The York Dungeon: York’s Dark History Brought to Life
Step into York’s dark past with live actors, thrilling shows, and immersive effects at The York Dungeon.
The York Dungeon is a thrilling, immersive attraction in York that takes visitors on a journey through 2,000 years of the city’s darkest history. Combining live actors, special effects, and interactive storytelling, it offers a unique theatrical experience featuring infamous characters like Guy Fawkes, Vikings, and local witches. Located on Clifford Street, it’s a sensory-rich adventure filled with scares, laughs, and historical insights.
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 10:30 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10:30 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10:30 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10:30 am-4 pm
- Friday 10:30 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, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Prepare for sensory effects including loud noises, strobe lights, and jump scares; not recommended for children under 8.
- Visit during Dungeon Lates for an adults-only, spicier, and scarier version of the shows.
- Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for the full experience including all shows and tours.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Bus
Take the York Park & Ride bus services, which run frequently from various city outskirts to the city center near Clifford Street. The journey typically takes 15-25 minutes, with tickets costing around £3-£5. Buses operate daily but may have reduced frequency on Sundays.
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Train
York Railway Station is approximately 1.5 km from The York Dungeon. A taxi from the station takes about 5-10 minutes and costs £6-£10. Walking is possible in 20-25 minutes via mostly flat, paved routes.
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Taxi
Local taxis and ride-hailing services can take you directly to 12 Clifford Street from anywhere in York. Typical fares from central locations range from £5-£12 depending on distance and time of day.
The York Dungeon location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about The York Dungeon
A Journey Through York’s Grim Past
The York Dungeon plunges you into the shadowy depths of York’s history, spanning over two millennia. This immersive attraction uses live actors, detailed sets, and cutting-edge special effects to recreate some of the city’s most notorious moments and figures. From the Viking invasions and the plague-ridden streets to the infamous Gunpowder Plot and the terrifying torture chambers, the Dungeon offers a gripping narrative that is both educational and spine-chilling.Interactive Shows and Iconic Characters
Visitors experience a series of theatrical shows, each focusing on a different dark chapter of York’s past. Meet the likes of Guy Fawkes, the highwayman Dick Turpin, and the feared witch Isabella Billington. The performances are highly sensory, featuring jump scares, loud noises, strobe lights, and even smells and water sprays, making you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. The tour lasts approximately 70 minutes and is designed to entertain as well as inform.Atmosphere and Visitor Experience
The York Dungeon is renowned for its atmospheric design. The attraction is fully air-conditioned in summer and heated in colder months, ensuring comfort amidst its dark corridors. The blend of humor, horror, and history creates a unique experience that appeals to thrill-seekers and history buffs alike. Special adult-only events, known as Dungeon Lates, offer an even scarier and more irreverent version of the shows, adding to the attraction’s appeal.Accessibility and Facilities
Located centrally at 12 Clifford Street, the Dungeon is wheelchair accessible and provides facilities including disabled toilets, a gift shop, and contactless payment options. Children aged five and above are welcome, though the experience is not recommended for those under eight due to its intense content. Advance booking is advised to secure entry, especially during peak times.Seasonal Highlights and Special Events
Throughout the year, the York Dungeon hosts special events such as Halloween-themed shows featuring the Butcher of Bedern and exclusive Dungeon Lates nights for adults. These events add fresh twists to the core experience and are highly popular. The Dungeon closes only on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day, maintaining regular hours otherwise.Historical Significance and Cultural Impact
Since opening in 1986, the York Dungeon has become a landmark attraction that uniquely combines entertainment with education. It offers a theatrical window into York’s darker heritage, preserving tales of fear, intrigue, and survival that have shaped the city. Its success has contributed to York’s reputation as a destination rich in history and immersive storytelling.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
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Quirky
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- 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
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Adult Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access