The London Dungeon is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, offering a glimpse at the murkier side of London’s history. Filled with spooky stories and with creepy tours galore, this is not a place for the faint-hearted – but if an afternoon of thrills and chills sounds like your cup of tea, then you’ll love it here.
We’ve compiled this quick guide for those planning their first visit to the dungeon, telling you all you need to know before your trip…
Highlights of the London Dungeon
The exhibits at the London Dungeon are designed to bring the experience to life, and so include real animals (caged rats and cockroaches, for example) as well as some genuinely unsettling waxworks. Expect to find dimly-lit cobbled streets and even a boat ride.
Some of the most popular exhibits of the dungeon focus on real-life murderers from the city’s past, including the likes of Jack the Ripper and Sweeney Todd, and there’s even an exhibit dedicated to Guy Fawkes.
There’s plenty of chances to find out more about the Gunpowder Plot, to pace the streets once frequented by Jack the Ripper, or take the same boat trip Henry VIII inflicted on his enemies, but it isn’t only serial killers and tyrants who get their fifteen minutes of fame here. There is also a creepy re-enactment of plague-ravaged London, and an unnervingly realistic torture chamber. During your stay at the Park Grand Hotel Kensington this all makes for an unusual day out, but one which those with a strong stomach and a love of all things terrifying are sure to enjoy.
Top Tips for Visitors
You can buy tickets once you get there, but you might want to reserve them instead. That way you can plan your visit and make sure you don’t miss out on a meal at the Grand Park Restaurant or waste time queuing. There are times of the year when the London Dungeon becomes incredibly busy, particularly Halloween. However, it makes the ideal spooky trip before heading back to the hotel for an Indian afternoon tea in London as congratulations for your bravery! If you want to see more than one of the attractions nearby, then you can get combined tickets from the official website for a big discount.
Getting to the London Dungeon
For those travelling by car, we recommend pre-booking your parking via the official London Dungeon website. There’s a car park within walking distance of the venue. To get to the London Dungeon by foot, follow the signs for South Bank – you’ll find the dungeon beside the London Eye and the SEA LIFE London Aquarium.
The nearest Tube station is London Waterloo, which is around a five-minute walk from the venue. You can also get the bus using routes 211, 381 and 77, which all stop close to the London Eye.