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The London Dungeon: Immersive Journey into London's Dark History

Step into London’s darkest tales with live actors, thrilling rides, and immersive storytelling on the South Bank’s most chilling attraction.

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Located on the South Bank at the Riverside Building, County Hall, The London Dungeon offers a thrilling and interactive experience that brings over 1,000 years of London's darkest and most macabre history to life. Featuring live actors, immersive sets, and thrilling rides, it explores infamous events and characters such as Jack the Ripper, Sweeney Todd, and the Great Plague. Suitable for families and thrill seekers alike, it combines education and entertainment in a uniquely chilling atmosphere.

A brief summary to The London Dungeon

  • Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London, SE1 7PB, GB
  • +442079678022
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 11 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-6 pm
  • Friday 11 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Book tickets online in advance to save up to 23% and guarantee your preferred entry time.
  • Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the London Eye or SEA LIFE Aquarium for discounted multi-attraction tickets.
  • Visit during weekdays or off-peak times to avoid longer queues and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
  • Prepare for some dark and spooky scenes; the Dungeon is best suited for visitors comfortable with theatrical horror and suspense.
  • Check the Dungeon’s schedule for special seasonal events, especially around Halloween for unique experiences.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Take the London Underground to Waterloo Station, a 5-minute walk from The London Dungeon. Waterloo is served by the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines. Trains run frequently, with ticket prices starting from £2.50 for a single journey within central London.

  • Bus

    Several bus routes stop near County Hall on Westminster Bridge Road, including routes 211, 381, and RV1. Buses run every 10-15 minutes during the day. A single adult fare costs around £1.75 using an Oyster card or contactless payment.

  • Taxi or Ride-Hailing

    Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber can drop you directly at The London Dungeon’s entrance. Travel times vary depending on traffic but typically range from 10 to 30 minutes from central London. Expect fares from £10 to £25.

  • Walking

    If you are staying nearby on the South Bank or Westminster area, walking is a pleasant option. The terrain is flat and accessible, with the walk from the London Eye taking about 5 minutes along pedestrian-friendly paths.

The London Dungeon location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about The London Dungeon

A Walk Through London's Shadowed Past

The London Dungeon plunges visitors into the eerie and often gruesome chapters of the city's history. Situated on the South Bank near iconic landmarks like the London Eye and SEA LIFE Aquarium, it offers a 90-minute immersive tour through cobbled alleyways and shadowy corridors. Visitors encounter live actors portraying notorious figures such as Jack the Ripper and Sweeney Todd, alongside chilling tales of the Gunpowder Plot and the Great Plague. The attraction skillfully blends theatrical storytelling with interactive experiences and special effects to create an engaging narrative of London's darkest moments.

Atmosphere and Attractions

The Dungeon is renowned for its atmospheric sets, including a thrilling drop ride that adds an adrenaline rush to the historical journey. The experience is designed to be both entertaining and informative, with a mix of humor and horror woven throughout. Seasonal updates and new scenes keep the attraction fresh, while live rats and cockroaches add to the authenticity of the setting. The combination of theatrical performances, detailed sets, and sensory effects immerses visitors in a captivatingly spooky environment.

Location and Setting

Housed in the Riverside Building at County Hall on Westminster Bridge Road, The London Dungeon benefits from its prime location on the South Bank. This vibrant area is a cultural hub, offering stunning views of the River Thames and proximity to other major attractions. The Dungeon’s setting within this lively district enhances the visitor experience, providing an accessible and atmospheric entry point to London’s historical underbelly.

Visitor Experience and Practicalities

Tours typically last around 90 minutes, with entry by timed ticket to manage visitor flow. The Dungeon is open daily except Christmas Day, with hours generally from 11am to 4pm on weekdays and extended hours on weekends and during peak seasons. Tickets can be purchased online in advance for better prices and guaranteed entry, with options ranging from standard admission to flexible anytime entry and combination tickets with nearby attractions like the London Eye. The venue is wheelchair accessible and family friendly, catering to a broad audience interested in history, theatre, and immersive entertainment.

Educational and Cultural Significance

Beyond thrills, The London Dungeon serves as a cultural heritage site that educates visitors about London’s complex and sometimes sinister past. It highlights key historical events and figures through engaging storytelling, making history accessible and memorable. The attraction’s blend of myth, legend, and fact invites reflection on the city’s evolution and the darker aspects of its identity.

Continual Evolution and Visitor Engagement

The Dungeon regularly updates its scenes and performances to maintain relevance and excitement. Special events, seasonal themes, and interactive elements encourage repeat visits and deeper engagement. Its integration with other Merlin Entertainments attractions offers visitors a comprehensive cultural experience of London’s history and entertainment landscape.

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