Parking and transport for Shakespeare's Globe

Driving and parking near Shakespeare's Globe

Shakespeare's Globe is on New Globe Walk on the South Bank of the Thames in central London. Driving here means dealing with busy city streets and limited nearby parking, so it is worth deciding in advance whether you will park in a car park, use public transport for the last leg, or be dropped off nearby. If you do choose to drive, plan your route to the South Bank and then pick one of the named car parks below, and check any event-day road changes or restrictions before you set off.

Nearby car parks for Shakespeare's Globe

There is no on-site car park at Shakespeare's Globe, but several named car parks in the surrounding streets are used by visitors heading to the theatre. These are independent facilities, so you should always check their opening hours, height limits, and any booking requirements directly with the operator before you travel. When comparing them, focus on how their location fits your route into London and your preferred walk to the South Bank.

• Sumner StreetCar park on Sumner Street, a short walk from Shakespeare's Globe depending on your route
• BanksideBankside car park serving the South Bank area near the theatre
• Vintry (Thames Exchange)Vintry (Thames Exchange) car park across the river in the City, within walking distance via nearby bridges
• Castle YardCastle Yard car park on the City side of the Thames, reachable on foot from the theatre
• Winchester SquareWinchester Square car park in the City area, walkable to and from the South Bank
• Baynard House Car ParkBaynard House Car Park in the City, accessible on foot via river crossings
• Queen Victoria StreetCar parking on or around Queen Victoria Street on the north bank of the Thames
• Cannon StreetCannon Street car park in the City, with a walk to the theatre across the river

Choosing between South Bank and City-side parking

Some of the listed car parks, such as Sumner Street and Bankside, are on the same South Bank side of the Thames as Shakespeare's Globe, which can keep your walk on one side of the river. Others, including Vintry (Thames Exchange), Castle Yard, Winchester Square, Baynard House Car Park, Queen Victoria Street, and Cannon Street, are in the City across the river, so you will cross a bridge on foot to reach the theatre. When deciding, look at your driving route and preferred bridge crossing, and factor in how comfortable you are with a short urban walk before and after the performance.

Public transport, drop-off, and rideshare alternatives

Because Shakespeare's Globe is in central London, many visitors consider using public transport or arranging a taxi or rideshare drop-off instead of driving all the way to the theatre. Trains, Underground lines, and buses serving the South Bank and the City can all bring you within walking distance of New Globe Walk. For the final approach, decide whether you prefer to arrive on the South Bank or the City side of the river, then plan your walking route across or along the Thames. If you are using a taxi or rideshare, confirm your pick-up and drop-off points on a map near the theatre so your driver can avoid restricted streets.

What to double-check before you leave

Before you travel, confirm which car park you plan to use and check its current entry arrangements, including any advance booking requirements, height limits, and payment methods, directly with the operator. If you are combining driving with public transport, look up the latest service information for your rail, Underground, or bus route. It is also sensible to review your Shakespeare's Globe event information for any performance-specific travel notes, such as road changes or suggested approaches to the theatre, so you can adjust your plan if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there on-site parking at Shakespeare's Globe?

There is no dedicated on-site car park listed for Shakespeare's Globe. Instead, visitors use nearby car parks such as Sumner Street, Bankside, and several City-side facilities like Vintry (Thames Exchange), Castle Yard, Winchester Square, Baynard House Car Park, Queen Victoria Street, and Cannon Street. Always confirm details directly with the car park operator before you travel.

Which car parks are closest to Shakespeare's Globe on the South Bank side?

Sumner Street and Bankside are named car parks on the same South Bank side of the Thames as Shakespeare's Globe. Using them keeps your walk on the South Bank without needing to cross a bridge, though you should still check exact walking routes and any local restrictions before you set off.

Can I park on the City side of the river and walk to Shakespeare's Globe?

Yes. Several listed car parks, including Vintry (Thames Exchange), Castle Yard, Winchester Square, Baynard House Car Park, Queen Victoria Street, and Cannon Street, are in the City across the river. From these, you would walk across a nearby bridge and continue along the Thames to reach Shakespeare's Globe.

What should I check with a car park before driving to Shakespeare's Globe?

Before you drive, confirm the car park's opening hours, height limits, payment methods, and whether you need to pre-book. It is also helpful to review walking directions from the car park to Shakespeare's Globe and to check for any road or transport changes that could affect your journey.

Is public transport a realistic alternative to parking for Shakespeare's Globe?

Yes. Shakespeare's Globe is in central London, and many visitors use rail, Underground, or bus services to reach the South Bank or the City and then walk to New Globe Walk. If you prefer not to drive the whole way, you can also combine parking at one of the named car parks with public transport or a short taxi or rideshare journey.