Private Shakespeare Walking Tour of London

A Closer Look at the Private Shakespeare Walking Tour of London

Imagine strolling through the very streets where William Shakespeare once walked, visiting historic sites linked to his life and works. For around $247.61 per group (up to 15 people), you get about three hours of intimate exploration led by a private guide—perfect for those who crave a personalized experience. This tour kicks off at Farringdon Station and winds through some of London’s most historic neighborhoods, ending at Southwark Cathedral.

What really makes this experience shine is the chance to see the Globe Theatre—a marvel of modern reconstruction—and to learn about the censorship of plays at St John’s Gate, a detail many visitors miss. The guide’s insights help transport you back to Shakespeare’s time, making history feel alive. We particularly love the small-group setting, which allows for more direct questions and stories from your guide, Dewi, who is praised for his passion and humor.

A potential consideration is the walking pace and duration—the tour covers several landmarks in just three hours, so expect some light to moderate walking and standing. If mobility is a concern, or if you prefer a more relaxed pace, this might not be the best option.

This tour suits history buffs, Shakespeare fans, and curious travelers who want a meaningful, tailored look at London’s Elizabethan past. If you’re eager to hear stories that connect Shakespeare’s life to the city’s landscape, this tour will hit the mark.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private guide offers tailored insights into Shakespeare’s London.
• Historical Landmarks: Visits to sites like St John’s Gate, the Globe, and Southwark Cathedral.
• Educational Focus: Learn about censorship, Shakespeare’s associates, and the city’s role in his life.
• Flexible Scheduling: Choose tour times that fit your plans.
• Walk Through History: Expect a lot of walking, but with authentic, vivid storytelling.
• Value for Money: Small group and expert guide make this an engaging, memorable experience.

The Detailed Walkthrough of the Tour

Starting Point: Farringdon Station – Setting the Scene

Your journey begins at Farringdon Station, an easy-to-reach hub in central London. From here, your guide—likely someone like Dewi, known for his humor and passion—will start weaving the story of Shakespeare’s London. This private tour offers a rare chance to ask questions without the crowds typical of larger group outings.

St John’s Gate: A Playhouse of Censorship

Your first stop is St John’s Gate, one of the few places in London that Shakespeare would have physically visited. It housed the office of the Master of Revels, the official who licensed plays during Elizabethan and Jacobean times. Your guide will clarify why theatre censorship was so strict, and how it shaped what Shakespeare could and couldn’t perform.

Hearing that censorship persisted until 1968 might surprise you, and understanding how this affected Shakespeare’s work helps you appreciate how modern performances differ. The guide explains how the ending of censorship changed the theatre landscape—an aspect that adds new depth to your view of Shakespeare’s plays today.

Smithfield Market: A Hint of the Past

Next, you walk past Smithfield Market, a Victorian-era market that Shakespeare references in his plays, especially “King Henry IV, Part 2.” While modernized, the market’s core principles remain, and your guide will suggest how Shakespeare and his contemporary Ben Jonson might have visited here. It’s an authentic glimpse into how Londoners historically gathered to trade and socialize—a backdrop to Shakespeare’s London.

St Bartholomew’s Hospital: Medicine and Inspiration

Your route takes you to St. Bartholomew’s Hospital—the oldest surviving hospital in the world, founded in 1123. This site is a living reminder that during Shakespeare’s lifetime, hospitals like Barts were fundamental institutions. The guide will link the hospital’s stories to Shakespeare’s plays, hinting at characters and themes inspired by real hospitals like Bedlam. Plus, you’ll learn how Shakespeare’s work subtly reflects the social issues of his day.

Postman’s Park: A Brief Pause with Meaning

Cutting through Postman’s Park, you’ll hear about its origins and the stories behind the memorials to ordinary heroes—people who sacrificed themselves to save others. It’s a quick stop but adds emotional depth to your walk, connecting London’s history of heroism with the broader narrative of the city’s past.

St Mary Aldermanbury Garden: Shakespeare’s Friends and the Globe

On the site of the former St Mary Aldermanbury, your guide will highlight that Shakespeare’s friends Henry Condell and John Heminge are buried here. Not only were they vital to Shakespeare’s world—they were shareholders in the Globe and helped publish his works—but their graves connect directly to Shakespeare’s legacy.

The guide explains how the church was bombed in WWII and how the Londoners chose to preserve the memory of these Shakespearean associates. Visiting this garden offers a tangible link between the Bard’s London and his enduring influence.

Guildhall Library: Preserving Shakespeare’s First Folio

A highlight for bibliophiles is the Guildhall Library, home to a preserved edition of the First Folio—the first collected edition of Shakespeare’s plays, published in 1623. The library’s extensive collection of over 200,000 titles from the 15th century onward provides context for the literary world Shakespeare helped create.

Your guide will tell you why this particular edition is so crucial, and how the First Folio helped cement Shakespeare’s place in history. It’s a special moment for fans eager to see where Shakespeare’s legacy is preserved in London’s modern institutions.

Guildhall and the City’s Power

Next, you visit Guildhall, the heart of London’s governance during Shakespeare’s time. Here, your guide will connect the dots between Shakespeare’s social ambitions—like acquiring property in London—and the city’s political atmosphere. The Guildhall scene in “Richard III” gains new meaning when you understand the civic power it represented.

St Paul’s Churchyard and the First Folio

Though much has changed around St. Paul’s Cathedral, the area was pivotal for Shakespeare’s publication of the First Folio. You’ll see where the first copies were sold and learn why this book is so critical for understanding Shakespeare’s work. The guide emphasizes the importance of this publication in maintaining Shakespeare’s reputation.

The Blackfriar’s Playhouse and Shakespeare’s House

While walking past the site where Blackfriar’s Playhouse once stood, your guide will encourage you to imagine the scenes Shakespeare’s company might have performed here, as well as his own house. The discussion of his purchase of a London property highlights his social climbing, a theme reinforced by passing the College of Arms, where the story of his coat of arms unfolds.

The Globe Theatre: A Modern Monument

Of course, no Shakespeare walk would be complete without mentioning the Globe Theatre. Your guide will explain how the modern reconstruction was made possible, the role of an American in its creation, and the legal battles that followed. Seeing the Globe from the outside, you’ll grasp how Shakespeare’s plays continue to be relevant and how London keeps his memory alive.

Southwark Cathedral: The Final Stop

Your tour concludes at Southwark Cathedral, a place deeply connected to Shakespeare’s life, with his brother Edmund buried here. Your guide will recount how Shakespeare and his family are remembered within this historic Gothic church, providing a fitting end to your journey through London’s Shakespearean past.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

The charm of this private tour is the depth of insight you receive from a knowledgeable guide like Dewi, who turns historical facts into engaging stories. The small-group setting means you can ask questions freely, and the flexibility of choosing your tour time makes it easy to fit into your London itinerary.

At £247.61, the cost might seem high, but considering the personalized attention, the detailed itinerary, and the expert storytelling, it provides excellent value—especially for those passionate about Shakespeare or history. The tour’s focus on authentic sites and stories not often highlighted in typical sightseeing makes it an immersive experience that’s worth every penny.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This walk best suits literature lovers, history enthusiasts, and culturally curious travelers. If you’ve ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look at Shakespeare’s London, this is your chance. It’s also ideal if you prefer a slow, in-depth exploration with a guide who can tailor the experience to your interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long is the tour?
  It lasts approximately 3 hours, with plenty of stops to learn and ask questions.

• What’s included in the price?
  Guide fees are included. You are responsible for your own travel on the London transport network.

• Is this a group or private tour?
  It’s a private tour for up to 15 people, providing a more intimate experience.

• Can I choose my tour time?
  Yes, you can select from a range of times to suit your schedule.

• Is the tour suitable for all ages?
  Moderate physical fitness is recommended as there’s walking involved.

• Are tickets or entry fees required?
  Most stops, like St John’s Gate and Southwark Cathedral, are free to visit, but check specific sites for any potential charges.

• Where does the tour start and end?
  It begins at Farringdon Station and ends at Southwark Cathedral.

• What should I wear?
  Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are advised.

• Can I cancel if my plans change?
  Yes, cancellation is free if done at least 24 hours in advance.

• Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
  The tour is up to 15 people, ideal for a private, unrushed experience.

Final Thoughts

This Private Shakespeare Walking Tour of London offers a well-rounded look at the places that shaped the life and works of one of England’s greatest playwrights. The combination of historic landmarks, engaging stories, and expert guidance makes it an excellent choice for those wanting a deeper connection to Shakespeare’s London. The personal touch of a private guide ensures you won’t just see the sights—you’ll understand their significance.

While the tour involves some walking and historical storytelling, the experience’s richness justifies the price for fans and history lovers eager to connect Shakespeare’s world to the city that inspired him. If you’re looking for an educational yet entertaining way to spend a few hours in London, this tour promises heartfelt insights and memorable moments.

Whether you’re a Shakespeare aficionado or a history buff, this walk will deepen your appreciation for London’s role in shaping the bard’s legacy—an experience that’s both enlightening and delightful.