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All the United Kingdom England London The London Dungeon

The London Dungeon

One part local history, 99 parts gruesome haunted house.

London, England

Added By
Michelle Colburn
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One of the many gruesome dioramas.   Michelle Colburn / Atlas Obscura User
One of the many gruesome dioramas.   Michelle Colburn / Atlas Obscura User
  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
  Douglas Neiner/CC BY 2.0
  Martin/CC BY-ND 2.0
  Óscar del Río/CC BY 2.0
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When you bring history into the equation, gory haunted attractions aren't just for Halloween, thus the London Dungeon is always ready to give visitors a blood-soaked tour through London's past.

This tourist attraction is by no means hidden, but its sidelong devotion to history amidst the animatronics, fake smoke, and theatre blood make it unique among its kitschy brethren.

Part of a small European chain of attractions that are each tailored to the local history of their city, the London Dungeon features dramatic and shocking recreations of such real life horrors as a mad King Henry VIII, Guy Fawkes' bombing plot, and of course a fully explorable series of Whitechapel alleys stalked by Jack the Ripper.

The London Dungeon was opened in 1974 by Annabel Geddes. Originally, it comprised a wax exhibition of gory and macabre local history. Over the following decades, it grew to feature walkthrough theatrical shows. In the 90s, the Dungeon was rebranded, with a shift towards interactive horror, and away from historical accuracy.

Covering London's instances of plague, torture, and murder, the attraction is clearly more invested in scares than facts. However none can say that the London Dungeon does not make the city's history seem much more interesting than any textbook might. 

Related Tags

Murder Roadside Attractions Crime Museums Crime And Punishment Mystery Spots And Gravity Hills Jack The Ripper

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Added By

Michelle Colburn

Edited By

gregnoone, SEANETTA, michellecassidy1

  • gregnoone
  • SEANETTA
  • michellecassidy1

Published

October 31, 2016

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Sources
  • http://www.thedungeons.com/london
  • http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2439335/Weekends-London-Tales-treachery-torture-treason-ghoulish-tour-capital.html
The London Dungeon
3B Belvedere Rd
Westminster Bridge Road
London, England, SE1 7GP
United Kingdom
51.502519, -0.118751
Visit Website
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