| ranked #6 out of 10 attractions | rated 1.99 out of 5 | total 626 votes |
London Dungeon
Why London Dungeon is one of the worst London tourist attractions
Boring, boring, boring and expensive! The London Dungeon is a widely publicized tourist attraction which promises to provide scary entertainment, and is touted as a must-see in London. We say, no!
As in Madame Tussaud’s, there are unnatural-looking wax figures, only this time with a medieval theme. There are loud background noises and fake fog, and you see figures being tortured, but it’s not scary at all. The only remotely scary thing is that real people did those things to real people back in ancient times.
There are over 40 exhibits to drag yourself through once you’ve entered the Dungeon, and by the end of it you’ll be thoroughly sick of the sight of fake blood and the amateurish actors meant to scare you by “bringing the exhibits to life”.
If you have an interest in the darker side of London’s past, you might learn a little here, but you’d be better off visiting the library than putting up with the cheap special effects of the Dungeon. Unless you’re easily scared, you’ll
walk through the Dungeon thinking, when can I get out of here and enjoy an interesting London tourist attraction or maybe drink a pint of good lager?
Address
28/34 Tooley Street,
London SE1 2SZ
Opening times/Cost
Open daily: Summer 10am-6.30pm, Winter till 5.30pm (closed Christmas Day)
Adults: £13.95, Children: £9.95
Related links
Official website of The London Dungeon
January 25, 2005 @ 4:49 pm
Pixie said,
Couldn’t agree more! The only bit I liked was the picture they take at the entrance (mind you it was soooo expensive to buy), then everything went downhill from there. They had people dressed up in costumes trying to scare you by screaming in your face… I couldn’t help but to *laugh* in THEIR face!
Honestly couldn’t wait to get out of there… there were some weird smells in that place!
January 25, 2005 @ 6:24 pm
Markus said,
This is more something for kids. You do learn a little bit about London history, but it’s not like they’ve tortured 1000s of people there. They’ve got little mini rides to scare people, and you learn about the London fire and Jack the Ripper and other mass murders. Lots of rats and quite a bit of live theater, like people running around letting out weird screams. The whole thing is tour operated basically, and there is a lot of partly involuntary audience interaction. It’s an amusement ride, and not a particularly good one. I’d say, give this one a miss.
March 28, 2005 @ 10:10 pm
Everyman said,
Personally I feel London would be a much better place without the likes of all you wingeing half-educated moaners. Brush up your education or go away. Don’t suppose you have much at home either.
April 20, 2005 @ 10:20 am
G.T. Pugh said,
Seemed like a curious place to visitors, long line for what I don’t know, since on sightseeing bus.
June 5, 2005 @ 1:06 am
Ann Onymous said,
Aw, c’mon! When I was there you could hear the distant rumbling of the tube overhead, there was an ever-present sound of dripping water coming from who-knows-where, and dark, barely distinguishable figures lurking in the shadows. Sure, it’s hokey, but for sheer atmosphere, it’s hard to beat. London ain’t all culture and refinement. It’s definitely worth a look-see.
June 28, 2005 @ 1:03 am
june05 said,
Besides the long lines of annoying wasted time the place was outstanding! I would go again.
July 23, 2005 @ 4:28 pm
the mckay's from canada said,
Totally disagree with the scathing review of “the London Dungeon” your site has posted! For family fun and an insight into torture and (in)justice of old, this is truly an amusing tourist attraction, well worth the wait and money.
Lighten up!
July 26, 2005 @ 1:53 am
Nelly said,
I love the dungeon. Yes, it’s cheesy, but that’s the whole point. It’s not meant as an educational experience, rather it’s a nice place to spend the afternoon just enjoying its atmosphere- especially when you have a group of teenagers that need a place just to have a good time. As for the actors, they know its not great theatre. Everything is done with a tongue-in-cheek flair. The dungeon is old-fashioned fun. If you’re going there and expect a museum quality experience, the Dungeon is not for you.We never miss an opportunity to visit. My children love it and so do my students.
August 21, 2005 @ 11:23 am
Rosie said,
I thought the london dungeon was extremely good and scary! And you should go there again if you dont think it was a good time and worth the money!
That was my first time in london and im going back there very soon! Your web site brings shame to me and you should re-think what to say!
August 22, 2005 @ 8:13 pm
Dan said,
Well said Rosie. Why don’t you losers stop slagging off London. Slag off Paris instead. The French are all tossers after all.
August 27, 2005 @ 5:35 am
Liam said,
When you have little ones you can’t only visit the cultural attractions. Sometimes enjoying yourself is an experience too. We don’t have to experience everything viscerally at secondhand by hearing / seeing where things happen.
The reason theme parks etc are fun is that you have an experience while there. I hated such place before but now I have kids they are fantastic. By the way, if you want to see theatre take in the fringe shows.
August 31, 2005 @ 7:23 pm
Ade said,
I love London, but this place I would definitely give a miss, over-priced and not one bit scarey. Kids might like it, but I was bored stiff and I love history. I could not wait to get out of here.
We queued for half an hour to get in, not bad I know, then we queued for 40 minutes once inside before we actually got in. As I say I love London but this is a waste of time and money.
September 13, 2005 @ 9:25 pm
Megan Thatcher said,
I love the London Dungeons learning about my country in a fun way whilst watching reinactments rather than sitting in a dual classroom or libary staring into a book.
I’ve been twice and find it very interesting every time, and will go again soon!
September 17, 2005 @ 4:13 am
seetle said,
i visited the dungeon and it was very boring and expensive and not scary. The tour was over within an hour – it was a waste of time.
i also paid 5pound congestion charge and plus parking fee they charge 6pound for a picture in the dungeon and 15pound admission fee. the only thimg im pleased about is my picture otherwise i wish i never wasted my time and money!!!
October 5, 2005 @ 4:15 am
Julia Mancha said,
Julia from Minnesota, united states. I went to london in August of 2004 and i had taken a tour of the city and happened to see the london dungeon now with me just loving to be scared i talked my sister and grandma into doing it it was the best time i had in london.
if you would like to know more email me at julia_manchaDONOTSPAMME@yahoo.com. I have tons of pictures really try this it was fun, thanks julia from minnesota
October 8, 2005 @ 10:40 pm
Guy Offord said,
I feel that london dungeon is one of the best attractions in london and i can;t wait to go again althougth i was feeling unwell and my mind was asleep and not focusing on any thing… it was still creepy and scary for me.
I still it being scary is because of the tortured dummies but i think is that if they used real bodies then people would feel sick and i don’t think they would not show children real bodies and real blood – that’s just disgusting.
October 19, 2005 @ 8:17 am
Natalia said,
Just sent an email to a friend telling her to go see the London Dungeon and then decided to check what the www has to say about it… Totally disagree with the complaining folks here. You guys are some cold-blooded people.
If you enter the place hoping to see a new horror movie, then you will be disappointed, as the special effects are not Stanley Kubrick’s but if you do care to read the captions by the exhibits and actually think that it all this was indeed happenning to real people – it will give you chills.
As for this place being an attraction for kids… Oh well… you have some tough kids, I was actually shocked that there was no warning at the entrance, saying that admission of those under 16 should be only with parental discretion.. If these things don’t give kids nightmares, I wouldn’t like to run into those kids somewhere on a dark corner.
October 24, 2005 @ 8:48 pm
Tony I'Anson said,
There should be some sort of warning for parents that some of the exhibits are not suitable for children, especially in relation to the Jack the Ripper murders. My 9-year old granddaughter was really upset and disturbed by the graphic detail in which the murders were depicted in the tableaux and described in the commentary by the actors.
Some of the other exhibits were also unsuitable for children, but because they did not relate to specific people were perhaps less disturbing. The “attraction” is grossly overpriced and very tiring. It took us two hours to get round and for most of that time you are standing listening to actors descriptions of events in very hot and smelly conditions. The flash from the camera in the tunnel/boat left us temporarily blinded.
October 29, 2005 @ 11:07 pm
N-Ron Affil. said,
Worst waste of time and money London Has to offer. Do Not Go. Do Not Go. Trust me. i am not from london and i thought it was goign to be all cool and scary, not only was it UN-Scary but it was Hot and Boring. DO NOT GO….
Sincerely,
Unsatisfied London Dungeon Visitor
November 6, 2005 @ 12:03 am
P Cook Devon said,
Waited 3 hours to get in. Don’t be tempted by ticket offers during school holidays! Who ever is directing the actors needs torturing – there are so many missed opportunities for real thrills and the actors seemed half hearted. The models are old and stale. By the end my teenagers were totally under impressed.
November 7, 2005 @ 5:39 pm
Elissa said,
My fiance and I went on a Sunday. While the line wasn’t that bad to get in, it’s a long wait standing in the dark to get your picture taken.
Boring, boring, boring. And what the hell was that smell? I was so ill after walking around there for 2 hours. The smell made me lightheaded. I can’t believe we paid that much money for something so worthless.
Don’t waste your money….go on the London Eye instead!
February 10, 2006 @ 3:37 am
Somewhat said,
Tourist attractions should be either educational or fun. Preferably a little bit of both. Sadly, the London Dungeon is neither: it’s just outrageously expensive. I went with my partner, and no kids: we found it facile and rather pathetic, as well as seriously run-down and tatty in places. There were a lot of kids there, none of whom seemed frightened by anything, but all of whom seemed very, very bored.
February 12, 2006 @ 4:35 am
Roxanne said,
i absolutly loved it! Teenagers do love this place, even if adults dont. Its a great place to go with your mates, or as a party. One of the best attractions. The london Eye was boring , Not This !!!
February 19, 2006 @ 10:06 am
usama said,
hi there, how get to the london dungeon by bus or underground
thanks
March 14, 2006 @ 1:18 am
Franco said,
I loved it! It wasn’t scarry but still very much enjoyable!! I will highly recomend it to every one!
April 14, 2006 @ 12:20 pm
Tori said,
To all those who complained about the dungeons: What a bunch of miserable sods you all are! Yes it’s a little overpriced but what London attraction isn’t?! And anyway if you were smart you’d look out for the 2 for 1 offers that are advertised EVERYWHERE! I’m going again tomorrow for my 22nd birthday with friends and can’t wait.
The idea of the dungeons is that it’s dark humour and tongue in cheek! Although you grumpy lot probably don’t know what laughter is…
April 21, 2006 @ 6:42 am
zack said,
It sucked i almost fell asleep!!!
May 14, 2006 @ 1:58 pm
Honey said,
I liked the dungeons. Yes, its pricey, but what isn’t in London. We didn’t have to wait in lines… Worth seeing….
July 4, 2006 @ 7:24 am
Vivien said,
I think this is a nasty, unsavoury place to visit, especially for children and young adults. There is enough torture taking place in the world as you read this, so why is it deemed an attraction? I’m sure those who are or have been tortured would not find it amusing or interesting in any way. I went years ago because someone else wanted me to accompany them and regretted it.
August 31, 2006 @ 9:36 am
brandon said,
i been to london and i have been in your london dungeon it was really fun
October 4, 2006 @ 2:47 am
Jodi said,
i thought it was cewl, i enjoyed madamme tussauds more than the dungeon, but the dungeon was still a laugh! I say cheer up!
November 11, 2006 @ 6:15 am
katharina said,
ich denke das daslondon dungeon nichts für kleinere ist .das eingangsschild ist schon so gruselig . aber ich denke das man sehr viel von der englischen geschichte erfährt.ich selbst warnoch nie dort aber wir hatten es im englisch unterricht
November 11, 2006 @ 6:22 am
fcb said,
I love you all
November 15, 2006 @ 6:57 am
Gemma said,
I thought it was lovely. =] I myself have been tortured and i though tit was highly amusing looking back on the whole experience.
The dungeons was a thoroughly enjoyable event and i loved it.
November 28, 2006 @ 6:23 am
Ms.M.A.Melvin said,
My family and I visited the dungeons last Saturday and despite the VERY high cost and having to wait in the pouring rain for well over an hour it was well worth the wait! My 9yr old son was at times VERY frightened, but i suppose thats the idea (?!) and he took the photos,the guide book and the pen i bought him in the gift shop to school on Monday to show his class and Teacher. Unfortunately the pen (a wooden looking chopper dripping with blood!) BROKE the very 1st time he put it to paper, leaving him VERY upset! I wonder if something could be done to rectify this WITHOUT me having to come all the way back up to London???
December 9, 2006 @ 6:44 am
fatty said,
Hey why dont you lighten up london dongeon is still better than sleeping on a couch
December 13, 2006 @ 1:14 am
chloe said,
london dungeons rock !!! how can u say that about the dungeons !!! its wrong!! i luv the dungeons !!! it rules this planet!!!!! wooop!!!
December 13, 2006 @ 1:14 am
hannah said,
London Dungeons rules !!!! don’t dis the dungeons.
Remember a monkey WILL STEAL YOUR TOILET!!!
may the force be wiv u.
January 3, 2007 @ 7:03 pm
paola said,
hi i’m agree with this.because i went to london the last year,and visited “the london dungeon”,it didn’t scared me at all,and it was too expensive,the tour was in 1 hour,and i had to wait two hours!! i waste my time,i should go to the madamme tussauds!!!
January 22, 2007 @ 3:20 am
Dannielle said,
I loved tihs place, i went last year with about 7 mates and had so much fun, all the staff get really into the whole situation and make it really scary, its a great lauf!
January 26, 2007 @ 5:45 am
dave said,
I think it was great, It took alot of hard work and imagination to create the dungeon. I hope those of you that didn’t like it could say you could have done a better job, and cheap( I don’t think so ) none of you could afford to buy it. So before you blast it, you should remember it’s intent is to bring to life the darker side of London’s history, not to scare you like an amatuer Haunted House.
February 24, 2007 @ 11:32 am
AL__ said,
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February 24, 2007 @ 5:08 pm
policy said,
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February 25, 2007 @ 3:47 pm
auction said,
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March 8, 2007 @ 7:37 am
Paul Carva said,
I love it since 1986, when I got there.
March 16, 2007 @ 12:21 am
Allstate said,
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March 20, 2007 @ 4:42 pm
AndyS said,
This is basically just a themed museum, and should be treated as such. If you’re an adult going to the ‘London Dungeon’ with the express purpose of being ‘scared out of your wits’ then you are either naive or a little sad. Go and watch ‘Saw 3′ or some other sick Hollywood fayre if that’s what you’re after! Yes, it’s expensive – but that’s London for you.
March 22, 2007 @ 3:52 pm
Dave Reinke said,
I really liked the London Dungeon. I went there twice while I was in London. I loved the educational aspect of it as well as the reinactment of Jack the Ripper. Yes certain parts of it were cheesy, but the streets where Jack the Ripper killed his victims were very well made and the boat ride was fun. I think it was well worth the price.
May 22, 2007 @ 12:27 pm
Carson City said,
This site is put together well!
June 24, 2007 @ 1:02 am
john jayne toni kemi said,
visited the dungeons on the 23 june 07 though quite expensive really enjoyed the whole experience if we were to go again we would go for fasttrack tickets after 3.30 saving us a small fortune we would give the dungeons 10/10
June 29, 2007 @ 5:44 am
tracy kent said,
i have never been so bored and irritated in all my life! how amateurish and expensive even on a 2 for 1. couldn’t wait to get out of there and get a drink. waste of time and money.
September 18, 2007 @ 6:53 am
emma said,
i completely agree with your report. i’m 19 and went with a mate 10th sept 2007 and was utterly disappointed- way over-priced (i got in for £15 with student discount and even thats a rip-off) and not scary at all. i was expecting to get incredibly scared but was in fact completely bored. what didn’t help was that i nearly passed out in one of the rooms, the court room, because the group size was way to big for such a small room and it was incredibly hot in there. will definately not be going back again and, unless you’re scared of everything in the world or 5 years old, then would advise you not to go!
November 25, 2007 @ 4:51 pm
Trina said,
This was the absolutely worst attraction that I have ever experienced. It was expensive and unrealistic. I cannot believe that it is still in business.
January 30, 2008 @ 10:36 am
princess said,
I loved the dungeons, everybody who has dissed it needs to get a life, the price of the tickets were o.k could be a little cheaper.
February 29, 2008 @ 12:59 pm
Tracy Hughes said,
We bought tickets from an outlet by Baker Street tube station for £10 each – a good saving. The exhibits did get a bit samey and boring by the end, and we did come out soaking wet. But I thoroughly enjoyed having my neck snuffled by one of the actors, he was supposed to a plague victim I think.
March 13, 2008 @ 2:25 am
Nick said,
A tough one to work out. The worst thing about it is the price of £20 for an adult. Look out for any offers you can take as it is not worth more than £10. It was quite informative in areas such as the plauge and great fire that not many people know about but the jack the ripper area is just repeating what most people know and coming up with their idea of who did it (im not sure if the upgrade will alter this). The actors/actresses really get into the spirit of the whole thing and do well to imform people about life in the past with a good mix of knowledge and fun. Be warned if you are taller than the rest of the group you are in your in trouble. Good fun but look for a better deal on the price.
July 9, 2008 @ 4:37 am
tips said,
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December 18, 2008 @ 2:04 am
london dungeon | imlooking said,
[...] The 10 Worst London Tourist Attractions – London Dungeon [...]
January 26, 2009 @ 2:50 am
Samantha J. said,
Hey guys…I do not really know how to say: You have to be in a good mood to visit the Dungeon! Go with your mates and drink some beer before! No It is okay but not the best, if you compare the prices…because of this it is important to take a look in your hotels! there are mostly same maps and one of them has a barcode on the frontpage…with this u get a discount from 20%. There is also the web site for printing it out!
http://www.discountbritain.co.uk With this it is okay to go to dungeon and madame tussauds
nice hoilidays
February 9, 2009 @ 1:33 pm
wayne said,
I think the dungeons are going a little rubbish to much over acting and the boat ride was pointless. They need to make it a little more real less fake blood. It used to be be brilliant a few years ago but last year i was expecting a little more but got less it was boring to say the least.
April 30, 2009 @ 2:29 am
Devon ?M=As said,
[...] The 10 Worst London Tourist Attractions – London Dungeon [...]
June 25, 2009 @ 1:40 am
Lauren said,
You didnt mention the line just to get into the thing! When i went it was REALLY long and we wated for 3 and a half hours to see a load of bloody wax figures and bad animatronics, but once your in there it is quite enjoyable, but i reccomend you buy fast lane tickets; theres no line there. Also there is a little ride about half way through! Yay!
July 29, 2009 @ 7:02 am
dean robinson said,
Great family day out i went there with my mum. Bit pricy but it,s well worth it scary,fun,and never forgetable.That is why i loved the london dungeon
August 12, 2009 @ 12:40 am
Clementina said,
Taking the kids today. Your article hasn’t put me off!!
October 29, 2009 @ 11:53 am
maaria said,
great i loved it! DONT DIS IT!
June 13, 2010 @ 8:58 am
Lyn said,
Ive been there twice before…..planning another trip this summer, me and my daughter cant wait…great stuff : )
July 26, 2010 @ 1:25 am
Donald. said,
Sorry but it was a really good bit of fun !
November 25, 2010 @ 4:19 am
Chloé said,
Some of the comments here are unbelievable. I don’t think you are really meant to be scared our of your wits. I found it quite horrible to hear about how they used to kill people in the old days. But I guess many people don’t feel a how about eye gouging any more. If you want to see real blood and torture… go to war.
January 17, 2011 @ 2:28 pm
Caitlin said,
I went in a group. I was scared to death, things jump out at you and Sweeney Todd was dead frightening. I would love to go again! Perhaps those of you who say it’s pointless need to revisit it, believe me it makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up! It was totally worth it.
May 21, 2011 @ 11:20 pm
alice said,
i thought the it was going to be scary it was just a load of actors dressed up so for the 2 hours i qued to get in and the money i payed i might have well have gone on the london eye that would have been more entertaining
June 13, 2011 @ 8:27 pm
sendhil said,
Ticket was purchased with the Combo offer for London Eye. It is a sheer waste of time and money. The long queues were the worst I’d seen in London and the contents were never worth the time and money. A visit to a museum would have been better and most are free of any charges.
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