London Dungeon facts for kids
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| Established | 15 September 1974 |
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| Location | County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank, London, SE1 United Kingdom |
| Public transit access |  Waterloo Waterloo Waterloo East |
The London Dungeon is a popular tourist attraction in London, England. It brings to life scary and exciting moments from London's past. The Dungeon uses live actors, cool special effects, and even rides to tell these historical stories. It's known for its unique, dark humor style.
Contents
Exploring London's Dark History
The London Dungeon takes visitors on a journey through 1000 years of London's history. You'll meet actors playing famous characters like Jack the Ripper and Sweeney Todd. The shows happen on amazing sets with special effects.
What to Expect Inside
The Dungeon has 19 different shows and 20 actors. You might learn about events like the Black Death or the Gunpowder Plot. Characters you could meet include "The Torturer" or "The Plague Doctor." Visitors are often asked to join in the shows, making it very interactive.
The Drop Ride to Doom
One exciting part of the experience is a ride called "drop ride to doom." This is a free-fall ride that feels like a public hanging. It's a thrilling way to end your visit.
The Dungeon's Story: From Wax to Thrills
The London Dungeon first opened its doors on September 15, 1974. It was started by Annabel Geddes. At first, it was a wax exhibition showing dark historical scenes. These scenes were set up under the arches of London Bridge station.
Early Days and Changes
Some of the first characters shown were Boudica and Mary Tudor. There were also scenes from the Norman Conquest. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Dungeon changed. It became more about walkthrough shows, like those about the Great Fire of London and Jack the Ripper.
New Owners and a New Style
In 1992, a company called Vardon Attractions bought the Dungeon. This company later became Merlin Entertainments. Merlin changed the Dungeon into an interactive horror attraction. It became less focused on strict history and more on fun, scary experiences.
Moving to a New Home
In 2013, the London Dungeon moved to a new location. After 39 years on Tooley Street, it moved to County Hall on the South Bank. This new spot is near other Merlin attractions, like the London Eye. The new building was designed in a fancy Baroque style. It's right across from the Houses of Parliament, which Guy Fawkes tried to blow up in 1605. The move cost £20 million and took a whole year to rebuild.
The Tooley Street Era: A Look Back
The original London Dungeon on Tooley Street started as a free-flow exhibition. Visitors could walk through and explore dark British history. Over time, it added more historical walkthroughs.
Adding Rides and Interactive Shows
By 1997, the Dungeon changed to a series of attractions you went through in groups. This included a water ride called Judgment Day. Visitors would go through a mock trial and then take a boat ride. Later, this boat ride was changed and renamed Traitor - Boat Ride to Hell.
In the 2000s, more actor-led shows were added. These included a mirror maze called Labyrinth of the Lost and a show about the Great Plague. A Sweeney Todd show was added in 2006. It used sounds and effects to make you feel like you were meeting the character.
New Thrills and Final Shows
In 2007, a new ride called Extremis - Drop Ride to Doom was added. This ride was based on hangings at Newgate gallows. Guests were lifted 20 feet high before a free-fall drop.
Other changes included updates to the Jack the Ripper section in 2008. In 2009, a show called Surgery opened, focusing on old medical practices and audience interaction. A show about Bloody Mary opened in 2010.
The last tour at the Tooley Street location happened on January 31, 2013. Some of the attractions from Tooley Street were moved to the new County Hall Dungeon. Many old props were even sold at a local sale!
Other Dungeon Attractions Around the World
The London Dungeon is just one of many "Dungeon" attractions. There are six Dungeons in the UK and several others worldwide.
United Kingdom Locations
- The Blackpool Tower Dungeon
- The Castle Dungeon at Warwick Castle
- The Edinburgh Dungeon
- The York Dungeon
- The Alton Towers Dungeon (This one is now closed)
Europe Locations
- Amsterdam Dungeon
- Berlin Dungeon
- Hamburg Dungeon
Asia Locations
- Shanghai Dungeon (This one closed in 2024)
United States Locations
- The San Francisco Dungeon (This one closed in June 2021)
