Shakespeare's Globe Accessibility Guide

Overview

Shakespeare's Globe is a reconstruction of the Elizabethan playhouse on the south bank of the Thames. The venue includes an open-air theatre, an indoor Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, and an exhibition space. The exhibition and guided tour are accessible, with lift access to all display areas. For performances, wheelchair spaces are available in the Lower Gallery and at the front of the Yard (the standing area in front of the stage). The historic design of the building means some areas have limited access, but the Globe has worked to make the core experience available to disabled visitors.

Getting There

• Tube: Blackfriars (District, Circle lines) is the closest station with step-free access. It is about an 8-minute flat walk along the Thames Path. London Bridge (Jubilee, Northern lines) is also step-free and about 10 minutes away.
• Bus: Routes 45, 63, and 100 stop nearby on Southwark Bridge Road. Route RV1 runs along the South Bank.
• Thames Path: The path along the river from either direction is flat and paved, making it a good approach route for wheelchair users.

Wheelchair Accessibility

• The main entrance at ground level is step-free.
• The exhibition space has lift access to all floors. Displays include objects, audio, and visual content at accessible heights.
• Guided tours of the theatre are accessible. Tour guides use portable ramps where needed. Tours last about 40 minutes.
• For performances in the open-air Globe Theatre, wheelchair spaces are in the Lower Gallery (covered seating) and at the front of the Yard (open-air, ground level). Both offer good sightlines.
• The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse (indoor candlelit theatre) has a limited number of wheelchair spaces accessible by lift.
• Upper Gallery levels in the Globe Theatre are reached by stairs only and are not accessible.

Accessible Toilets

Accessible toilets are on the ground floor near the main entrance and inside the exhibition space. They have grab rails and emergency pull cords. The toilets are cleaned regularly during performance times. There is no Changing Places facility.

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• Wheelchair performance tickets must be booked directly with the box office, either online or by phone. Select "accessible booking" when purchasing.
• Yard tickets (standing) are the cheapest at 5 GBP, and the wheelchair spaces in the Yard are the same price. This makes it one of London's most affordable theatre experiences.
• The open-air theatre has no roof over the Yard. Bring rain gear if the weather looks uncertain. The Lower Gallery is covered.
• Captioned and audio-described performances are scheduled throughout the season. Check the website calendar for dates.
• The Swan restaurant next door has level access and is a good option for a pre-show meal with a river view.
• Guide dogs are welcome in the exhibition and during performances.