london dungeon tour

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the London Dungeon in 2024

The london dungeon ultimate guide.

It may be dark and spooky and cover some of the most grisly stories in London’s history, but a visit to The London Dungeon can actually be quite enjoyable… if a “drop-dead” boat ride and live rats and cockroaches are your idea of an entertaining afternoon, that is.

Venturing down into The London Dungeon, visitors will be bombarded with all sorts of appalling and sickening smells, sounds and sights so they can feel what life in London would have been like during the city’s most dreadful times.

Each 90-minute tour consists of 13 different interactive shows, state-of-the-art special effects and a thrilling ride, as well as 20 different live actors who act out scripted performances with a mix of both humour and horror.

Throughout the tour, the actors educate tourists on some of the most spine-chilling, hair-raising and blood-curdling tales in London’s history. As visitors walk through the attraction, they will be educated on over 1,000 years of London’s most ghastly and gloomiest times, with topics like death, plagues, fires, serial killers, murder and torture.

Highlights The London Dungeon

With real live (and smelly!) caged rats and cockroaches, eerie waxwork corpses, dark cobblestone alleyways, and even a creepy medieval lift, there's no telling what you'll come across during your visit to The London Dungeon. Only one thing is certain: you won't see any ghosts here! Instead, the focus is on dark historical facts, but with a playful twist.

The London Dungeon tour updates frequently, blending permanent elements with seasonal scenes; but some highlights you can expect to experience include:

• Getting up close and personal with the likes of Jack The Ripper, Sweeney Todd, and Guy Fawkes
• Feeling lost in a maze of alleys in Victorian Whitechapel
• Hearing chilling (yet fascinating) stories about the Gunpowder Plot
• Being transported back in time to London during the plague
• Walking the same streets where Jack The Ripper preyed on his victims
• Taking a frightening stroll past a horrifying torture chamber
• Experiencing a “sudden drop” on the “Drop Dead: Drop Ride" (and getting your photo taken while doing so!)

Special Tips

Getting There

Visiting the london dungeon.

Tours of The London Dungeon take approximately 90 minutes (not including queue time). If you pre-booked your ticket online beforehand, then the time on your ticket is the time that you are allowed to enter the queue, and not the time of the actual tour.

Depending on when you visit, you may wait in queue for as little as ten minutes during quieter periods, or up to 30 to 45 minutes during peak times.

Because of the gruesome nature of some of the exhibits and stories, it isn’t recommended for children under the ages of twelve to visit The London Dungeon (although there is no official age limit), and visitors under the ages of 16 must be an accompanied by an adult at all times.

There are toilet facilities located near the entrance of the Dungeon, however, there are no left luggage facilities available for visitors. If you do have large bags or items with you, you will need to store them at the left-luggage facilities in the nearby Waterloo Station (which is a five-minute walk away).

The use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited when visiting The London Dungeon, so try and keep your phones in your pockets at all times.

If you are visiting with an international group, be aware that The London Dungeon tour is only in English. Non-English speakers will still enjoy the sights, sounds and (yep) smells of ancient London, but they might not get the full experience.

Ticket Costs

The London Dungeon is open seven days a week, every day of the year (except Christmas Day). Opening and closing times vary depending on what time of the year you visit, so be sure to check out their official website beforehand. However, during the summer months, on some days The London Dungeon opens as early as 10:00 a.m., and closes as late as 7:00 p.m.

There are a variety of ticket options which range in price from as low as £19 to £68, however, general admission tickets to The London Dungeon usually cost:

• £26.50 (online) or £35 (at the door) for adults
• £20.50 (online) for children
• £16 (online) for students

There are also discounts for groups of ten or more people which can cost as low as £18.50 to £20 per person when booked online beforehand.

All tickets purchased include a complimentary drink from The London Dungeon’s new Tavern.

You can also combine your ticket to the London Dungeon with four other attractions in London (for £92.50), and you can also purchase a Merlin Annual Pass (for £169) to get access to up to 30 different Merlin attractions in the UK for one year.

If you are checking out the London Dungeon you might also want to join any of the  free tours in London  that are available on offer.

Free Tours in Your Language

London Dungeon – tickets, prices, discounts, shows, rides, escape room, tavern, timings

The London Dungeon offers an exciting walk-through experience that transports you back in time, recreating harrowing scenes from London’s dark history.

Visitors can fully immerse themselves as they see, hear, feel, smell (and fear!) the eerie characters, props, and atmosphere.

With live actors, thrilling rides, and captivating special effects, the London Dungeon is an attraction well worth experiencing.

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets to the London Dungeon.

Top London Dungeon Tickets

# Standard London Dungeon tickets # London Dungeon with Merlin Pass

Table of contents

What to expect at london dungeon.

The London Dungeon features meticulously designed sets that vividly bring London’s terrifying history to life.

Professional actors perform over ten interactive live shows, offering both entertainment and education: the eerie atmosphere is enhanced by dripping water, skeletons, and caged rats!

What sets the London Dungeon apart is its humorous presentation of torture scenes. The shows employ exceptional special effects originally designed for film and TV, creating a realistic experience.

Explore the Torture Chamber, learn about significant events like the Great Fire of 1666 and the Plague Doctor, and enjoy the thrilling Drop Dead Ride.

Wrap up your visit with a drink at the Victorian-style Tavern to cool off.

Back to Top

Where to book tickets

You can book your London Dungeon tickets online or at the venue.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.

When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.

Because such attractions sell a limited number of tickets, during peak days they may sell out. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

How do online tickets work

Go to the London Dungeon ticket booking page, select the number of tickets, preferred date, and time slot, and buy the tickets immediately.

Once you purchase the tickets, they will be emailed to you.

There is no need to get printouts.

Show the e-ticket on your smartphone and enter the attraction 15 minutes before the selected time.

London Dungeon ticket prices

Standard entry tickets for the London Dungeon during peak days are priced at £33 for visitors aged 16 and above and £27 for children aged five to 15.

Off-peak tickets cost £30 for adults and £24 for children.

For the Scream & Spirits: Entry & Cocktail experience during peak hours, tickets are priced at £41 for adults and £35 for children, and during off-peak hours, they are £37 for adults and £31 for children (with an alternative beverage for kids).

Generally, peak tickets are sold during weekends, and off-peak tickets are sold during weekdays. However, depending on the rush, it may change.

Children under four years are not allowed to participate in the London Dungeon tours.

London Dungeon tickets

There is only one type of ticket at London Dungeon, and it gets you access to all the shows and the Drop Dead drop ride.

The 90-minute tour is available only in English.

Ticket Prices

Standard Entry Adult Ticket (16+ years): £33 Child Ticket (5 to 15 years): £27

Standard Entry (Off Peak) Adult Ticket (16+ years): £29 Child Ticket (5 to 15 years): £23

Scream & Spirits: Entry & Cocktail (Peak) Adult Ticket (16+ years): £37 Child Ticket (5 to 15 years): £31

Scream & Spirits: Entry & Cocktail (Off Peak) Adult Ticket (16+years): £41 Child Ticket (5 to 15 years): £35

London Dungeon discounts

When you purchase your tickets at least three days before your visit, you get a 10% booking discount.

Kids aged three to 15 get a 20% discount on the adult ticket price.

The London Dungeon doesn’t offer price reductions for students, seniors, and disabled visitors.

Since London Eye is close to London Dungeon, many tourists opt for the London Dungeon and London Eye combo and visit both the attractions on the same day. If you love walking tours, check out this combo ticket that includes the top 30 sights walking tour and London Dungeon .

London Dungeon with Merlin Pass

If you are a family with kids on a London vacation, we highly recommend the Merlin Pass.

Merlin’s Magical London Pass helps you combine your visit to the London Dungeon with other top London attractions and score up to 50% discounts on entry tickets.

With the Merlin Pass, you can visit the London Eye, Madame Tussauds London, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventure, and the London Dungeon at a date and time that’s convenient for you.

The best part is that you skip the lines at all places.

How to reach London Dungeon

The London Dungeon is at County Hall, Riverside Building.

Address: Westminster Bridge Rd, London, SE1 7PB. Get Directions

Follow signs for the South Bank, and you’ll see the attraction right next to London Eye and SEA LIFE London Aquarium. 

For 40 years, the London Dungeon was under the arches on Tooley Street, but in 2013, they moved to their South Bank address. 

Waterloo Station , serviced by Bakerloo, Nothern, Waterloo & City, and Jubilee lines, is the closest tube station to the London Dungeon.

When exiting the station, please follow the signs for the London Eye. 

The station is half a km (0.3 miles) from the London Dungeon, and you can walk the distance in less than eight minutes. 

If you are coming from a distance, the nearest mainline station to the London Dungeon is Waterloo train Station . 

Transport for London Bus routes 211, 77, 381, and RV1 can get you closer to the attraction. 

The haunted house attraction also falls on the Big Bus Sightseeing tour’s route. Find out more !

If you’re traveling by car, turn on your Google Maps and get started.

The London Dungeon doesn’t have parking spots of its own.

You can park at  Q-Park Westminster car park , which is 1 km (0.6 miles) from the attraction.

For up to two hours, it will cost you £17 and for up to three hours, £25.

London Dungeon timings

The London Dungeon operates from 10 am to 5 pm during peak tourist months and from 11 am to 4 pm during non-peak months.

There are occasional variations when the London Dungeon operates between 10 am and 6 pm, and 11 am and 5 pm.

The attraction is closed on Christmas Day.

How long does the tour take

The London Dungeon tour typically lasts around 90 minutes.

Queue times may vary depending on the season, so to prevent unnecessary waiting, it’s advisable to pre-book your tickets and arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time.

Best time to visit London Dungeon

The best time to visit the London Dungeon is around 11 am when they open for the day.

The attraction is less crowded in the mornings.

The next best time is around 4 pm, just before their closing hours.

Tip: Purchase tickets in advance to guarantee your entry during peak times such as weekends, bank holidays, summer holidays, and school holidays.

Is London Dungeon suitable for kids

The London Dungeon offers an immersive experience with its dark, noisy, and atmospheric depiction of London’s sinister history, featuring jump-out scares, unexpected frights, and two floor-shaking shows.

The attraction management suggests a minimum age of 12 for children to enjoy the tour.

However, all visitors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older.

Children who are four years old or below are not allowed.

Important: If you need to leave the attraction at any time, speak to one of the actors in the show, and they will arrange for someone to help you.

What’s inside London Dungeon

The London Dungeon has 16 stops, each better than the other, including the Drop Dead and Drop Ride. 

The Descent

Visitors join the resident Lift Jester as they descend into the Dungeon via the attraction’s medieval lift. 

The Jester and sounds of the grinding cogs and chains as the winches strain on your way down prepare you for 1,000 years of London’s history. 

The Tyrant Boat Ride

The Jester you met in the lift has condemned you to death for conspiring with Anne Boleyn, and you are now on your way to the Traitor’s gate.

Also known as the London Dungeon boat ride, you experience Henry VIII’s wrath on the Tyrant Boat Ride.

During this final journey along the Thames to The Tower of London, you experience intense darkness, choppy waters, scurries of rats, and the foul stench of sewage. 

Tower Warden

Once in The Tower of London, you meet the Tower Warden and discover what kind of traitor you are.

He will also check the heads of your group and tell you whose head is perfect for chopping and who will be better off boiling in hot water. 

Conspirators walk

You may be amongst your fellow conspirators, but there are traitors everywhere. Who can you trust?

In this stage of the London Dungeon tour, you also learn about the contents of Lord Monteagle’s Letter and King James’ dreadful deeds.

Guy Fawkes’ Gunpowder Plot

Beyond the city gates, you enter a dark, rat-infested tunnel that takes you beneath the city of London – into the London Dungeon.

You are trying to blow up the King and the Parliament, but your dirty little plot has been thwarted.

The Torturer Chamber

After being caught, you find yourselves in the Tower of London’s Torture Chamber.

This is where you meet the ever-enthusiastic Torturer looking for ‘volunteers’ for a few demonstrations.

In this part of the tour, you also learn what pain and punishment looked like in the 1600s.

The Plague Doctor

It’s 1665, and the Black Plague is taking people by the dozens. 

You stroll down the muddy alley past houses with red crosses, rotting bodies, and black rats.

You learn about the Pest House, the symptoms of the Plague, and what it took the Londoners to survive the pandemic. 

Escape The Great Fire of London

During this part of the London Dungeon tour, you learn about the events of 2nd September 1666.

Sparks from Thomas Farriner’s bakery in Pudding Lane have set the whole city of London on fire. 

You are with Thomas Bludworth, Lord Mayor of London, who doesn’t believe a raging fire exists. 

Soon enough, you will find how smoky a room can get and how sturdy the walls of a 1600s townhouse used to be.

Mrs Lovett’s Pie Shop

Margery Lovett makes the best pies in all of London.

However, you don’t know that Mrs. Lovett is an accomplice and business partner of Sweeney Todd, a barber and serial killer from Fleet Street.

Any guesses for what meat she uses in her pies?

Sweeney Todd

Sweeney Todd is a barber and a serial killer, and Mrs. Lovett’s assistant is always keen to show you in.

Oddly, Mrs. Lovett fires her ovens up when you are in his shop. 

It is going to be a close shave, for sure!

Mitre Square

It is 1888, and there is fear all around the streets of London’s Whitechapel because a murderer is on the loose.

You see Jack the Ripper’s latest victim for yourself, and it isn’t a pretty sight. 

You learn about the gruesome details of each murder and discover what ‘gift’ Jack sent to the press. 

Whitechapel Labyrinth

Jack the Ripper strikes again; this time, it is Mary Jane. 

Danger lurks around every corner in Whitechapel, and the only way to safety is through the Whitechapel Labyrinth. 

It is a confusing maze of narrow streets. Can you make it?

Jack The Ripper

It has been a year since the last Jack the Ripper victim was found on the streets. 

Who was the killer? Where did he go? Will he strike again?

And that’s when you step into the Ten Bells Pub, where Jack the Ripper’s victims once drank.

To add to the mystery, Mrs. Waldren, the landlady, tells you the ultimate ghost story.

The Courtroom

Lord Wendy Farquar is London’s most feared judge, and today, you will be in his court. 

You experience the courtroom drama set in 1783 and determine if you are Guilty or Very Guilty.

Escape from Newgate Prison

The Newgate Prison remained in use for over 700 years, and in this part of the show, you catch up with a Newgate prisoner.

During this chilling show, the prisoner doesn’t speak…only stares. 

The worst part is you don’t want to watch the prisoner, but you cannot turn away.

Drop Dead: Drop Ride

Also known as London Dungeon’s Ride, the Drop Dead Drop Ride is a unique experience that leaves the visitors asking for more. ‘Drop Dead’ is an exhilarating vertical free-fall drop ride that lasts one minute.

The minimum height restriction for Drop Ride is 1.4 meters (4.6 feet).

All riders must be able to sit upright on the ride and brace themselves against the ride forces.

Tavern at the London Dungeon

The Tavern is a unique storytelling experience where visitors return to a vibrant London pub of 1896.

Even as you enjoy bootleg beer, Gin cocktails, or traditional lemonade, you will see multiple actors performing their acts at different tables.

Each table has its act, and you decide which story to follow.

You will not get the same experience at two tables since the tales vary – Great Beer Flood, ghost rumors, Ripper murders, gambling, etc.

FAQs about the London Dungeon

Here are some frequently asked questions about the London Dungeon:

Are there guided tours available at the London Dungeon?

The Dungeon experience is guided by professional actors who lead visitors from one show to the next. There may also be opportunities for private or group bookings with specialized guides. However, traditional guided tours are not available.

Is the London Dungeon suitable for children?

It is generally for visitors above 12 years old due to its darker themes and intense scenes. However, ultimately, it is up to parents to decide on that matter. Children under four years are not allowed.

Is the London Dungeon attraction scary?

It is designed to be both humorous and scary. While it includes dark and gruesome elements, it also incorporates humor to create an entertaining experience.

Does London Dungeon have a dress code?

There is no specific dress code. It is better to prefer comfortable clothing and footwear, as you’ll be on your feet for the duration of the experience.

Can I take photographs or videos inside the London Dungeon?

Photography and videography are not allowed during the main shows inside the Dungeon to maintain the atmosphere. However, there are designated photo opportunities at specific points after the show.

Is the London Dungeon based on real history?

Yes, the shows and experiences are inspired by real historical events and legends from London’s history, but they are presented in an entertaining and theatrical manner.

Sources # Thedungeons.com # Wikipedia.org # Tripadvisor.com # Visitlondon.com The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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This article was researched & written by

Jamshed V Rajan

He is a two-faced traveler, who enjoys both the hustle-bustle of an urban holiday and the serenity of a break from the rest of the World. During some of his vacations, he is a resort hopper, and on others, he barely spends time in his hotel. He loves to try mouth-watering local cuisines, especially non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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Jack the Ripper? Amateur hour. Get ready for a front-row seat to London's wildest historical horrors at the one-and-only London Dungeon!

Take a tour through London's gruesome historical events with subtle undertones of gallows humor at the London Dungeon.

Watch ghastly events from London's past resurface with the help of 20 actors, special effects, and props to see Sweeney Todd, Gue Fawkes', Jack The Ripper, and more.

Plummet down on the ride, Drop Dead, or enjoy London's only underground water ride, the Tyrant Boat Ride followed by a drink in the Tavern.

Choose an extra attraction or tour with the saver pass and discover a side of London only true adventurers find, or opt for the Screams & Spirits tour.

Fun fact: The London Dungeon has won awards from the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtc) and Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC).

Entry to London Dungeon

90-min experience

Access to 19 shows

90-min Scream & Spirits London Dungeon tour with premium cocktail/mocktail (as per option selected)

Entry to 1 other attraction in London

Valid for 60 days from first visit

2-year validity from the date of purchase

Choose as you go – no advance selection required

Get complete details here

Digital guidebook, map, and attraction information via Go City app

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 90 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Your experience

An encounter with london's past.

Brace yourself for a thrilling experience, filled with laughter, fun, thrills, and chills! Take a tour down memory lane, to the capital's most horrifying past, featuring some of the characters responsible for it. Relive London's bad old days as you come face-to-face with the most notorious historical characters of London, including Jack The Ripper, Sweeney Todd, Guy Fawkes', and then some.

Make history exciting again

Using live actors, special effects, and astounding props, the gripping re-telling of events from the past exhibits storytelling at its finest! Don't settle for the usual tourist traps! Opt for the saver pass and choose an extra attraction or tour that takes you beyond the well-worn path. Or, if you dare, considering upgrading your ticket to include the Screams & Spirits tour at the London Dungeon.

Operating hours

The london dungeon, know before you go, what's not allowed.

Sharp objects, large luggage pieces, cameras, video-recording equipment, outside food & beverages are all restricted inside the London Dungeon.

Large items of hand luggage, including suitcases, are not permitted inside this attraction. Please note that there is no cloakroom available at The London Dungeon.

Accessibility

• The London Dungeon is wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and footwear on this tour, as a fair amount of walking is involved.

For the Drop Dead ride, guests must be at least 1.4 meters tall.

For the Tyrant Boat ride, guests must be at least 1 meter tall.

Children under the age of 5 are not permitted to enter The London Dungeon.

The recommended minimum age for a child is 12yrs. Guests under 16yrs of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Note: The Dungeons reserve the right to alter, close, or remove details/exhibits/rides without prior notice for technical, operational, or other reasons. No refunds or price reductions can be given in these circumstances.

Extra attraction pass

You can cancel your pass within 90 days of purchase and get a full refund if it hasn't been activated yet.

Some attractions require prior reservations. Please check the official websites to make a booking.

Validity: Your pass is activated as soon as you visit your 1st attraction and is then valid for entry to the number of attractions purchased over 60 days. The pass can be activated within 2 years from the date of purchase.

You can visit each attraction once.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please arrive at the attraction 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

Please display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the attraction.

Ticket redemption point

Show your ticket at The London Dungeon.

Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom.

Get directions to the redemption point

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