the duration of the show, so it is not for people with weak knees! Tickets for the pits are only £5. On the plus side you are very close to the actors. However, if it does rain there is no rood over the pit to protect you! read more

Without a doubt my favourite touristy attraction in London. In addition to being a rabid Shakespeare fan, I am simply always impressed by the quality of the performances I see at this venue. The actors are amazing, the sets fantastic and the excitement of the audience palpable. While I could gush for ages about the Shakespeare experience I enjoy so much at the Globe, one small thing that always brightens my time at the theatre is the wonderful staff of volunteers who are so knowledgeable and friendly yet give their time for free. Overall a wonderful place in London. read more

I was at the Globe back in 2006 with my Class, unfortunately I can't remember the name of the play. But it was gorgeous! The play was very funny and the actors where quite good. And the venue itself, I think there is nothing more to say then: Beautiful! The next time I'm in London I'll definitely be there ;) read more

We love this place. It's a seamless transition to the plays - no worries about whether you're going to be served in time for the performance, etc., and it completes the experience of the Globe. River view is very atmospheric. The food is fresh and well-prepared, and the bread is gorgeous. Definitely recommend. read more

Great atmosphere and good selection of wine. We sat here for hours chatting and drinking wine.

This was a five-star restaurant in a five-star location. I was skeptical that the food would be any good given its touristy location. But I read Yelp! reviews and was convinced to give it a try. I was not disappointed. We got a table for two by the window overlooking the Thames and the food was as spectacular as the view. We got the fixed price three-course dinner. I had the lamb entree with a broccoli salad and gooseberry tart. My wife had hake, prawn bisque and peach Melba. Delightful! read more

Whilst this is a lovely setting / building , the service is absolutely shoddy. We went in for a quick drink; the beer I had wasn't available so they gave me another without telling me and dashed off. I realised and returned it only to be informed after this that the beer I had wasn't available. The staff were abrupt and didn't seem to care. Thoroughly disappointed. read more

Probably one of the best views of London can be enjoyed from a window table here. We visited on a sunny day, and enjoyed a clear view of St Paul's Cathedral, and riverside buildings - one of the best backdrops I can imagine! The interior is light and airy, the service is efficient - we had a charming waiter. I chose the special, grilled salmon, which was beautifully done, and my friend had the spring onion tart. We saved room for dessert! What a selection of classics: cherry pie with Devon cream, Bramley apple pie and (I chose) lemon cake with pistachio ice cream. The wine list is a decent selection too. read more

Had a really good dinner here before the play. The waiter was fantastic, great service.although it was a little pricey we felt it was worth it given the quality of experience and of course the setting was fantastic with our table overlooking the Thames River. read more

Back when the bard was in town, he had his plays at the famous globe theatre. The original was destroyed in a fire caused by an onstage fire during the first performance of Henry VII, this replica was lovingly made in 1996 to give us all a flavour of what it was like. It's a must do pilgrimage for scholars of the famous plays and their many fans, it's an education in itself. You can sit on under cover on a bench seat, cushions are available to be hired to save sensitive bottoms, or you can get down in the cheap seats, standing in the yard, which to me is the place to be, it's like a ye olde moshpit. Take a tour too, and remeber all the while, there aint no nails in it, it's all proper carpentry, you know, put together with skill, amazing. read more

A visit at The Globe is an experience that simply cannot be missed. Originally built for the performance of Shakespeare stage plays, the theatre building itself is worth admiring. It is beautifully decorated and made out to look like an original theatre from centuries past. The best time to visit The Globe is during the summer, when the performances take place on the stage and under the open sky. Going to see a show such as this really is a unique experience that gives you just an inkling of how theatre was in the past. It is interesting to visit The Globe, even if you do not go there to watch a performance, as there are brilliant guides to show you around at the theatre and tell you about its use and its most remarkable history. As any good museum, The Shakespeare Globe has a well-equipped souvenir shop where many original items such as badges, mugs and t-shirts - all with shakespearean quotations printed on them, can be purchased. read more

After exploring the Globe on our own, we joined a very informative tour led by a friendly and knowledgeable staff member. The tour takes you all over the premises while the leader points out and explains any significant architectural aspects, the Bankside (area where the theatre is) lifestyle, costumes + props from plays. We didn't get to go near the stage too closely because there was a rehearsal going on, but that area is normally a part of the tour. read more

I did the tour last year and enjoyed it very much. The guide was very informative and also friendly and happy to answer questions. I have not yet been to a show there but will definitely do it soon. read more

This is a great and authentic venue. The atmosphere inside the place is definitely worth the cost of getting in!! Although any play can be seen here, seeing a Shakespeare here is just amazing. Although standing tickets are really cheap, sacrificing the extra money for seats is really worth it. read more

What a superb place to visit.I went to the Shakespeare's Globe for free because i went to the Thames Frost Fair and you get free entry to Globe.I remember this place being restored and could not wait for it to open.I have not seen a proper play here , but when we had a walk around , they were some men playing some old instruments which i enjoyed.There shop is great and sell dvds and cds and theatre related things.The Shakespeare Globe was a great place to see and i will deffiently be coming back to see a play in the near future. read more

This is a fantastic way to experience a Shakespearian play in London. It's for all the family and even the younger ones as there are children's tours available of the adults wish to watch a play and believe that the children probably won't stand through it. Remember that's based on the original plans so it's not the most luxurious of theatre houses and the seats that are available aren't that comfortable so be warned !! However, it's a wonderul experience and offers plenty of extra tours and the like for those who cannot stay for an actual play, although I would always recommend the play if you can. It's not too expensive and takes care of a good half a day of good family entertainment. read more

'The Globe' theatre is, by far, one of the best attractions in London. From the historical side to the building, just knowing you are in such an amazing place is a great feeling. The way it has been restored to keep with modern necessities, but still having that great Shakespearian feeling is wonderful. I have been here several times now, and have never had a bad experience. It may be traditional, and you may have to stand up, or sit in uncomfortable stands; but it is more than worth it for the cultural benefits you get, and knowing you have been in one of the most famous theatres in the world. read more