The York Dungeon
Step into York’s darkest history with live actors, chilling shows, and immersive effects at The York Dungeon.
The York Dungeon offers a thrilling, immersive journey through 2000 years of York’s darkest history. Located at 12 Clifford Street, this unique attraction combines live actors, special effects, and detailed sets to bring to life infamous characters like Vikings, Guy Fawkes, and local witch Isabella Billington. Visitors experience chilling shows including the Plague House, Torture Chamber, and the notorious Dungeon Lates adult-only tours, making it an unforgettable theatrical adventure.
A brief summary to The York Dungeon
- 12 Clifford St, York, YO1 9RD, GB
- +441904632599
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-4 pm
- Thursday 11 am-4 pm
- Friday 11 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10:30 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Book tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and save money.
- Visit during weekday mornings for fewer crowds and a more intimate experience.
- Consider attending Dungeon Lates on Saturdays for a scarier, adult-only experience.
- The attraction is not recommended for children under eight due to scary content.
- Accessibility is well supported with stairlifts and helpful staff for disabled visitors.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the York Park & Ride buses from various city outskirts, which run frequently and stop near Clifford Street. The journey takes 15–25 minutes and costs around £3–£5 for a day ticket.
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Train
York Railway Station is about 1.5 km from The York Dungeon. From the station, a taxi takes 5 minutes (about £6–£10), or you can enjoy a 20-minute walk through York’s historic streets.
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Car
Parking near The York Dungeon is limited; the closest public car parks are the Marygate or Piccadilly car parks, about 10 minutes’ walk away. Expect to pay £8–£15 for a day. The city centre is largely pedestrianised, so plan accordingly.
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Walking
If staying in central York, The York Dungeon is easily reachable on foot via flat, paved streets. Walking times vary from 5 to 20 minutes depending on your location, suitable for all fitness levels.
The York Dungeon location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about The York Dungeon
A Journey into York’s Dark Past
The York Dungeon is a captivating attraction that plunges visitors into the shadowy depths of York’s history, spanning two millennia. Housed at 12 Clifford Street, it uses a blend of live theatrical performances, immersive sets, and special effects to recreate some of the city’s most notorious and eerie moments. From the Viking invasions to the Gunpowder Plot, the Dungeon brings historical events and characters vividly to life, allowing visitors to see, hear, feel, and even smell the atmosphere of York’s darkest times.Interactive Shows and Iconic Characters
The experience is structured as a guided tour through a series of ten live actor shows, each focusing on a different chapter of York’s grim history. Highlights include the Viking warrior Snore Short Sword and the terrifying York Plague House, where the presence of the Plague Doctor’s assistant adds chilling authenticity. Visitors also encounter the infamous Guy Fawkes, the haunted tales of City Ghosts, and the interactive Torture Chamber, which is among the most intense and memorable parts of the tour.Atmosphere and Sensory Immersion
The York Dungeon is renowned for its highly sensory environment, incorporating dark spaces, jump scares, loud noises, strobe lighting, pungent smells, water sprays, and air blasts. This multi-sensory approach creates a spine-tingling atmosphere that engages visitors fully, heightening the thrill and realism of the historical narratives. The attraction is fully air-conditioned and heated to ensure comfort during all seasons.Special Events and Adult-Only Experiences
For those seeking a more intense thrill, the Dungeon hosts the Dungeon Lates, an adult-only event held on Saturday evenings until early November. These tours feature scarier, darker versions of the usual shows with added twists, saucier jokes, and exclusive performances like "Romans: Labyrinth of the Lost" and "Seance." This after-hours experience lasts around 75 minutes and is strictly for guests aged 18 and over.Accessibility and Visitor Facilities
The York Dungeon welcomes visitors aged five and above, though it is not recommended for children under eight due to its scary content. The attraction is accessible for disabled visitors, with helpful staff and stairlifts available to ensure access to all areas. Facilities include disabled toilets, contactless payment, a gift shop, and clear signage. Dogs are not permitted except for guide dogs.Location and Practical Information
Situated in the heart of York, the Dungeon is open daily from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day when it is closed. Tours typically last between 70 and 90 minutes. Pre-booking tickets online is highly recommended to secure preferred time slots and avoid queues. The attraction is part of the Visit York Tourism Awards and is celebrated for its immersive storytelling and outstanding customer service.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ouse Bridge
0.1 km
Historic Ouse Bridge in York spans the River Ouse, blending medieval heritage with 19th-century architecture and city life.
Parliament St
0.2 km
York's vibrant shopping street where Victorian commerce meets medieval heritage and market tradition.
St Crux
0.3 km
Explore the echoes of medieval York at St Crux, where a grand church’s legacy lives on in a historic parish hall and poignant tales of martyrdom.
The York Ghost Merchants
0.3 km
Explore a unique blend of York's ghostly history and charming souvenirs at The York Ghost Merchants, your destination for eerie collectibles.
Ghost Hunt of York
0.3 km
Explore the haunted streets of York with the Ghost Hunt, where history and the supernatural collide in an unforgettable sightseeing experience.
The Stonebow
0.4 km
A historic gateway blending medieval charm and architectural evolution at York’s vibrant city heart.
Barley Hall
0.4 km
Discover the rich history of York at Barley Hall, a beautifully restored medieval townhouse showcasing life in the 15th century.
Fishergate Postern Tower
0.4 km
Explore Fishergate Postern Tower, a well-preserved medieval fortress standing sentinel at York’s historic city walls since the early 1500s.
Historic England - York Office
0.4 km
Explore the Historic England - York Office, a hub for heritage preservation in the heart of York, where history meets contemporary conservation efforts.
The Deathly Dark Tours
0.4 km
Unearth the chilling tales of York's past with The Deathly Dark Tours, where ghostly legends and history intertwine for an unforgettable adventure.
Dick Turpins grave
0.5 km
Discover the historic resting place of Dick Turpin, the legendary highwayman, and delve into the captivating tales of York's vibrant past.
Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate
0.5 km
Explore the serene beauty and rich history of Holy Trinity Church in York, a captivating Anglican landmark and must-visit tourist attraction.
Locked in Games York
0.5 km
Experience the thrill of escaping at Locked in Games York, a top-rated escape room center perfect for families, friends, and adventurers!
Barker Tower
0.5 km
A 14th-century river tower where medieval tolls, ferries, and York's leather trade converged.
Black window cat
0.5 km
Victorian architectural gem showcasing French Renaissance design and meticulous Victorian craftsmanship in historic York.
Unmissable attractions to see
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience York
0.1 km
Step inside Van Gogh’s world with immersive projections and VR at historic St Mary's Abbey, York’s captivating digital art experience.
St Mary's Church
0.1 km
Discover York’s ancient St Mary's Church—where medieval history meets contemporary art in a stunning Castlegate landmark.
The Royal Dragoon Guards Museum and Regimental Association
0.1 km
Three centuries of cavalry heritage preserved in York's historic heart, where personal stories meet military grandeur.
Coppergate Shopping Centre
0.1 km
Historic York’s vibrant open-air shopping centre blending culture, retail, and dining in the city’s ancient heart.
York Army Museum
0.1 km
Explore centuries of Yorkshire military history through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences at York Army Museum.
York Gift Center
0.1 km
Discover authentic York souvenirs and local crafts in a charming historic gift shop nestled in the heart of the city.
Fairfax House
0.1 km
Step into the refined world of Georgian York at Fairfax House, a stunningly preserved townhouse showcasing exquisite 18th-century art, architecture, and history.
The Original Ghost Walk of York
0.1 km
York's longest-running ghost tour—authentic paranormal history told nightly by passionate guides.
JORVIK Viking Centre
0.1 km
Step into Viking-age York at JORVIK Viking Centre, where history comes alive through immersive rides, artefacts, and interactive experiences.
The Spurriergate Centre
0.1 km
A historic 12th-century church transformed into a vibrant community café and Christian centre in the heart of York.
Ghost keeper - Meeting point
0.1 km
Explore York’s haunted streets with the Ghost Keeper tour—a thrilling blend of history, spooky tales, and theatrical storytelling.
Parish of All Saints, Pavement
0.2 km
Discover York’s historic All Saints, Pavement—home to a medieval lantern tower beacon and centuries of rich heritage in the city’s heart.
York Beach
0.2 km
A vibrant craft beer bar in York’s historic Merchant Exchange, blending industrial charm with regional brews and lively riverside views.
Clifford's Tower, York
0.2 km
Explore York’s iconic Clifford's Tower, a historic fortress with panoramic city views and a millennium of dramatic history.
Merchant Adventurers' Hall
0.2 km
Step into York’s medieval past at the Merchant Adventurers' Hall, a stunning timber-framed guildhall alive with history, commerce, and community spirit.
Essential places to dine
Corner Grill House
0.1 km
Award-winning Yorkshire steakhouse serving premium beef and local ingredients in York's vibrant city centre.
Rustique Restaurant
0.1 km
Experience authentic French flavors and vibrant bistro charm at Rustique, York’s beloved French restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere and great value.
31 Castlegate Restaurant
0.1 km
Experience refined modern European dining in the historic heart of York, blending seasonal flavors with warm hospitality.
Ate O'Clock
0.2 km
Enchanting modern British dining in York’s fairy-lit alley, blending classic flavors with stylish charm and warm hospitality.
The Olive Tree
0.2 km
Authentic Mediterranean flavors and fresh seasonal dishes in the heart of historic York, near Clifford’s Tower.
Pavement Vaults
0.2 km
Experience York’s vibrant grill and bar scene with generous smoked meats, craft beers, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere at Pavement Vaults.
Ambiente Tapas Fossgate
0.3 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant atmosphere in York’s stylish Ambiente Tapas Fossgate, perfect for sharing, sipping, and socializing.
Marzano Italian & Grill
0.3 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of York’s vibrant Fossgate district.
The Blue Barbakan
0.3 km
Experience hearty Polish classics and warm hospitality in York’s vibrant Fossgate at The Blue Barbakan.
The Whippet Inn
0.3 km
York’s hidden steakhouse gem offering ethically sourced beef, cozy ambiance, and exceptional Sunday roasts in a stylish adults-only setting.
Wine Stories
0.3 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine and an extensive wine selection in the cozy heart of York’s historic center at Wine Stories.
Cosy Club
0.3 km
Historic charm meets stylish dining and cocktails in York’s iconic Cosy Club on Fossgate, perfect for all-day indulgence and special celebrations.
Casa Brazilian Rodizio
0.3 km
Experience authentic Brazilian rodizio dining with expertly grilled meats and vibrant flavors in the heart of York’s city centre.
Kapadokya
0.3 km
Experience authentic Turkish cuisine with generous portions and warm hospitality in the heart of historic York.
Bill's York Restaurant
0.3 km
Colourful British comfort food in a historic York building, perfect for brunch, burgers and cocktails in the city centre.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Dog & Bone Vintage
0.1 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion and unique homewares in York’s charming Dog & Bone Vintage, where style meets sustainability across two floors.
York Souvenir's
0.1 km
Discover authentic York treasures and charming souvenirs at this friendly, independent gift shop in the heart of York.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.1 km
Scandinavian creativity meets quirky British charm in this beloved gift and lifestyle shop.
Fenwick York
0.2 km
Discover luxury fashion, beauty, and homeware at Fenwick York, a boutique department store nestled in the heart of Coppergate Centre.
Greybear
0.2 km
Discover timeless vintage treasures and unique gifts in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Greybear Vintage Gifts.
Give The Dog A Bone
0.3 km
Discover York’s quirky gift haven with two floors of unique treasures, from funky homeware to pop culture collectibles on historic Fossgate.
Gift Gallery
0.3 km
Discover unique gifts and charming souvenirs in the heart of York’s historic Shambles, where tradition meets thoughtful shopping.
Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts
0.3 km
Discover quirky, unique gifts and playful treasures in the heart of York’s historic Shambles at Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts.
Pride of York Souvenirs
0.3 km
Discover authentic York treasures and unique souvenirs in the heart of the historic Shambles at Pride of York Souvenirs.
Expressions
0.3 km
Discover unique vintage American sportswear and retro styles at Expressions, York’s friendly and authentic vintage clothing shop on historic Walmgate.
Take One Gifts
0.3 km
Explore Take One Gifts in York for unique souvenirs, artisan crafts, and memorable collectibles reflecting the city's charm.
Barghest
0.3 km
Discover Barghest, a quirky gift shop in York’s historic Shambles, offering unique film, TV, and music merchandise in a medieval setting.
Cello by Collectables
0.3 km
Explore Cello by Collectables, a charming gift shop in York offering unique handcrafted treasures that embody the city's rich culture.
The Medieval Scribe
0.4 km
Discover unique medieval-inspired crafts and artisanal treasures in the heart of York’s historic Church Street.
Sterling Souvenirs
0.4 km
Discover authentic York treasures and unique souvenirs at Sterling Souvenirs, your friendly gift shop in the heart of King’s Square.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Plonkers
0.0 km
Family-run riverside wine bar and bistro in York serving home-cooked meals, fine wines, craft beers, and lively live music events since the 1980s.
The Stone Roses Bar
0.0 km
York’s premier indie music bar, blending iconic memorabilia with lively vibes and friendly service in a central city location.
Slug & Lettuce York Riverside
0.1 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York offering cocktails, casual dining, and vibrant social vibes with scenic river views.
The Three Tuns
0.1 km
Step into The Three Tuns, a centuries-old timber-framed pub on Coppergate offering historic charm and hearty Yorkshire hospitality in York’s heart.
Social 8 Lounge
0.1 km
Stylish York lounge bar offering crafted cocktails, small plates, and boozy brunch in a relaxed, elegant setting with a courtyard garden.
Tank & Paddle York
0.2 km
Craft beer paradise in York with riverside views, stone-baked pizzas, and 19 screens showing all major sports events.
Jalou York
0.2 km
Historic church transformed into a vibrant cocktail bar with creative drinks and lively nightlife in the heart of York.
Golden Fleece York
0.2 km
York’s oldest haunted pub offering historic charm, classic ales, cozy rooms, and a lively social atmosphere in the heart of the city.
The Blue Bell
0.3 km
York’s smallest and most beloved Edwardian pub, famed for its authentic atmosphere, quality ales, and warm community spirit.
Pitcher & Piano York
0.3 km
Lively riverside bar on Coney Street blending modern British cuisine, vibrant social events, and scenic views of the River Ouse in York.
The Fossgate Social
0.3 km
A lively independent bar and coffee shop on York’s Fossgate, known for craft drinks, specialty coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere.
The Hop York
0.3 km
A lively York city centre bar known for its craft beers, stone-baked pizzas, and vibrant live music in a historic Victorian setting.
Dyls
0.3 km
Historic bridge tower café-bar in York offering riverside views, locally sourced brunch, and vegan-friendly delights in a cozy, unique setting.
Dusk
0.3 km
A quirky and welcoming bar in York’s city centre, perfect for lively nights and casual drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
Pivní York
0.3 km
Historic 16th-century timber-framed pub in York offering an exceptional selection of local and global craft beers in a cosy, multi-floor setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Kuda
0.0 km
York’s vibrant nightclub offering diverse music, live DJs, and a lively late-night atmosphere in the heart of the city.
BlueBox
0.3 km
York’s premier late-night nightclub, BlueBox pulses with House, Tech House, and Disco beats until dawn in a vibrant city-center setting.
Popworld York
0.3 km
York’s vibrant pop music nightclub with a unique revolving dancefloor and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights out.
Flares - York
0.4 km
Experience York’s ultimate retro nightclub with decades-spanning hits, vibrant dance floors, and an inclusive party atmosphere.
Club Salvation
0.4 km
York’s vibrant nightclub with dual music rooms, lively atmosphere, and fair-priced drinks for an unforgettable night out.
Ziggy's Bar & Nightclub
0.4 km
York’s iconic student nightclub offering energetic dance floors, affordable drinks, and a lively atmosphere since the 1980s.
Bar 55 York
0.4 km
York’s exclusive strip club offering sophisticated adult entertainment and premium nightlife in a stylish, historic setting.
Karaoke Rooms (KTV)
1.0 km
Experience lively private karaoke rooms in the heart of York’s vibrant nightlife at Chuandao Karaoke Bar.
Big Fellas Nightclub
33.2 km
A lively and casual nightclub in Pontefract offering energetic late-night dancing and drinks in a central urban setting.
Arabian Night Lounge
33.9 km
Dive into Arabian enchantment on Leeds' nightlife scene: shisha, beats, and opulent vibes await at this Cherry Row gem.
Quadrophenia Night
34.5 km
Rev up for mod anthems, live ska-soul bands, and 60s film vibes at Leeds' ultimate Quadrophenia tribute night—pure energy and rebellion on the dancefloor.
Disco Stu's
34.7 km
Pulse-pounding beats and sticky-floored euphoria on Vicar Lane—Disco Stu's delivers unfiltered Leeds nightlife with affordable drinks and all-night energy.
The Lab Nightclub Leeds
34.7 km
Experience Leeds' electric nightlife at The Lab Nightclub, where music flows smoothly and the party never stops in the heart of the city.
The Key Club
34.9 km
Intimate, no-frills live-music club in central Leeds where punk, indie and alternative acts play close and loud beneath Merrion Street.
Wire
34.9 km
A compact, music-first basement club on Call Lane where tight crowds and a punchy sound system make late-night electronic parties feel immediate and intense.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly