The Dungeons London

The Dungeons London

The London Dungeon, one of the UK’s most iconic attractions, has reinvented itself now as a bigger, bolder and better attraction in the vast underground vaults of County Hall on the South Bank, next to the EDF Energy London Eye. The all new multi-million pound attraction will bring 1000 years of authentic London history to life with a unique mix of talented live actors performing in scarily funny shows, stunning special effects, edge of your seat surprises and two exciting thrill rides. 

Guests will embark on a journey through a dramatic London landscape going back ten centuries. They will be guided through ghastly plague-ridden streets, witness Guy Fawkes’ dramatic plot to blow up Parliament, travel back to Jack the Ripper’s bleak Whitechapel and walk beneath London’s foreboding medieval gates. There are new shows and rides which are more dramatic and surprising than ever, new funnier scripts, more theatrical costumes and styling and more talented actors to play even more colourful villains and blaggards.

The London Dungeon is a uniquely thrilling attraction that will whisk you way back to the capital’s most perilous past. See, hear and feel the chillingly amusing characters of the 'bad old days’ as they come to life before you.

Step inside Sweeney Todd’s infamous barber shop on Fleet Street and let him give your life a short back and sides. Then tread cautiously through the streets of Whitechapel, as Jack the Ripper could be lurking just around the corner.

End your visit by being sentenced for your crimes and sent to Newgate Prison Ride to Doom. On the off chance you survive all of that, round off your journey with a visit to the Dungeon Tavern; hear the latest gossip and share a drink with the locals.

Located along London’s South Bank, London Dungeon is a themed thrilling attraction site and one of the 6 dungeons in the whole of the UK, amongst others around the world. The place recreates the most horrible, gruesome and grotesque events from the capital’s history in a black comedy or gallows humour style.

 

With a mix of live theatre and horror rides, the London Dungeon takes its visitors on London’s millennium-long criminal journey. The place at present has 19 shows and 20 actors who perform in and as the most notorious and ill-reputed characters such as Jack the Ripper, a serial killer in the 19th century or showcase events from London’s dark history, like the Gunpowder Plot, which was devised to assassinate King James I in the House of Lords in 1605.

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With 2 rides and other experiences such as witnessing actors dressed as the Plague Doctor during the Black Death, the shows are put up with special effects. They are interactive shows as the public is also encouraged to take part in them.

 

In the form of these shows, some of London’s history, such as the Black Plague attack and the Great Fire of London has been brought alive. A glimpse into the torture chamber of 1605 and the courtroom of the 18th century is also included. In the shows, the visitors are not just silent spectators but are also made to enact as characters.

 

Be it running to safety escaping from the great fire of London or a walk through the rat-infested tunnel, the visitors are kept involved in each drama that unfolds in front of them. In some of the sets, they are suddenly shocked to find the floor below them moving or the chair they are sitting on shaking. Also, the two rides, a boat ride, and a drop ride are thrilling, scary and add to the fun.

 

At the end of this high voltage tour, visitors get the chance to cool off at the Traven. It is a pub that offers drinks and beverages to visitors with piano music in the background and interesting tales if one cares to listen. For those still looking for fun, there is even an option to join the game of rat hunting.

Attractions 

Amongst the 19 shows, you’ll find yourself immersed into the darkness as you start your descent into the dungeon, followed by a boat ride, exploring Guy Fawkes’ Gunpowder Plot, the pain inflicted by the Torturer in the 1600s, Sweeney Todd’s misdeeds and felonies in the 1800s, the dark and dim halls and prisoners at the Newgate Prison, along with a 5D laser ride, which will have you duck, chase, and shoot your way out of the horror chamber.

Not for the weak or faint hearted, London Dungeon is a thrilling experience for those who would like to have some fun and experience the 1000 years of London’s most twisted, warped, and dismal criminal history in a series of short skits put up by artists, dark humour style. Visit only if you can stomach it all!

Shows and Rides at London Dungeon

There are 20 shows and two rides. They are the following-

1. The Descent - 

The tour starts with a  ride in an ancient lift which takes visitors to the bed of the river Thames. There will be Lift Lester who will prepare visitors for the 1000 years of the horrible history of the dark side of London. The lift has been designed to depict the year 1536.

2. The Tyrant Boat Ride - 

The year 1536 boat ride in which the visitors are made to act as conspirators of Anne Boleyn who had to face the wrath of Henry VIII and was sentenced to death. The whole enactment along with the boat ride makes it a thrilling experience.

3. The City Gates - 

Again based on the year 1536, the story from the previous ride continues. The visitors, who were the conspirators, have now escaped from the death sentence and have reached the Tower of London. Here, they are met by the HeadMaster, who gives them a lesson on how to prepare ahead for a spike.

4. Guy Fawkes’ Gunpowder Plot - 

This is from a story of the year 1605 when the plot was made to blow up the parliament and Guy Fawkes was made to live in the rat-infested tunnel for 10 days. Visitors will pass through this rat-infested tunnel which also has gunpowder explosives in certain places.

5. The Torture Chamber - 

This chamber gives a glimpse into how torture chamber punishments looked like in 1605. A torturer will be present in the chamber looking for ‘volunteers’.

6. The Plague Doctor - 

It's 1665 and the Black Plague attack has happened. Visitors will wander through muddy alleys with houses having red cross signs. Soon, they reach the pest house and then the Plague Doctor is there but dead.

7. Escape the great fire of London - 

It is 2nd September of 1666, a fire has broken out and people are running all over. The visitors need to escape the fire by reaching the safety of the house of the Lord Mayor of London.

8. Mrs. Lovett’s Pie Shop - 

Mrs. Lovett welcomes all to her pie shop where a selection of her pies are kept and she offers them to the visitors. The year is 1800.

9. Sweeney Todd - 

The next door neighbor to Mrs. Lovett is her neighbour, Sweeney Todd the barber. Visitors will each get a seat in this barbershop.

10. Mitre Square - 

In 1888, the foggy gas-lit streets of London’s Whitechapel had a murderer on the loose. Mary Jane Kelly will meet visitors, to tell them about the latest murder and show them the recent victim.

11. Whitechapel Labyrinth - 

After seeing the victim, visitors enter the safety of the labyrinth, a confusing maze of narrow streets. It is still 1888.

12. Jack the Ripper - 

Now it's time for an 1889 pub - the Ten Ball Pubs where Jack the Ripper’s victims used to drink. The landlady of the pub, Mrs. Waldren will tell the visitors the story of Jack the Ripper.

13. The Courtroom - 

It's time for an 18th-century courtroom all complete with a Judge where visitors find themselves next.

14. Escape from Newgate Prison - 

Back to 1736, it is the Newgate prison where prisoners only stare. They don’t talk.

15. Drop Dead: 

Drop Ride - Back to 1783, it's the Newgate Gallows. This thrilling long drop is an ultimate end to the dungeon journey.

16. The Tavern - 

A pub of 1896, which is functional, with a dramatic backdrop. Here, one can order bootleg beer, decadent gin and tonic or even a hot drink. The place also has a game of rat hunting and a card table for gambling. The piano recital is also included in the room for those with an ear for music.

17. Hide and Seek- 

This recently launched show is not a part of the regular tour. It is full of surprises where the visitors will make their way through the darkness, facing sudden scenes.

Events at London Dungeon

There are three events in London Dungeon -

1. Dungeon Lates (For Adults only) and Halloween at the London Dungeon - 

The Dungeon Lates is a special event where children are not allowed. The event includes 75 minutes of the tour of the London Dungeon and the access to the Dungeon Tavern, a Victorian Pub. In the pub, two free alcoholic beverages are included.

2. Halloween at the London Dungeon - 

As a special celebration for Halloween, apart from the regular tour, shows and activities are organized in the London Dungeon. Some of the shows are the new Jack the Ripper show and the spine-tingling Seance inviting the guests to sit around an Ouija board and summon the spirits.

3. Escape Room Experience - 

In this event, visitors have 60 mins to escape from the Executioner. The minimum group size for this event is 5 people.

What Not To Miss Near The Dungeons London

1. Sea Life London Aquarium -

The aquarium has hundreds of species of fishes and sea life from around the world. Fishes like a seahorse, piranhas, sharks, starfish, and gigantic eels can be seen here.

2. Shrek's Adventure - 

Embark on a fairytale journey to find Shrek. Meet some of the fairy tale characters such as Cinderella, Pinocchio, Sleeping Beauty, and some others on the way.

3. London Eye - 

A must-do thing while in London, the London Eye is a giant wheel at 135 meters height. The wheel has see-through glass pods. Visitors can take a ride in them for 30 minutes and get a breathtaking 360-degree view of London city.

4. The Poetry Library - 

The library boasts of a collection of poetry from 1914. Currently having 90,000 items, the place is still growing.

5. South Bank - 

South Bank is the stretch along the River Thames. This place is the social and cultural hub of London City. The bank houses the South Bank Centre which includes places like the Hayward Gallery, Royal Festival Hall, and Queen Elizabeth Hall.

6. Westminster Bridge - 

The delightful Westminster Bridge lies across River Thames and stands in between the House of Parliament and Country Hall. The view from this bridge is spectacular in every direction.

7. The Hayward Gallery - 

Dating back to 1968, this gallery has been the originator or host of exhibitions on contemporary and historical art.

8. Whitehall - 

This is a very ancient street having a place in London's history. The street starts from Parliament Square at Westminster and ends in Trafalgar Square. A walk through this street gives a picture of the British government's ancient buildings on both sides.

9. Leake Street Arches - 

These are eight former railway arches next to the famous Graffiti Tunnel. The picturesque place is a celebration of urban art where creativity can be seen at its height. It also has several restaurants and live-entertainment areas.

10. Battle of Britain Monument - 

This is a war memorial for those people who had taken part in the vital battle of world war second.

11. Florence Nightingale Museum - 

This museum has been dedicated to one of the world’s best-known nursing figures, Florence Nightingale. She has been instrumental in bringing a major change in the world.

12. Boadicea Monument - 

This is an impressive statue which is situated at the end of Westminster Bridge opposite Big Ben, the clock tower.

Hotels near The London Dungeon

1. London Marriott Hotel Regents Park

London Marriott Hotel Regents Park provides a convenient base for the astute business traveller and leisure guest. This 4 star North London, England hotel offers spacious facilities and competitive rates combined with a close proximity to the city centre. Located a short walk from Swiss Cottage underground station on the Jubilee Line, the hotel is perfect for shoppers, visitors to the city and sports fans alike with direct connections to Wembley Stadium, Lord's Cricket Ground, Bond Street, Buckingham Palace, Parliament Square and Canary Wharf. In addition, the lively markets of Camden Town, Primrose Hill with its chic shops, quaint cafes and panoramic views across London are all just a short walk or bus ride away. The hotel has 304 spacious bedrooms. The Leisure Club's extensive onsite facilities benefit from a 15m swimming pool, sauna, steam room, solarium, gym and hair and beauty salons. Additional services include 24 hour room service and on-site car parking.

2. Great Scotland Yard Hotel

Five star luxury hotel, located a stone’s throw away from Covent Garden. Great Scotland Yard is one of London’s most historic and cherished buildings that holds more hidden stories than any other kind in London.

 

3. The Clermont, Charing Cross

A landmark itself, Charing Cross opened in 1865 and remains one of the most well-placed hotels. A few steps to Trafalgar Square. A minute's stroll to London's West End, A stone's throw away from The National Gallery and so much more. And when exploring more of the city, Charing Cross station is right next door. Restaurant and Bar facilities are temporarily closed until 19th August 2021.

4. The Resident Covent Garden

Renowned for its elegant central Piazza, charming independent market stalls, vibrant street performers, and for having some of the best luxury shopping and fine dining in the capital, not to mention being home to the world-famous Royal Opera House and West End theatres, Covent Garden is one of London's most enchanting and inspirational destinations. The Resident Covent Garden is just a 3-minute walk from the main central Piazza (and within a 5-minute walk from both Covent Garden and Charing Cross stations), providing an oasis of calm right in the heart of the action. It offers 57 stylish and thoughtfully designed contemporary bedrooms, each featuring bespoke furniture hand-made locally in West London, luxurious throws and cushions made from natural fibres woven on the Isle of Bute, Scotland, and special edition Paul Smith Anglepoise lamps, as part of the brand’s focus on quality British design and craftsmanship. They each also feature our signature in-room Mini Kitchen.

5. The Grand at Trafalgar Square

The Grand at Trafalgar Square is a full service hotel with 63 rooms located in the beautifully restored historic Northumberland House on Northumberland Avenue. Minutes to Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and close to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The Grand at Trafalgar Square is the best value hotel based on quality and prime location. The Grand at Trafalgar Square provides:• Safe, restricted entry• Instant registration and check out• Free high speed internet access throughout the hotel• Onsite restaurant • Multi-menu in room dining options (through onsite restaurant and many local restaurants)• Refrigerator and microwave available• Unlimited complimentary chilled purified bottled water • 10 meeting and event rooms available (maximum reception style 1000 people)• Free use of computer/printer • Ergonomic workstations• State of the art guest rooms with premium bedding• Contemporary furnishings• Flat panel HD TVs• Complimentary coffee and tea• 24 hour guest service desk • Fitness room • Exercise equipment delivered to guest room upon request • Corporate Apartments available • Value rates.

Highlights

• Be amazed by 9 interactive shows involving 20 live actors

• Take 2 thrilling underground rides

• Immerse yourself in 360-degree sets with gripping storytelling

• Discover over 1000 years of grizzly history in the city

• Relax with a free drink in the Dungeon Tavern at the end of the tour

Essential Information

1. Location: 

Although the original London Dungeon was located at Tooley Street. The place was shifted in 2013 and was moved to its current location of Riverside Building, Country Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, Bishop’s London SE1 7PB in the United Kingdom, The place is a 2-minute walk from London Eye which is another attraction by the same company who owns London Dungeon.

2. Entry Fee: 

The cost of the standard entry fee is £30.00 for adults and £24.00 for children. (3-15 years). Children below the age of 3 can enter free of cost.

3. Timing: 

The place is open to the public on all days of the year except Christmas. Every day, the place opens at 10 am and remains open till 4 pm.

4. Distance from London City centre: 

The place is situated at Westminster Bridge Road which is at a distance of 1.2 miles from London City centre.

Tip before visiting the London Dungeon

• For the Tyrant Boat Ride, there is a height restriction of 1 meter. Children below this height cannot go for this ride alone. Also, this ride is not recommended for those with back or neck pain, having any injury in the legs or are pregnant women.

• Drop Ride is not suitable for visitors having heart complaints, pacemakers, back or neck pains, broken limbs or are pregnant.

• A few items, which cannot be taken inside the London Dungeon are large bags or suitcases, motorcycle helmets, skateboards and rollerblades, tripods, baby buggies which cannot be folded, and any sharp object.

• No outside food and drinks are allowed inside.

• There is a restriction on photography.

• The place is deemed suitable for children of 12 years and above but parents, at their discretion, can take younger children along as well.

• The tours run only in English.

• There are 90-110 minutes of walking during the tour. Visitors having a problem with walking may opt for a wheelchair. The place allows one wheelchair per hour.

• Purchasing tickets online can get visitors a discount of 20%. Moreover, visitors can select their convenient time of visit. This helps in avoiding the queue at the ticket counter and the waiting time for entering the tour.

• The place does not have any provision for storing visitor’s belongings