Whether you’re a full-blown theatre nerd or you just vaguely trudging through Macbeth in class, Shakespeare has a play for every mood – and so does London. From blood-soaked towers to enchanted gardens, this is your definitive guide to which iconic London attraction matches your favourite Shakespeare play.
I promise, you absolutely don’t need to be a Shakespeare expert to enjoy them.
Let’s dive in, stage left…
Macbeth – Tower of London
Dark history, cursed ambition and some seriously spooky vibes
If Macbeth is your fave, you clearly love a bit of scheming, screaming and supernatural doom – and where better to revel in that than at the Tower of London?
From the moment you step through the fortress gates, it’s all very “double, double, toil and trouble.” There are stories of betrayal, ghosts, royal backstabbing and yes, beheadings galore. You can even stand on the exact spot where Anne Boleyn lost her head – Lady Macbeth would be thrilled.
The attraction experience:
Meet a real Yeoman Warder (aka a Beefeater), gawk at the Crown Jewels and wander the eerie medieval halls at your own pace. Don’t skip the White Tower – it’s filled with armour, weapons and very haunted energy. Bonus points if you whisper “Out, damned spot” while staring at the execution block.
Romeo and Juliet – The London Eye
Big, bold romance with just a touch of melodrama
If you’re a sucker for star-crossed love stories, sweeping views and grand gestures, the London Eye is your Juliet. (Or your Romeo, depending on your type.)
Rising 135 metres above the Thames, this iconic wheel delivers maximum romance with a dramatic skyline to match. As you glide around in your glass pod, it's hard not to think of balcony scenes and forbidden kisses. Just don’t bring your feuding families.
The attraction experience:
It’s slow, cinematic and stunning – ideal for proposals, romantic selfies or just spotting hidden landmarks with your very own Montague.
Pro tip: go at sunset for full Shakespearean swoon-factor.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Kew Gardens
Magical-ish forests and floral fabulousness
If you love a bit of enchantment, fairy nonsense and woodland chaos, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is your jam – and Kew Gardens is its leafy counterpart.
Between the sprawling greenhouses, whimsical sculptures and hidden woodland glades, it’s easy to imagine Puck skipping through the trees or Titania napping under a rosebush. You might not actually turn into a donkey, but you will feel spellbound.
The attraction experience:
This is a full sensory adventure – breathe in exotic blooms in the Palm House, wander through bamboo forests, or get totally lost in the Treetop Walkway. There’s magic in every corner, especially if you believe in fairies.
Richard III – Westminster Abbey
Power, politics and some very real royal remains
For fans of the dark, twisty and ruthlessly ambitious (“My kingdom for a horse!”), Westminster Abbey is the place to pay your respects. Unlike Richard, most of the monarchs buried here actually made it to the throne. #TooSoon?
It’s all very Game of Thrones with a medieval English twist. You’ll find over 30 kings and queens interred here, from Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots to Edward the Confessor. It’s Shakespearean power politics, set in stone.
The attraction experience:
Walk among centuries of history, with awe-inspiring Gothic architecture and genuinely jaw-dropping tombs. Don’t miss Poet’s Corner, Shakespeare himself is honoured there, alongside fellow literary legends. No horse required.
The Tempest – Royal Observatory Greenwich
Storms, stars and a sprinkle of magic
If your favourite play involves shipwrecks, mysterious islands and celestial musings, then The Tempest points you firmly towards the Royal Observatory in Greenwich.
Perched on a hill with panoramic views of London, this place has all the mystical energy of Prospero’s island – plus a hefty dose of science. There’s even a literal line separating East and West: stand with one foot in each hemisphere like you’re casting spells through time and space.
The attraction experience:
You can touch a meteorite, peer through historic telescopes, and finally understand what Greenwich Mean Time actually means. Also, the walk up the hill is a bit of a tempest in itself, but totally worth it.
Much Ado About Nothing – Shakespeare’s Globe
Witty banter, mistaken identities and iconic drama
For the die-hard Shakespeare lovers, there’s nowhere better than the Globe itself. This lovingly reconstructed theatre is a living tribute to the Bard’s best bits, including the endlessly entertaining Much Ado About Nothing.
If you thrive on sass, sarcasm and slow-burn enemies-to-lovers tropes, this is your spiritual home. You’ll find big emotions, bigger gestures and plenty of standing ovations.
The attraction experience:
Take a guided tour to geek out over Elizabethan architecture or catch a play and stand as a “groundling” for the full Shakespearean experience (comfy shoes essential).
It's dramatic, delightful and – trust me – so much more fun than your English class ever was.
Twelfth Night – Hampton Court Palace
Identity swaps, mistaken lovers and fabulous costumes
If Twelfth Night is your favourite, you’re all about the drama, the disguises and a healthy dose of festive chaos. Enter: Hampton Court Palace.
This Tudor playground is a masterpiece of theatrical living, with opulent rooms, grand halls and just enough “who’s really who?” court intrigue to keep things interesting. It’s Viola-approved.
The attraction experience:
Wander through Henry VIII’s kitchens, get lost in the famous maze or explore the impossibly extra gardens. There are even costumed actors wandering around on some days.
Not a Shakespeare fan?
You don’t need to be! These attractions stand strong on their own, and you’ll leave each one with a head full of history, culture and probably a few new facts to casually drop at parties.
But if you do love a good play:
These are the places where London’s real-life drama meets Shakespeare’s world. And as the Bard himself (probably) once said: All the world’s a stage… especially if you’ve got a London Pass.
See the city differently – through a lens of crown jewels and cursed daggers, love-struck teenagers and mistaken identities. It's like the plays came to life, just minus the iambic pentameter.
So whether you're channelling Macbeth’s ambition, Titania’s dreaminess or Beatrice’s sharp wit, there’s an attraction for every type of theatre-lover. And honestly? Even if you left your copy of Twelfth Night back in the classroom, it's still a pretty great excuse to get out there and explore some of London’s most well-known (and dramatic) sights.
Exit… pursued by a pigeon.
Enjoyed this?
Check out our cheats guide to the bard or our complete guide to visiting Shakespeare’s Globe.
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