The London Dungeon offers an immersive theatrical journey through 1,000 years of London’s darker history. To make the most of your visit, here’s a clear, practical guide on booking, timing, access, and nearby sights.
A short history and overview of the London Dungeon
The London Dungeon first opened in 1974 under railway arches in Tooley Street, offering walk-through historic scenes and theatrical storytelling. Over time it expanded and evolved into a multi-show, interactive experience. According to Visit London, it now operates from its South Bank location adjacent to County Hall.
The current Dungeon combines live actors, special effects, sets, and a ride (the “Drop Dead: Drop Ride”) to dramatise moments like Jack the Ripper, the Great Plague, Sweeney Todd, Guy Fawkes, and other grim chapters of London’s past.
The experience includes about 13 immersive shows and multiple interactive scenes, all woven into a narrative walking path across atmospheric settings. Visitors navigate through staged chambers, underground passages, scare elements, and the optional drop ride.
The tour runs about 90 minutes in total from entry to exit (excluding queueing). At the end, there is a Victorian-style Tavern where you can rest, purchase drinks, and browse a gift shop.
How to get to the London Dungeon
The Dungeon is located on London’s South Bank in County Hall, close to the London Eye and directly across from Westminster Bridge.
The nearest Underground station is Waterloo (Northern, Bakerloo, Jubilee and Waterloo & City lines). From Waterloo, follow signs to the South Bank and walk toward the London Eye.
Other stations within walking distance include Westminster, Embankment and Charing Cross, depending on your starting point. Many buses also stop nearby (for example 211, 77, 381) on Westminster Bridge Road or close to the South Bank.
If you prefer convenience, book your London Dungeon entry ticket here in advance to guarantee a timeslot and avoid long queues.
London Dungeon opening hours and ticket pricing
The London Dungeon is open every day of the year except Christmas Day, but hours are somewhat inconsistent. It’s almost always open from 11am to 4pm, but on some days the hours are extended. This is particularly the case in the summer peak season and in the run-up to Halloween in October.
Ticket pricing varies by time, demand, and ticket type. Pre-booked Standard Entry currently starts at £27 for adults online. On-the-day walk-up prices may be higher (around £35).
There is also an “Anytime Entry” ticket option, which allows you to enter at any point on your chosen date. This usually costs more (approx £35 online). Many combo tickets exist (e.g. London Dungeon + London Eye) offering value for multiple attractions.
Because capacity is controlled and timeslots fill up, book your London Dungeon ticket in advance to lock in your entry and save money compared to at-the-door pricing.
Best times to visit the London Dungeon
To avoid heavier crowds, aim for opening time (10am or 11am) or later in the afternoon closer to closing.
During school holidays and weekends, the Dungeon can be busiest; those timeslots tend to sell out early.
Arriving 10–15 minutes before your allocated timeslot is smart, as check-in opens around that time, and early arrival helps avoid being rescheduled.
If your ticket is an “Anytime Entry” type, entering outside peak midday hours offers a less crowded experience.
Five great things to do in London
- 🚖 Take a private black cab tour around London’s highlights – with hotel pick-up.
- 🧙 Discover Harry Potter filming locations – and spots that inspired the books – on a wizarding walking tour.
- 🍴 Taste the best of British cuisine on a food tour through Borough Market.
- 🚲 Combine landmarks, pubs and street art – on a guided bike tour.
- ⛴️ Take a sightseeing cruise along the Thames from Westminster to Greenwich.
Visitor facilities, accessibility and tips at the London Dungeon
The Dungeon has a Victorian-style Tavern at the end, where you can enjoy snacks, drinks, and view souvenir photos from the experience. There is also a gift shop adjacent to the exit.
Restrooms, including a disabled-accessible toilet, are available at the start of the experience; there are no toilets during the show itself.
Photography inside the show is prohibited, but you can take photos before entering and after finishing (especially in the Tavern area). The attraction provides souvenir photos for purchase.
Large luggage and suitcases are not permitted inside; backpacks up to 30 litres are usually allowed. The London Dungeon offers a booking guarantee: you can reschedule your ticket (up to 3 times) if plans change, up to 1 hour before your timeslot.
Nearby attractions to combine with the London Dungeon visit
The Dungeon’s location on the South Bank means you’re within walking distance of many touristy London attractions: the London Eye, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Big Ben, Westminster Bridge, and the Houses of Parliament.
You can also pair your visit with the London Eye for panoramic views of the city, or SEA LIFE for an aquatic experience. Look for combo ticket options when booking your London Dungeon visit.
The South Bank area also hosts theatres, street performers, riverside walks, and views of the London skyline—perfect to fill an afternoon beyond the Dungeon.
FAQ
How long is The London Dungeon experience?
The full experience lasts about 90 minutes.
Is the London Dungeon suitable for children?
Children under 5 are not permitted. Visitors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. The attraction features dark scenes, loud effects and jump scares. Parents should assess accordingly.
Can I reschedule or change my ticket time?
Yes. Tickets booked online typically allow free rescheduling up to 1 hour before your timeslot, subject to availability.
Are wheelchairs or mobility aids allowed?
Wheelchairs are allowed, but only one wheelchair user may be admitted per hour. Reservations for wheelchair-accessible timeslots must be made before your visit. Mobility scooters are not admitted.
Can I bring a backpack or luggage?
Small bags (up to ~30L) are permitted. Large luggage or suitcases are not allowed; luggage should be stored offsite (e.g. at the London Eye ticket office or Waterloo station).
Are food and drinks available?
Yes. The Victorian Tavern at the end of the tour serves snacks, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
When should I arrive before my timeslot?
Arrive within your entry time window (often up to 15 minutes prior) so you can queue and check in. Missing your timeslot might mean waiting for the next one, depending on capacity.
Tip: Visit early or late in the day, arrive before your timeslot, and book your London Dungeon ticket ahead of time to guarantee entry.
Disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. Book through them, and I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
More London travel
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- Practical information for visiting the London Museum Docklands.
- How to make the most of your visit to HMS Belfast.
- A practical guide to visiting Eltham Palace.
- Essential information for visiting the Cutty Sark in Greenwich.
- The Freud Museum London: A practical visitor guide.