The York Dungeon: Immersive Journey into York's Dark History
Step into York’s dark past with live actors, chilling tales, and immersive effects at The York Dungeon.
The York Dungeon offers a thrilling, immersive experience that brings to life over 2000 years of York's darkest history through live actors, special effects, and interactive storytelling. Located at 12 Clifford Street, this atmospheric attraction features 10 live shows that include notorious characters like Vikings, Guy Fawkes, and local witches. Visitors can expect sensory surprises such as jump scares, loud noises, and dramatic sets, making it a unique blend of history and theatre.
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: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Book tickets online in advance to secure your preferred time and avoid queues.
- Consider attending the adult-only Dungeon Lates on Saturdays for a scarier experience.
- The attraction is not recommended for children under 8 due to scary content.
- Use the accessible facilities and inform staff if you prefer not to be selected for audience participation.
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 bus services that run frequently from various city outskirts to the city centre; then walk approximately 10 minutes to 12 Clifford Street. Bus fares range from £3 to £5 for a day ticket, and services operate roughly every 10-15 minutes.
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Taxi
Taxis from York railway station to The York Dungeon take about 10 minutes depending on traffic, costing approximately £6-£10. Taxis are readily available at the station and throughout the city.
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Walking
If staying in central York, The York Dungeon is accessible via a 10-15 minute walk on mostly flat, paved streets from popular locations such as York Minster or the city centre, suitable for most visitors including wheelchair users.
The York Dungeon location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The York Dungeon
A Theatrical Walk Through York’s Shadowed Past
The York Dungeon is a captivating attraction that plunges visitors into the eerie and dramatic depths of York’s history. Spanning two millennia, it presents tales of Vikings, medieval tortures, infamous criminals, and dark legends through a series of theatrical shows. Visitors are led through 10 live actor-led scenes, each carefully crafted with detailed sets, special effects, and immersive storytelling that engages all the senses. The atmosphere is thick with suspense and occasionally punctuated by jump scares, loud noises, and startling visual effects.Iconic Characters and Historical Narratives
Meet some of York’s most notorious figures such as the invading Vikings, the infamous Guy Fawkes, and the local witch Isabella Billington. Each character is brought to life by professional actors who combine historical facts with dramatic flair, making the stories both educational and entertaining. The shows explore events like the Gunpowder Plot and the grim realities of the plague and medieval justice, offering a gripping insight into the city’s darker chapters.Immersive Sensory Experience
The York Dungeon is not just a visual spectacle but a fully sensory environment. Guests encounter pungent smells, water sprays, air blasts, and strobe lighting that heighten the thrill and realism. The attraction is designed to surprise and engage, with some visitors randomly selected to participate in the performances, adding a unique interactive element. The venue is climate controlled, ensuring comfort whether the weather outside is warm or cold.Special Events and Accessibility
For those seeking a more intense experience, the Dungeon offers adult-only "Dungeon Lates" on Saturday evenings featuring scarier shows with mature themes and saucier humor. The attraction is family-friendly for children aged five and older, though it is not recommended for children under eight due to the scary content. Accessibility is well catered for, with wheelchair access, stairlifts, and clear signage throughout. Disabled toilets and helpful staff ensure a comfortable visit for all.Planning Your Visit and Practical Information
Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last admission typically around 4:00 PM, the York Dungeon requires advance booking to guarantee entry, especially during weekends and holidays. The experience lasts approximately 75 minutes. The venue is located centrally on Clifford Street, close to other York attractions, and includes amenities such as a gift shop and public toilets. It is a cashless venue that accepts contactless payments.Atmosphere and Visitor Experience
The York Dungeon blends dark history with theatrical entertainment, creating an atmosphere that is both chilling and fun. The combination of storytelling, live acting, and special effects makes it a unique cultural attraction in York. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a thrill-seeker, the Dungeon offers a memorable journey into the city’s shadowy past.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 architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
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
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Adult Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly