William Shakespeare's London Full Day Tour
London, GB
Non-refundable - Your booking can not be cancelled, modified or refunded.
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Highlights
- Explore the City of London’s Guildhall
- Discover the First Folio at Guildhall Library
- Visit the Blackfriars Playhouse, owned by Shakespeare
- Learn about Shakespeare's connection at the Museum of the Order of St John
- Marvel at the historic St Helen's Bishopsgate Church
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Private tour experience
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Duration 6-8 hours
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Hotel pick-up included
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Guided in 5 languages
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Wheelchair accessible
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the historical sites of William Shakespeare's London. This full-day tour takes you to the places where the famous playwright lived, worked, and found inspiration for his iconic characters and plays. Discover the City of London's Guildhall, where Shakespeare purchased a property and a deed bearing his signature is still preserved. Visit the Guildhall Library, housing a copy of the First Folio and a vast collection of books on London's history. Explore the Blackfriars Playhouse, the only property owned by Shakespeare in London, and immerse yourself in the rich history of the Jacobean and Caroline periods. Continue your exploration at the Museum of the Order of St John, where Shakespeare's plays were licensed, and St Helen's Bishopsgate Church, where he worshipped. Finally, conclude your tour at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, the iconic venue where his plays were brought to life. Let the expert guides transport you back in time to experience the world of Shakespeare in a truly captivating way.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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6 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in French, German, Spanish; Castilian, English, Italian
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Wheelchair accessible
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Mobile voucher
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Private Tour
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Family friendly
Explore Shakespeare's London in a full-day tour, uncovering historic sites that shaped the life and works of the legendary playwright.
Included
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Hotel pick-up -
Private tour
Excluded
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Lunch -
Dinner
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Globe theatre's admission ticket(s)
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Globe theatre's scheduled performance ticket(s)
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
City of London
Our Shakespeare's London tour starts with The City of London’s Guildhall, the administrative centre of the City of London. Within its halls are the offices and meeting rooms of the Corporation of London and its Court of Common Council, which is the body responsible for governing the City and for defending its interests throughout the London metropolitan area. In 1613 William Shakespeare purchased a property in Blackfriars, a location convenient for both the Globe and Blackfriars theatres. The deed which records the sale is one of only six documents in the world which bears his signature and is cared for by London Metropolitan Archives.
30 minutes
Guildhall Library
A copy of the First Folio, a collection of 36 of Shakespeare's plays, is carefully stored and protected in the City of London's Guildhall Library. The Guildhall Library is a public reference library specialising in the history of London. The printed books collection comprises over 200,000 titles dating from the 15th to the 21st centuries and includes books, pamphlets, periodicals, trade directories and poll books. This collection covers all aspects of life in London, past and present, its trade, people and buildings. In addition, the library holds extensive collections covering maritime history, business history, clocks and clockmakers, internationally renowned collections of books on wine and food, historic English law reports and British parliamentary papers and statutes.
30 minutes
Admission Not Included
Blackfriars
The Blackfriars Playhouse is the only property in London known to be owned by William Shakespeare. Actually there were two Blackfriars indoor playhouses, both housed at the old Blackfriars monastery site in and near Apothecaries Hall. The first, smaller theatre, staged plays by boy actors in an upper room of the building from 1576 until 1584. In the Jacobean and Caroline periods the venue became the most important indoor theatre in London and was the premiere theatrical venue of the age. From 1599 a new Blackfriars theatre staged plays by boy actors and from 1609 to 1642 it was the only indoor theatre of the King's Men or the 'Shakespeare company.'
60 minutes
The Museum of the Order of St John
In the 1140s the Priory in Clerkenwell was set up as the English headquarters of the Order. When King Henry VIII split from the Catholic Church and established a new Anglican Church, the Order in England was dissolved and all its lands and wealth were seized by the Crown. The Order was restored briefly by Henry’s Catholic daughter, Queen Mary, who granted it a Royal Charter. However, on the accession of her Protestant sister, Queen Elizabeth I, the Order in England was dissolved for good. The buildings in Clerkenwell were put to different uses in the years that followed. During the sixteenth century, they were used as the offices of the Master of the Revels. Thirty of Shakespeare’s plays were licensed here in this place.
45 minutes
Admission Not Included
St Helen's Bishopsgate Church
St Helen's Bishopsgate is a large conservative evangelical Anglican church in London. It is located in Great St Helen's, off Bishopsgate. It is the largest surviving parish church in the City of London and it contains more monuments than any other church in Greater London except Westminster Abbey, hence it is sometimes referred to as the "Westminster Abbey of the City". We know that William Shakespeare visited this Church and this is where he worshipped.
15 minutes
Southwark Cathedral
Southwark Cathedral is probably one of the most important and iconic stop-over places in our journey today. William Shakespeare is the most famous resident of the parish of St Saviour’s which is now Southwark Cathedral. His brother Edmund who also lived in the parish died in 1607 at the age of 27. A payment of 20 shillings was paid for his burial (possibly by William) at St Saviour's "with a forenoon knell of the great bell". His ledger stone is situated in the Cathedral Choir. The life of William Shakespeare is celebrated each year at the Cathedral on his birthday and visitors travel from far and wide to see our Shakespeare memorial and stained-glass window.
45 minutes
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
Before we visit Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, we will visit the previous foundation of the theatre. This is the original site of the Globe Theatre in London that was built in 1599 on the Southbank of the River Thames in Southwark in close proximity to the Bear Garden. The land had once been owned by the Bishop of Winchester and this estate was called the Liberty of the Clink. We will visit this area first. Now time to visit Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. William Shakespeare is arguably the most famous British writer of all time, he wrote about life, love, death, revenge, grief, jealousy, murder, magic and mystery. His plays were the blockbuster entertainment of his day - some of his most famous are Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet. You will understand how Shakespeare’s plays had a changing impact on the world by visiting the reconstructed Elizabethan theatre where there will be live commentary of the productions in Elizabethan times showing the power of performance, cultivating intellectual curiosity and excites learning to make Shakespeare accessible for all — the Shakespeare’s Globe Tour can give you an opportunity to learn more about this unique building and its most famous playwright, Shakespeare. Hidden under the Globe Theatre, the fascinating Exhibition delves into the life of Shakespeare, how London was at the time he lived there, and the theatre for which he wrote. You will be able to imagine the Globe as it would have been, nestled in the notorious entertainment district, surrounded by raucous taverns and bawdyhouses. Just let our APTG qualified blue badge tourist guides take you there.
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Wheelchair accessible -
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
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All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
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Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What our experts say
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Visit the Globe Theatre after the tour -
Try nearby Borough Market for lunch
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Bring a camera for stunning sights
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Check for evening performances in advance
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Wear comfortable walking shoes
More About this Experience
Introduction
Step into the world of William Shakespeare on the captivating William Shakespeare's London Full Day Tour. This immersive tour takes you through the iconic landmarks and hidden gems of London that were once connected to the life and work of the legendary playwright. As you explore the modern-day city, you'll discover fascinating connections to Shakespeare's place of life and inspiration. From the City of London's Guildhall, where you can admire the location where Shakespeare purchased a property, to the Blackfriars Playhouse, the only property in London known to be owned by the playwright himself, this tour will transport you back in time to the Elizabethan era. And of course, no tour of Shakespeare's London would be complete without a visit to the iconic Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Experience the power of performance as you delve into the life and works of the literary genius, surrounded by the rich history and culture of London.What to expect?
On the William Shakespeare's London Full Day Tour, you can anticipate an immersive journey into the world of the legendary playwright. With a total duration of 360 to 480 minutes, this tour offers an extensive exploration of the key Shakespearean sites in London. From the City of London's Guildhall, where you can admire the administrative center and view the deed bearing Shakespeare's signature, to the Blackfriars Playhouse, where you can learn about the rich theatrical history of the venue, this tour provides a comprehensive experience for Shakespeare enthusiasts. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to visit the Museum of the Order of St John, St Helen's Bishopsgate Church, and Southwark Cathedral, all of which hold significant connections to Shakespeare's life and work. Finally, the tour culminates with a visit to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, where you can explore the reconstructed Elizabethan theater and delve into the fascinating Exhibition that brings Shakespeare's world to life through interactive displays and live commentary.Who is this for?
The William Shakespeare's London Full Day Tour is a must-do for both fans of Shakespearean literature and those curious about the rich history of London. This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to dive deeper into the life and works of the iconic playwright. Whether you're a dedicated Shakespeare enthusiast or simply interested in exploring the cultural heritage of London, this tour offers something for everyone. From literature students and theater lovers to history buffs and curious travelers, the tour welcomes all those who seek to unravel the mysteries and connections between Shakespeare and the vibrant city of London.Why book this?
Uncover the hidden treasures of Shakespeare's London with the William Shakespeare's London Full Day Tour. This unique experience allows you to walk in the footsteps of the greatest playwright in English literature, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of his works. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Elizabethan era as you visit the key sites associated with Shakespeare's life and work. Explore the City of London's Guildhall, where Shakespeare once owned property, and marvel at the preserved First Folio in the Guildhall Library. Discover the historic Blackfriars Playhouse, the only property known to be owned by Shakespeare in London. The tour also takes you to significant places such as the Museum of the Order of St John, St Helen's Bishopsgate Church, and Southwark Cathedral, where you can connect with the life and legacy of Shakespeare. Finally, experience the enchantment of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, where you can delve into the immersive Exhibition and witness live productions, bringing the magic of his plays to life.Good to know
The William Shakespeare's London Full Day Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Shakespeare's connections in London, offering a blend of history, culture, and literature. With a duration of 360 to 480 minutes, the tour covers a significant number of sites, ensuring that you fully immerse yourself in the Shakespearean experience. It is advisable to wear comfortable footwear, as there will be moderate walking involved. The tour is conducted in English, and the knowledgeable guides will provide insights and anecdotes along the way, making the experience both educational and entertaining. During the tour, you will have opportunities to take photos and capture the essence of the places visited. Please note that the tour excludes any inclusions and it is recommended to bring along some refreshments for the journey. Finally, the tour organizers can provide assistance in arranging tickets for Shakespearean plays in Southwark, allowing you to extend your day and fully indulge in the immersive world of Shakespearean theater.Reviews
Previous participants of the William Shakespeare's London Full Day Tour have raved about the immersive experience and the wealth of knowledge shared by the guides. Visitors were impressed by the detailed connections between Shakespeare's life and the various landmarks visited during the tour. Many reviewers highlighted the interactive nature of the tour and how it brought Shakespeare's world to life. The tour was praised for its well-paced itinerary, allowing participants to thoroughly explore each location without feeling rushed. Visitors appreciated the opportunity to see the preserved First Folio and to step inside the historic Blackfriars Playhouse. The experience of visiting Southwark Cathedral and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre was described as awe-inspiring, providing a deeper appreciation for the playwright's impact on literature and theater. Overall, participants lauded the William Shakespeare's London Full Day Tour as a must-do for Shakespeare enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
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