The York Dungeon turns the grimmest chapters of the city’s past into a funny, scary, highly theatrical show. Instead of looking at exhibits, you move in a small group through a series of underground sets on Clifford Street, and in each one a costumed actor drags you into the story. Over about seventy-five minutes you meet characters from two thousand years of York history, from Viking raiders and plague doctors to torturers, witch-finders and the highwayman Dick Turpin, who was hanged in York, along with the city’s famous ghosts. Expect dark rooms, loud noises, sudden surprises, gruesome humour and plenty of audience participation, so you may be picked to play a part. The stories are rooted in real events, and many visitors come away knowing far more about York’s history than they expected, but the tone is pantomime horror rather than a museum. The Dungeon is run in English only, and non-English speakers may not get as much from the shows. It is a reliable wet-weather choice and a highlight for teenagers. This page links to the Tiqets entry ticket, which gives access to the Dungeon and all its zones and can be cancelled for free until twenty-four hours before your visit.
How to visit: the York Dungeon is at 12 Clifford Street, a few minutes from Clifford’s Tower and JORVIK. Tiqets lists opening hours of 11am to 4pm from Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday, though hours change in school holidays, so check your date when you book. Tickets are for timed entry, and you can cancel or reschedule free of charge until twenty-four hours before your visit. The souvenir photo is sold separately.
What to expect: the experience is fully guided by actors and moves at their pace, so you cannot linger or skip ahead. It is dark and intense in places, with jump scares and gory themes, so it suits older children, teenagers and adults best, and parents of younger or nervous children should read the official guidance first. Manual wheelchairs are available, but electric wheelchairs are not permitted, and the lift has a weight limit of 120 kilograms, so contact the attraction in advance if you have access needs.
Making the most of it: stand near the front of each group if you want to be chosen to take part, or near the back if you would rather watch. Book a morning slot at weekends, when it is busiest in the afternoon, and combine it with JORVIK for a day of Vikings and villains.
What to expect
The experience
A 75-minute guided walk-through of underground theatrical sets, with live actors, special effects and audience participation.
Best time
A morning slot at the weekend, or any weekday afternoon outside school holidays.
How long
About seventy-five minutes.
Tips
Book a timed slot, check the official age guidance for younger children, and contact the venue in advance about wheelchair access.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Teenagers, groups of friends and anyone who likes their history loud, gory and funny.
- Families
- Older children and teenagers love it, but it is dark and loud, so it may be too much for little ones.
- Couples
- A lively, laugh-out-loud hour that pairs well with a drink in a haunted pub afterwards.
- Pair with
- JORVIK Viking Centre and Clifford’s Tower, both a few minutes’ walk away.
- Time needed
- Seventy-five minutes.
Good questions
How long does the York Dungeon take?+
The experience lasts about seventy-five minutes. It is guided by actors throughout, so it moves at a set pace.
Is the York Dungeon suitable for children?+
It suits older children and teenagers best, because it is dark, loud and features gory themes and jump scares. Check the official age guidance before booking for younger children.
What are the York Dungeon opening hours?+
Tiqets lists 11am to 4pm on weekdays, 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. Hours vary in school holidays, so check your date when booking.
Can I cancel my York Dungeon ticket?+
Yes, the Tiqets ticket can be cancelled for a full refund or rescheduled until twenty-four hours before your visit. After that it is fixed to your chosen slot.
Is the York Dungeon accessible?+
Manual wheelchairs are available, but electric wheelchairs are not permitted and the lift has a 120-kilogram limit. Contact the attraction before you visit to plan your route.
