A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Shakespeare’s London

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

• A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Shakespeare’s London
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• 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
• Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
• Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

• Smartphone and headphones

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VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You’ve been sent an eight character code you’ll need to redeem your tour. 

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you’ve booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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3. Create an account
4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
5. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by VoiceMap Audio Tours.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/London.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.