Anyone ever been to the London Dungeons?

Question

I am looking to go to London later this year and am planning what i would like to do.

I especially would like to go to the London Dungeons.

I was wondering what people thought of it, i.e. is it worth the money and what you enjoyed about it.

I am also interested in the history behind the Dungeons; was it ever used as Dungeons in the olden times or is this just a gimic?

Any answers will be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

I didn't think it was very good. The models aren't very convincing and there's not a lot to see.

It's one of those places I'd catagorise along with Madame Tussaurds, Oxford Steet, Covent Garden etc which are very famous/touristy but not really worth visiting.

I'd suggest the Tower as an alternative - it'll be more pricy but at least it's authentic! You get to see the old apartments and cells where royalty were held prisoner, the crown jewels, and the famous ravens who are paid a salary to 'work' at the Tower (if they leave, both the Tower and the empire will fall!)

Failing that, how about a Jack The Ripper themed walk for some goulish fun! It's based in the east end - details in Time Out.

Answer 2

I've never been to the London Dungeons but I have been to the York Dungeons (created by the same company) and I thought it was great. It was interesting seeing how grim life was back in the day and what punishments criminals had to face. It is a fascinating insight into a part of British history that isn't that easy to research in conventional history books. The works aren't exactly realistic (which is a good thing as they can be a bit gory) but are good enough to give you a good idea of what they are depicting.

I'd pay it a visit as you probably will like it but do so on a weekday when is might be quieter (especially if you visit when the schools go back) and try to arrive early to avoid queues.

Answer 3

I haven't been there since they renovated it and filled it with flashy, multimedia type of exhibits, but I understand one thing's still the same: crowds and long lines.

It's authentic to a certain degree, but obviously geared to providing sensationalist thrills. At the time, I enjoyed the cheesiness about it, but I don't know how much of the cheese factor is still there (like warnings that what you're about to see isn't for the squeamish....and then you see a lame recreation of torture or Jack the Ripper.)

Its expensive, and if you do go get your tickets in advance and try to go early enough to beat the crowds. You might be better off visiting the Tower of London--crowded, too, but its kept more of its authentic feel and has less of the theme park vibe.

Answer 4

It's rubbish.Just a tourist trap and ok for kids I suppose. It's very expensive and situated under Waterloo railway bridge. It has no history as a dungeon.If you want to see some history I suggest the Tower of London.

Answer 5

The London Dungeon is great fun and highly recommended. If you get the London Pass it is free entry. You can get this and more excellent info at http://www.londonvacationguide.com