Before you read the detailed wheelchair accessibility at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in central London information below, you should definitely watch the official video of accessibility at Shakespeare’s Globe.

IMPORTANT: Bag Size!

First, a wee word about the bag size policy at Shakespeare’s Globe (a policy that’s strictly enforced).

Only bags with maximum dimensions of 40cm x 35cm x 19cm are allowed inside the Shakespeare’s Globe site. And they do not store oversized bags.

There are exceptions though. Bags containing necessary medical equipment will be permitted – subject to you agreeing that your bags may need to be inspected.

Arrival By Car

There are two disabled parking spaces available at Shakespeare’s Globe in London. These are allocated on a “first come, first served basis” though – so book as soon as you can. They can be reserved by calling the Shakespeare’s Globe Box Office (+44[0]20 7401 9919) or their dedicated Access Information Line (+44[0]20 7902 1409).

Arrival By Public Transport

Tube (Underground):

The nearest completely step-free Tube station is “London Bridge” (but only if arriving on the Jubilee Line). There is then a 9-minute walk along level streets between London Bridge station and Shakespeare’s Globe. Another option, but slightly further away, is to use “Blackfriars” Tube station on the Circle & District Lines. There is then a 10-minute walk along level streets between Blackfriars station and Shakespeare’s Globe.

Bus:

There are NO buses that pass near here – so taking the bus will only leave you as far away as if you had just taken the Tube/Railway.

Taxi:

By far the easiest way to arrive at Shakespeare’s Globe in a wheelchair, and by using public transport, is in one of London’s famous black cabs (taxis). It’s also the most expensive way to reach Shakespeare’s Globe. All London taxis are equipped with a retractable ramp.

Boat:

Yes, Shakespeare’s Globe can be accessed from the river too.

Bankside Pier, one of the piers used by the public Thames Clippers boats, is located directly outside Shakespeare’s Globe (you will have to roll around to the main entrance on New Globe Walk though – but it’s just a few metres).

My recommendation though:

Get there on foot/by wheelchair!

The riverside footpath (part of the Thames Walk as it passes through central London) is, without question, THE best walking route in central London. And because it is level (although there are a couple of detours which make it completely step-free), it is very wheelchair accessible.

This walk (the London Thames DIY Walking Tour) includes completely wheelchair accessible visits to: Westminster Abbey > the Houses of Parliament (and Big Ben) > the London Eye > the Southbank Centre > Tate Modern > a wee sidetrip across the Millennium Bridge to St.Paul’s Cathedral and back > Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre > The View From The Shard > HMS Belfast > Tower Bridge > and finally the Tower of London.

Entrance – Access

A push-pad activated door enables effortless wheelchair access to the main entrance of Shakespeare’s Globe on New Globe Walk.

There are steps leading up to the other entrance on the riverside walkway though. To access Shakespeare’s Globe from the Thames/Bankside, you will have to go around to the main entrance (on the other side of the building from the river).

Building Accessibility

All public areas in Shakespeares’s Globe are wheelchair accessible.

Both the main Globe Theatre, and the smaller Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, are wheelchair accessible too.

A wheelchair accessible lift will take you down to the exhibition space on the lower level.

The official Guided Tours of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre are also fully wheelchair accessible (but remember: Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is an open-air theatre – so dress for the weather).

There are also dedicated wheelchair spaces if you will be watching a performance.

Wheelchair Accessible Toilets

There are two dedicated accessible toilets on the Piazza level. There is also a wheelchair accessible toilet on the Lower Level – this toilet is for all to use though.

Wheelchair Accessible Cafe/Restaurant

Food and drink in Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, beside the River Thames in central London, is available in both the wheelchair-friendly Foyer Café Bar and in the connected (and also wheelchair accessible) Swan Bar and Restaurant – directly accessed by lift from the foyer.

Photo: The outside of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, beside the River Thames in central London, by RGY23 from Pixabay.

See the Wheelchair Accessible London Guide for details of other wheelchair accessible attractions, restaurants and hotels in central London.