Built in 1599, a turbulent past saw the Globe destroyed by fire in 1613, rebuilt on the same site a year later, and then demolished by Puritans in 1642 who feared the theatre was an un-godly place that lured people away from the church. Rebuilt and reopened in 1997 approximately 230 metres from the original site is the Globe that stands today, a project founded by the actor Sam Wanamaker, father to actress Zoe Wanamaker who played Madam Hooch in the Harry Potter films. Get a sense of what inspired Shakespeare to write some of his most famous plays, and imagine what an Elizabethan theatre-going crowd would have been like. Raucous taverns selling ale and brothels would have lined the streets, and most theatre goers in the cheap standing tickets could be found in the ale houses prior to a show. A far cry from the civilised Shakespearean crowds we see today. The tour will last 50 minutes with expert guides and storytellers colourfully setting the Elizabethan scene with live demonstrations, stage fighting, and a lesson on 17th century script printing. Once you’ve finished your tour, you’re in the perfect place to find a bite to eat, visit the Tate Modern, or stroll along the river to The London Eye. Why not add an Afternoon Tea after the tour? Enjoy an enchanting traditional afternoon tea in London. Adding a theatrical twist to traditional afternoon tea, our Shakespeare inspired afternoon tea draws the lyricism of Shakespeare's great plays. Eat your way through the twists and turns of Shakespeare’s best loved plays with an enchanting afternoon tea at Swan at the Globe, the theatres onsite bar and restaurant. This exquisite experience puts a theatrical twist on afternoon tea, with plays such as ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘Romeo and Juliet’ serving as inspiration. Tea is served in the Swan’s beautiful dining room which overlooks St. Paul’s Cathedral, a bustling Bankside and the majestic River Thames. Take in the stunning views of London whilst enjoying a selection of finger sandwiches, warm scones and sweet delicacies and fancies with names such as Oberon’s Contempt, Bittersweet Lips and Here in Heaven from tiered stands and beautiful bespoke crockery decorated with illustrations inspired by the plays. This is an immersive Shakespearean experience not to be missed! Click here to see sample afternoon tea menu Festive Afternoon Tea 2022 From the 28th of November till the 30th of December 2022 a festive afternoon tea experience will be offered instead.