London Dungeon, London

The London Dungeon is a darkly theatrical tourist attraction that plunges visitors into 1,000 years of gruesome and grisly London history. What began in 1974 as a waxwork exhibit beneath London Bridge station has since evolved into a high-energy immersive experience. After a major 拢20 million redevelopment in 2013, the attraction moved to County Hall on the South Bank, right beside the London Eye. This relocation brought upgraded sets, new live shows, and easier access for tourists exploring the riverside.

The 90-minute experience blends storytelling, scare tactics, and dark humor. Costumed actors guide audiences through scenes featuring real and legendary figures, from Boudica (the queen of the ancient British tribe, who led a failed uprising against the conquering forces of the Roman Empire in the 1st century AD) to Jack the Ripper. Visitors walk through detailed sets recreating the Black Death, the Great Fire of London, Henry VIII鈥檚 brutal reign, and even the infamous barber Sweeney Todd. Guests don鈥檛 just watch 鈥� they become part of the show. You might be 鈥減ut on trial,鈥� stumble through plague-ridden streets, or be threatened by a shadowy figure in the dark.

A standout feature is the "Drop Dead: Drop Ride," a free-fall ride simulating a public hanging 鈥� not for the faint-hearted. The attraction鈥檚 soundscape is purposefully unsettling, with screams and eerie music underscoring the entire journey.

However, the Dungeon isn鈥檛 just about scares 鈥� it leans into its own over-the-top style with tongue-in-cheek narration, making it as amusing as it is macabre. Special events, especially around Halloween, intensify the thrills. In 2024, the Dungeon celebrated its 50th anniversary with a s茅ance-themed show, adding an extra layer of supernatural suspense.

Though children often flock to the attraction, it鈥檚 not for everyone. Some scenes can be genuinely disturbing, especially for sensitive guests, adults included. During weekends and school holidays, long lines are common, though evening adult-only tours, which include drinks, offer a more exclusive (and possibly even darker) alternative.

The Dungeon is open daily, generally from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with extended hours on busy days. Tickets start at over 拢25, but online bookings can save up to 30%. Bundle deals with nearby attractions like SEA LIFE London and the London Eye can offer even bigger discounts.

For anyone fascinated by London鈥檚 bloody, bizarre, and often tragic past, the London Dungeon delivers history with a jolt of adrenaline.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The 黑料吃瓜网 App

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: London Dungeon
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

South Bank Walking Tour

Walking Tours in London, England

Create Your Own Walk in London

Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

London's Historic Pubs Walk

If there鈥檚 any more iconic symbol for London than Big Ben or the London Eye, then it must be the traditional English pub. And London sure is full of them, dating from pre-Victorian times to just about five minutes ago.

With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles

Harry Potter Walking Tour II

The Harry Potter movies and London go together like Butterbeer and a cold winter night at Hogsmeade. While much of the magical world was brought to life with computer-generated images and studio sets, quite a few iconic scenes were filmed right in the heart of the British capital, transforming ordinary city spots into wizarding landmarks. Here's a look at six more London locations where the... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles

Jane Austen鈥檚 London

The celebrated English novelist Jane Austen primarily lived between Bath and Hampshire. However, London also held a special significance in Austen's life. Many of her novels drew inspiration from the capital, like Lydia Bennet and Mr Wickham鈥檚 elopement in 鈥淧ride & Prejudice.鈥�

One of Austen's cherished spots in London was Twinings, a renowned tea shop. Jane Austen was known... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles

Jack the Ripper Walking Tour

Jack the Ripper, an unidentified serial killer who terrorized the British capital in 1888, became notorious for the series of brutal and gruesome murders that he carried out in the East End of London. The primary setting for the Jack the Ripper attacks was Whitechapel, at the time a poverty-stricken and crime-ridden district, known for its dark alleys and narrow streets.

The name "Jack the... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles

Harry Potter Walking Tour I

The Harry Potter phenomenon began with author J.K. Rowling, who famously dreamed up the series while delayed on a train from Manchester to London. With the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher鈥檚 Stone in 1997, the literary world changed forever. Across seven books, readers followed Harry鈥檚 evolution from an orphaned schoolboy at Hogwarts to a brave young wizard confronting evil... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

Beatles London Walking Tour

The Beatles, often hailed as one of the most influential bands in music history, began their journey in Liverpool in 1960, but it was in London that they truly became global icons. While Liverpool gave them their start, the British capital became their professional playground during the peak of Beatlemania. From recording sessions and business deals to public performances and personal milestones,... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles

View all walking tours in London, England

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip

London Souvenirs: 18 Distinctively British Products for Travelers

Most visitors to London consider shopping as part of their must-do London experience. From street markets to Victorian arcades to snobbish Sloane Square to busy Oxford Street, there are a host of shops selling items which typically represent this vibrant city. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs...