(800) 814 COOL Questions? Call Us Now!

A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Shakespeare’s London

New To The Site! London, England

Loading Options

60 to 90 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

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.

What's Included

  • Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
  • The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Smartphone and headphones
See 2 moreSee 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Queen Victoria Street
Greater, London EC4V 4EG, UK

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Lloyds Tsb Bank Plc
Borough High Street, London SE1 1NQ, UK

The tour ends at The George Inn, built in 1676 and London's only surviving galleried inn.

What To Expect

The Blackfriar (Pass By)

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.
Read more

Playhouse Yard (Pass By)

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.
Read more

Ireland Yard (Pass By)

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.
Read more

The Cockpit (Pass By)

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.
Read more

The Mermaid (Pass By)

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.
Read more

St Andrew by the Wardrobe (Pass By)

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.
Read more

St. Paul's Cathedral (Pass By)

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.
Read more

College of Arms (Pass By)

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.
Read more

Millennium Bridge (Pass By)

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.
Read more

Cardinal Cap Alley (Pass By)

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.
Read more

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre (Pass By)

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.
Read more

The Swan (Pass By)

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.
Read more

The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse (Pass By)

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.
Read more

The Rose Theatre (Pass By)

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.
Read more

Original site of the Globe Theatre (Pass By)

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.
Read more

Clink Prison Museum (Pass By)

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.
Read more

Winchester Palace (Pass By)

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.
Read more

Golden Hinde (Pass By)

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.
Read more

Southwark Cathedral (Pass By)

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.
Read more

Borough Market (Pass By)

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.
Read more

London Bridge (Pass By)

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.
Read more

The White Hart (Pass By)

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.
Read more

George (Pass By)

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.
Read more
Show 21 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Shakespeare’s London?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-110804P691


Loading Options

Similar Tours & Activities

London City Tour by Private Car with Hotel Pickup and Drop

London City Tour by Private Car with Hotel Pickup and Drop

New To The Site!
 1 to 8 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$1,001.24

Rock Around the Block: A Rock and Roll Tour in Central London

Rock Around the Block: A Rock and Roll Tour in Central London

2
 2 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$27.62

St Pauls Cathedral & See Over 30 Top London Sights Tour

St Pauls Cathedral & See Over 30 Top London Sights Tour

 6 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$131.33

Private Shakespeare Walking Tour of London

Private Shakespeare Walking Tour of London

1
 3 hours  Free Cancellation
from
US$248.53

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

London by Night Sightseeing Open Top Bus Tour with Live Guide
Likely to Sell Out

London by Night Sightseeing Open Top Bus Tour with Live Guide

 1 hour 45 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$40.04

Chelsea FC Stadium Tours and Museum
Likely to Sell Out

Chelsea FC Stadium Tours and Museum

 60 to 90 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$41.42

London Rock and Roll Music Tour

London Rock and Roll Music Tour

 3 to 8 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$89.77

Cotswolds Small Group Tour from London

Cotswolds Small Group Tour from London

 10 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$178.11

What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
  • The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • Smartphone and headphones

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).

Sorting, ranking, and search results

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

City Boat Tours wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through City Boat Tours over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.