What is it?
In 2013, after spending four decades under the arches in Tooley Street, London Bridge, the city's notorious dungeons moved to South Bank. When you get there take a trip down a cobbled, shadow-laden alleyway, where you’ll join the 90-minute immersive tour that guides you through London’s grim and terrifying past, from the ill-fated Gunpowder Plot to the heyday of Jack the Ripper and the Great Plague.
Live actors in tattered Victorian garb and faces of puss-filled sores provide countless jumpscares as they recount tales of the capital’s history: some legendary, some true, all pretty awful. You’ll hear about tyrant kings, pestilential houses, murder, torture, terror and more murder. It makes for frightening but genuinely funny experience.
While there’s no official age limit, this is recommended for ages 12 and over – anyone younger might find this a bit too much. Adults who don’t fancy the boat ride or the sudden drop at the hangman’s final should note they can exit at certain points along the tour, and wait for their fellow visitors on the other side. You’ll all probably be in need of a strong drink afterwards.
Why go?
To delve into the grisliest, ghastliest parts of London’s history and get scared silly in the process.
Don’t miss
The Dungeons’ programme of after-hours events. These especially spine-chilling experiences are adult-only and often include shots on arrival before having to navigate the underground lair in complete darkness. Not for the faint of heart.
When to visit
Tuesday-Friday 11am-4pm and Saturday-Monday 10am-6pm.
Ticket info
Standard tickets to the London Dungeons start from £27 per adult. Anytime entry tickets start from £35 for adults, a ‘Screams and Spirits’ package, which includes a complimentary cocktail starts at £33 and the VIP package begins at £50 per adult.
Tickets for children aged 5-15 start at £22.
Time Out tip
Guided tour not freaky enough for you? If you want to up the ante, book into the London Dungeon Escape Room. You’re locked up for conspiring with Guy Fawkes to murder the king and have 60 minutes to break free.