The Clink Prison Museum: England’s Oldest Medieval Jail
Step back into England’s darkest prison history at The Clink Prison Museum, where medieval justice and infamous inmates come alive.
Situated on the original site of the infamous Clink Prison in Bankside, London, The Clink Prison Museum offers a chilling journey into over 600 years of England’s penal history. Established in 1144 and operational until 1780, this museum reveals the harsh realities faced by debtors, heretics, and criminals through immersive exhibits, original artifacts, and recreated prison conditions. Visitors can explore medieval cells, handle torture devices, and uncover stories of notorious inmates in a vivid educational experience.
A brief summary to The Clink Prison Museum
- 1 Clink St, London, SE1 9DG, GB
- +442074030900
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Book tickets online in advance to secure your preferred time and avoid queues.
- Allow at least 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the exhibits and immersive displays.
- Children may find the stories both fascinating and chilling; parental discretion is advised.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Southwark Cathedral or Tower Bridge for a full day of exploration.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Public Transport
From London Bridge Underground and Rail Station, it is about a 10-minute walk to The Clink Prison Museum. The station is served by the Jubilee and Northern lines, with frequent trains running throughout the day. Tickets cost £2.40–£5.50 depending on the travel zone and ticket type.
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River Bus
MBNA Thames Clippers serve Bankside Pier every 20 minutes from early morning until late evening. The pier is less than a 10-minute walk from the museum. A single ticket costs around £6–£8 depending on the route.
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Car
Parking is available at the NCP Car Park on Kipling Street, approximately a 5-minute walk from the museum. Charges apply, typically around £4–£6 per hour. Note that central London congestion charges and limited parking spaces apply.
The Clink Prison Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Clink Prison Museum
A Storied Past Rooted in Medieval Justice
The Clink Prison Museum stands on the historic site of the Clink Prison, which dates back to 1144, making it one of England’s oldest and most notorious prisons. Originally owned by the Bishop of Winchester, the prison served the Liberty of the Clink, a manor area where the bishop held judicial power independent of the Crown. Over its 600-year history, the prison housed a wide range of inmates, from petty criminals and debtors to religious heretics and political prisoners. The prison’s name, "The Clink," likely derives from the sound of metal shackles or the Flemish word for latch, reflecting the grim reality of captivity.The Harsh Reality of Prison Life
Visitors to the museum experience the brutal conditions endured by prisoners, including cramped cells, damp corridors, and the constant threat of disease and torture. The Clink was infamous for its use of medieval punishment devices, such as the pillory, scold’s bridle, and the notorious catchpole chair. Prisoners often had to pay for food, drink, and even lighter shackles, with poorer inmates forced to beg or sell possessions to survive. The museum’s hands-on exhibits allow visitors to handle original artifacts and torture devices, offering a visceral connection to the past.Notable Inmates and Historical Events
Throughout its operation, The Clink imprisoned many significant figures, including religious martyrs like John Bradford and John Hooper, who were executed for heresy during Queen Mary I’s reign. The prison also held political prisoners such as Sir Thomas Wyatt the Younger, who rebelled against the Crown. The Clink witnessed social and political upheavals, including riots that led to its partial destruction in 1780 by Lord George Gordon’s Protestant Association. The prison was never rebuilt, and its legacy endures through the museum’s preservation of original stonework and artifacts.Immersive Educational Experience
The Clink Prison Museum offers an interactive journey through history, with atmospheric recreations of cells and corridors, audio narratives, and detailed displays. Visitors learn about the prison’s role in shaping England’s criminal justice system and the lives of its inmates. The museum also explores the surrounding Bankside area’s raucous history, once home to theatres, inns, and other lively entertainment venues. The experience is both educational and evocative, providing insight into medieval London’s darker side.Preserving a Unique Heritage Site
Located in the heart of modern Southwark, the museum preserves remnants of Winchester Palace and the original prison site. It serves as a cultural landmark connecting visitors to London’s medieval past. The Clink Prison Museum is committed to maintaining this heritage through engaging exhibits and educational programs, ensuring that the stories of those who lived and suffered here continue to be told.Visitor Information and Accessibility
Open year-round from 10:00 to 18:00 daily, The Clink Prison Museum welcomes visitors to explore at their own pace, with an average visit lasting around 1 to 2 hours. Tickets are reasonably priced, with concessions available for children, seniors, and students. While the museum offers a rich sensory experience, it is important to note that it is not wheelchair accessible due to the historic building’s layout.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Southwark Bridge
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Historic England
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St Michael's Church : Paternoster Royal
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113 Cannon St
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Custom House
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St Margaret Pattens Eastcheap
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The National Firefighters Memorial
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Cornhill Fountain
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Threadneedle St & Royal Exchange
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Threadneedle St
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St. Paul's Cathedral
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Wren's masterpiece: climb London's most iconic dome for breathtaking city views and centuries of history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Winchester Palace
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St Mary Overie's Dock
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Borough Yards
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Southwark View Point
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Experience breathtaking panoramic views of London’s iconic skyline from the vibrant South Bank’s premier open-air viewpoint.
Borough Market
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Discover Borough Market, London's historic food haven blending ancient tradition with vibrant culinary delights near London Bridge.
Southwark Cathedral
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Rose Theatre Trust
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The London Bridge Experience & London Tombs
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Dive into London’s eerie past with immersive storytelling and spine-chilling scares beneath the iconic London Bridge.
Bankside
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Explore Bankside in London for a perfect mix of history, culture, and stunning riverside views amid a vibrant city atmosphere.
London Bridge
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The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
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Step into Europe’s oldest surviving surgical theatre, hidden in a church attic, and explore the raw, pre-anaesthetic world of 19th-century surgery and herbal medicine.
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Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, The George, where centuries of history meet traditional pub charm in a unique Southwark setting.
Menier Chocolate Factory
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Experience cutting-edge theatre in a historic 19th-century chocolate factory with intimate performances and rich industrial charm in Southwark, London.
Lantern Ghost Tours
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Discover London’s haunted past with Lantern Ghost Tours, blending history, ghost stories, and atmospheric pub stops near London Bridge.
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
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Essential places to dine
Madison
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14 Hills
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Mercato Metropolitano
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Sea Containers Restaurant
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Restaurant Story
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Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
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Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
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Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
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Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
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Brasserie Blanc - Southbank
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St. John
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Wahaca Southbank
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The Archduke
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Southbank Centre Food Market
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A lively weekend street food market on London’s South Bank offering diverse global cuisines in a vibrant riverside setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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The Royal Exchange
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One New Change
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Tower of London Shop
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Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Traders Gate
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A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
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SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
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Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Dirty Dicks
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Quirky
- Educational
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
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
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
