The Globe Theatre is in Bankside (the old Southwark) on the south bank of the Thames. Sometimes referred to as the 'New Globe Theatre' or 'Shakespeare's theatre' it attracts over 750,000 visitors a year.
The Globe Theatre is famous for its associations with William Shakespeare, the famous English playwright and actor. The original Globe was owned by actors with Shakespeare himself owning an eighth share. From 1599 onwards, he staged most of his plays here, including Julius Caesar, Macbeth, and Hamlet.
The Globe Theatre you see today is a reconstruction which opened in 1997. The original Theatre stood 200 metres away from this site, and was built in 1599. It was destroyed by a fire in 1613, rebuilt in 1614, and closed again in 1642. The project to rebuild the Globe was started by the American actor and director Sam Wanamaker, which was built sympathetically, according to an Elizabethan plan.
The Globe Theatre has regular performances of Shakespeare plays but continues to show other historic plays as well. It is also home to the world's most extensive exhibition about Shakespeare and his contemporaries. There are occasional fairs and musical performances, and you can take guided tours throughout the building. The Globe Theatre is open daily, situated in New Globe Walk, close to Blackfriars and London Bridge tube stations. You don't need to book tickets in advance unless you're part of a group. There is a charge for admission.
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Radisson Edwardian hotels in this area
If you're looking for a Radisson Edwardian hotel in London that's close to the Globe Theatre, you'll be spoilt for choice.
The Mayfair is a 5 star hotel located in Stratton Street in London's exclusive Mayfair. This historic building, opened by King George V in 1927, recently underwent a £70 million refurbishment. The result is an oasis of contemporary chic, with sofas and chairs by Fendi, chandeliers by Baccarat, and paintings from St Petersburg. The May Fair is superbly located for the sights of London and is close to Green Park tube station. It also has its own attractions in the form of the award-winning Amba Bar and Grill, the May Fair Bar and the Palm Beach Casino. The Mayfair is equipped with a luxury spa, complimentary wireless broadband and a 24 hour business centre, so whether you're planning a trip for business or pleasure, this hotel is sure to please.
The Radisson Edwardian Hampshire Hotel is a 5 star hotel in Leicester Square, the heart of London's theatreland. It offers grandeur and comfort, with mahogany-panelled walls, classic art, and bedrooms decorated with English fabrics and marble. The Hampshire's location, on the corner of Leicester Square, makes it an excellent base for exploring London, and it has a lively bar and restaurant serving the finest modern British and Mediterranean cuisine. The hotel has complimentary wireless Internet access, a 24 hour business centre and a fitness centre, so whether you're in London to work or to play, the Hampshire makes the perfect place to stay.
The Radisson Edwardian Leicester Square Hotel is a new 4 star hotel in St. Martin's Street, just off Leicester Square. Tucked away in a quiet backstreet, this intimate boutique hotel offers all the benefits of a central location just off London's theatreland. Its luxurious rooms offer sleek black slate bathrooms, Bang & Olufsen plasma TVs, and beautiful Baccarat lighting. The hotel has a bar and restaurant, a fitness centre, a 24 hour business centre, 24 hour room service and complimentary wireless internet access. If you're looking for a relaxing hideaway in a central location, the Radisson Edwardian Leicester Square Hotel is the one for you.
The Radisson Edwardian Mountbatten Hotel is a 4 star hotel in Seven Dials, Covent Garden. This discreet, boutique hotel is a byword for understated elegance, and its public areas feature silk chenille fabrics, 'leopard' hide chairs, Phillipe Hurel chocolate leather sofas and a collection of framed Japanese artefacts. The Mountbatten has a business centre, fitness centre and complimentary wireless access. The hotel's deluxe facilities and prime location make it the perfect London base for the business or leisure traveller.
The Radisson Edwardian New Providence Wharf is just what you need. This luxury 4 star hotel in Fairmont Avenue is situated just ten minutes walk from Canary Wharf and the underground station, and it's close to London City Airport and the City. The hotel's rooms offer contemporary design, natural lighting and air conditioning, with breath-taking views of the River Thames and the city of London. The hotel has a riverside café, a cocktail bar, and a restaurant and a fitness centre, so you won't be short of things to do. If you're here on a business trip, you'll find the hotel is fully equipped with a 24 hour business centre and wireless Internet access.
