FAMILIES.
Everything you need to know before visiting Shakespeare’s Globe as a family
We have family-friendly facilities as well as tours, events, performances, workshops and festivals for all ages, that take place across the entire year.
This page includes everything you need to know about visiting Shakespeare’s Globe as a family. If there is anything you think we have missed or can improve on, please email us your feedback.
Events and workshops for families take place throughout the year.
PRAMS, BUGGIES & STROLLERS
Prams can access all public spaces of our building. Our main foyer and Box Office entrance at 21 New Globe Walk has step-free access (pictured) and there is lift access to all other floors.
During performances, prams are not permitted in the auditorium. Worn baby slings and carriers are welcome. Prams are welcome on all tours but please note that in the Globe Theatre you will not be able to access upper levels. During performances and tours, we are happy to store prams and buggies out of the way, but please be aware that they will be unattended and left at your risk.
For other events and workshops, specific guidance will be given. Often prams cannot be taken into spaces but we will find a safe space for them on these occasions.
BABY CHANGING FACILITIES
There is a gender-neutral toilet with baby changing facilities next to the Shop, accessible from the main foyer area by lift (select ‘Piazza Level’).
If you are attending a Guided Tour and require use of changing facilities just speak to your Tour Guide and a member of the team can direct you.
FEEDING & MENUS
All ages are welcome at Swan, our on-site bar and restaurant. There is a bespoke children’s menu and highchairs are available all day.
There is step-free and pram access to all levels of the Swan.
We are, of course, breastfeeding-friendly, and support mothers to feed their babies anywhere they need to on site. For those bottle feeding, we can warm up bottles or provide hot water for formula-making. We can also warm up your own baby food free of charge, any time.
Our Café Foyer has casual family friendly sandwiches and snacks to eat in or take-away, including a children’s lunch deal during the school holidays.
OTHER PERFORMANCES
Below you will find guidance for families looking to attend a full-length production (one not necessarily aimed at families), in the Globe Theatre or the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.
Age Guidance
As standard, we don’t issue an age guidance for our full theatre productions – we welcome everyone and all ages can attend.
Some plays, however, do contain adult themes and might not be suitable for younger children. The individual event pages on the website will give as much information as possible to help you make a decision, and on occasion may detail a warning or guidance.
Babies
We welcome all ages to our performances and anyone under the age of 3 goes free and does not require a ticket. You can step outside the theatre if your baby becomes restless, where you will be able to watch the performance on a monitor. A member of front of house will help advise you on when is best to return to the auditorium.
During performances we are happy to store prams and buggies out of the way, but please be aware that they will be unattended and left at your risk.
Tickets & Seating
Anyone under the age of 3 can attend any production for free and they do not require a ticket. Those over 3 years old will require a paid ticket. Any child may sit on the lap of an attending adult.
You can book a seat anywhere in the auditorium, but parents with babies often like to book tickets close to an exit if they think they may need to nip out of the performance. Seats on the ground floor by an aisle are often a good choice. Please note that the open-air Globe Theatre has more of a relaxed atmosphere, whereas the indoor Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is a more intimate environment.
Visibility
In the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, young children may find visibility from the Upper Galleries difficult. Booster cushions are not available for seats, and standing positions are completely obscured if under 4ft due to balustrade.
If you have seated tickets, you can bring a cushion for your child(ren) to sit on.
Our Box Office team are here to help offer guidance on tickets, choosing seats and anything else you may have questions about. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 020 7401 9919.
RELAXED PERFORMANCES
We also offer Relaxed Performances as part of our Access programme.
Families often benefit from these performances as they are more relaxed – there is an open-door policy meaning that you can come and go as you please.
FAMILY EVENTS
Introduce the family to Shakespeare with activities created especially for younger audiences. From shows and storytelling sessions to workshops and family tours, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.
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