A Shakespeare Lover’s Guide to London
What would a theatre lover’s trip to London be without paying homage to the Bard?
Signs of Shakespeare’s rich contributions to the theatre scene are everywhere, but you’ll want to stop by these hidden gems, too!
Grab a bite with the Bard at Bankside
The Anchor Bankside Pub
While now owned by the Greene King chain, The Anchor is the last riverside inn standing that existed during Shakespeare’s time. Actors from The Rose, The Globe, and The Swan are all said to have visited here in between shows for a pint and a bite to eat.
The Anchor Bankside
34 Park St, London SE1 9EF, United Kingdom
Open daily: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/anchor-bankside
British Library
The British Library
Tiptoe to the Treasures of the British Library Gallery to see Shakespeare’s original Folio and Quartos on display, as well as the Beowulf manuscript, sheet music inked by Beethoven and Mozart, and the Magna Carta with its rare original seal.
The British Library
96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB
Admission: Free
Mon - Thurs: 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Fri: 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sat - Sun: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Shakespeare’s portrait
National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square features the only painting of Shakespeare made while he was alive. You’ll also find portraits of some of England’s greatest theatrical creators.
National Portrait Gallery
St. Martin's Place, London WC2H 0HE
Admission: Free
Open daily: 10:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 10:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Ye Olde Globe
Original Globe Remains
In 1989, the original Globe Theater remains were found under a parking lot. While not open to the public, a plaque marks the spot and you can peer through the iron bars to see where the bricks were patterned over the walls and footers.
Original Globe Remains
Anchor Terrace, 125 Park St, London SE1 9EW
Admission: Free
Open: 24/7
Shakespeare’s Globe
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
Shakespeare’s Globe /
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
The original Globe burned down twice, but American actor Sam Wanamaker rebuilt Shakespeare’s Globe to the original 16th century specifications. The behind-the-scenes tour takes you through the history of the Wooden O from Shakespeare’s time to modern day. Watch a show as a groundling or seated in the gallery (cushions are available for purchase).
Also onsite is the indoor Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, modeled after the Blackfriars Playhouse Shakespeare’s troupe performed at in 1609. All performances are done by candlelight.
Shakespeare’s Globe
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT
Guided Tour Tickets: Adult £27, Under 16 £20
Tours last two hours and depart every 15 minutes
Theatre Royal Drury Lane Shakespeare Statue
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Between Shakespeare’s death and the mid-1700s, Shakespeare was largely forgotten. He was revived by theatre impresario David Garrick at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The behind the scenes tour features Shakespearean art, sculptures, and stories of Garrick’s impact. You’ll also luxuriate in the West End’s most sumptuous theatre, recently renovated for $82M by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. Stay after the tour for a theatre-themed Grand Saloon Afternoon tea with desserts by renowned cake artist Lily Vanilli.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Catherine St, London WC2B 5JF, United Kingdom
Guided Tour Tickets: £22.50
Tour lasts an hour
Mon, Tues & Fri: 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Weds, Thurs & Sat: 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
Sun: 10:30 a.m.
Grand Saloon
Fine Bone China by Kit Kemp
Desserts by Lily Vanilli
Leicester Square Shakespeare Statue
Shakespeare Statue in Leicester Square
Giovanni Fontana’s statue of Shakespeare has stood in the center of the Leicester Square fountain since 1874. It is a modeled after the original by Peter Scheemakers in Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey. (But this one is free!)
Leicester Square
West of Charring Cross Road, North of Orange St, London WC2H 7DE
Admission: Free
Open: 24/7
Westminster Abbey Shakespeare Statue in Poet’s Corner
Westminster Abbey Shakespeare Memorial
Shakespeare is buried in Stratford-Upon-Avon, but you can pay your respects to him and 100 other writers in Poets’ Corner at Westminster Abbey. Nearby are also memorials for famous Shakespearean actors David Garrick, Sarah Siddons, Hannah Pritchard, and Sir Laurence Olivier.
Westminster Abbey
20 Dean’s Yard, London, SW1P 3PA
Admission:
Adults £29
65+ and students £26
Children (6-17) £13
Child (0 - 5) Free
www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/commemorations/william-shakespeare