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 £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’s brutal reign, and even the infamous barber Sweeney Todd. Guests don’t just watch - they become part of the show. You might be “put on trial,” 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 - not for the faint-hearted. The attraction’s soundscape is purposefully unsettling, with screams and eerie music underscoring the entire journey.

However, the Dungeon isn’t just about scares - 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 séance-themed show, adding an extra layer of supernatural suspense.

Though children often flock to the attraction, it’s 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 £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’s bloody, bizarre, and often tragic past, the London Dungeon delivers history with a jolt of adrenaline.