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The York Dungeon is an immersive, actor-led attraction that brings 2,000 years of York’s dark history to life through live theatrical performances, special effects, and interactive storytelling. It’s a perfect blend of education, humour, and spine-tingling thrills that transform history into an unforgettable adventure.
Ways to explore: All York Dungeon tickets grant full 75-min access to 10 live actor shows and immersive special effects.
Queues & access: Entry is by strict timed slot; arrive 5–10 mins early to ensure smooth check-in.
When to book: Pre-book York Dungeon tickets 1–2 weeks ahead for weekends and holidays, as preferred slots sell out quickly.
Good to know: Recommended for ages 8+. Minimum age is 5 years.
What to expect at The York Dungeon
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Interactive live actor shows
Immerse yourself in over 10 thrilling live performances where professional actors bring York’s notorious past to life. Each scene is interactive, inviting you to become a part of the dark tale as you navigate from Viking battles to notorious plots.
Immersive 360° themed sets
Step into meticulously crafted environments, from bustling Viking encampments to claustrophobic torture chambers. Every set uses 360° special effects and atmospheric lighting to transport you back over 2,000 years of history.
Chilling yet humorous horror history
Experience a unique blend of spine-tingling scares and dark, witty storytelling. With scenes that balance historical horror with moments of unexpected comedy, you’ll find yourself laughing and shivering in equal measure.
Things to know before booking York Dungeon tickets
Booking window:York Dungeon tickets are strictly timed, and capacity is limited. During weekends and school holidays, time slots often sell out 3–5 days in advance. Walk-in tickets are rarely guaranteed, so you must pre-book online to avoid disappointment.
Timed entry: Your York Dungeon tickets are valid only for the specific time slot you select at checkout. Arrive 5–10 mins before your allotted time for smooth entry. Late arrivals risk missing their show and may be denied entry without a refund.
What’s included: Your standard entry provides full access to the 75-min experience, which comprises a continuous journey through 10 live actor shows and themed sets. The ticket covers the entire performance lineup scheduled for your slot; re-entry once you exit the venue is not permitted.
Experience format: The experience is a fully guided performance, led by professional actors in character. The 10 live shows are interactive and feature dark humour, immersive lighting, and loud sound effects to tell 2,000 years of gruesome York history.
Participation: The actors frequently select guests for audience participation. If you prefer not to be singled out, ask the Admissions staff for a yellow sticker upon entry.
Suitability & age limits: The experience is restricted for children under 5 years old and is explicitly recommended for ages 8 and up due to the intense themes, dark settings, and jump scares. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (18+).
Accessibility: The Dungeon is partially wheelchair accessible, but due to the building's historic nature, it cannot accommodate electric wheelchairs. Only one manual wheelchair can be accommodated per hour slot. Visitors with severe claustrophobia, photosensitive epilepsy (strobe lights are used), or sensitivity to loud noises should reconsider booking.
The York Dungeon highlights
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Vengeance of the Vikings
Immerse yourself in an interactive reenactment of Viking warriors sacking Saxon York, where live actors and surprise special effects bring history to life. Guests even get a chance to “learn” the art of survival in a humour-infused clash rooted in York’s Jorvik heritage.
Dick Turpin
Board a rocking, 360° stagecoach as you journey through the eerie Yorkshire Knavesmire and encounter the notorious highwayman Dick Turpin in a dramatic, interactive scene.
Curse of the Witch
Step into a cramped, atmospheric cell where the infamous Isabella Billington faces a grim trial that makes medieval witch hunts unnervingly real. This intense scene combines direct audience interaction with jump scares.
York Plague House
Enter the Tudor-era plague doctor’s surgery, complete with eerie props, realistic smells, and a mischievous twist that highlights both the horror and the absurdity of historical treatments.
Guy Fawkes
Engage with Guy Fawkes in a dimly lit torture chamber where his infamous Gunpowder Plot is relived through atmospheric dialogue and storytelling. This performance ties York’s local lore to one of Britain’s most renowned events.
The Courtroom
Stand trial before the notoriously harsh Judge, accused of heinous crimes from the 1700s. The tension is high, and the dark humour ensures laughs amid the screams.
Plan your visit to The York Dungeon
The York Dungeon is typically open from 11am to 4pm, with extended hours available during the summer. Closed on: December 24 to 26
Note: Special themed nights (e.g., Adults-only Dungeon Lates on Saturday evenings) might have differing times.
Plan to spend around 1.5 to 2 hours on-site (a 75-min immersive tour plus check-in and exit time).
Visit on weekdays (especially mornings or late afternoons) to avoid the main tourist rush. These times not only offer lighter crowds but also a more intimate experience with the actors and interactive scenes.
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) provide pleasant weather and shorter queues. During peak tourist seasons (summer and Halloween events), consider booking early or settling for a later time slot to manage wait times.
Arrive at least 10–15 mins early for a stress-free check-in, particularly if you’re interested in the seasonal add-ons, which draw larger crowds.
Address: 12 Clifford St, York YO1 9RD, United Kingdom | Find on Maps
By bus: 7 Park & Ride, U2, 11, 10, 12, 24, X45 Nearest stop: Clifford Street
By train: LNER, Grand Central Nearest Station: York Station
By car: Via A1036 Nearest parking: Castle Car Park
Clean and accessible restrooms are available inside the Dungeon.
Pick up themed merchandise and souvenir photos (photos are available outside of the live show areas).
The venue is partially wheelchair accessible. Some areas (such as narrow corridors and ride-carriage sections) may be challenging.
Disabled toilets are provided for wheelchair users.
Assistance dogs are welcome.
Photography: Photography is prohibited during live shows to maintain the immersive experience; however, photos are allowed in designated entrance areas and the gift shop.
Age and guest restrictions: The York Dungeon is only recommended for visitors aged 8 and above (minimum entry age is 5) as younger children might find jump scares and interactive elements too intense.
Item restrictions: Large bags, suitcases, and strollers may be required to be checked at the entrance for security reasons. Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the attraction.
Behaviour & safety: Keep mobile phone volume low and avoid loud talking during performances to respect other visitors’ experience.
Arrive at least 10–15 mins early to comfortably check in for your timed entry slot.
Wear comfortable shoes; you’ll be on your feet for most of the 75-min immersive tour.
If you’re sensitive to darkness, loud sounds, or intense sensory effects, be aware of the Dungeon’s low lighting and sudden effects.
Book your tickets well in advance to secure your preferred time slot, especially during peak seasons or special events like Halloween.
Be open to participating in the interactive narrative for a truly memorable experience.
Frequently asked questions about York Dungeon tickets
Although it is possible to purchase tickets on the day, it’s highly recommended to book in advance. Pre-booking ensures you have a reserved time slot and helps you avoid any potential long queues or sold-out scenarios.
Your ticket grants you full access to all the live shows and themed exhibits at the Dungeon, from dramatic reenactments of Viking invasions and plague doctor surgeries to encounters with infamous historical figures like Guy Fawkes and Dick Turpin.
The Dungeon uses a mix of dramatic lighting, eerie sound effects, realistic scents like garlic or smoke, and sudden surprises to create an immersive atmosphere that blurs the line between education and entertainment. These special effects work together to amplify every horror-comedy moment during the tour.
Timely arrival is crucial because timed entry is strictly enforced to maintain a smooth experience for everyone. If you arrive late (over 15 mins), the staff may refuse entry or delay your experience, so it’s best to plan to arrive a few minutes early to avoid any stress.
The immersive tour lasts approximately 75 mins, although you should budget a little extra time for the check-in process and any brief stops between scenes. This length ensures you experience every detailed moment without feeling rushed.
Early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays tend to be the best times to experience the Dungeon without large crowds. Booking during off-peak hours not only makes the experience smoother but also gives you a bit more breathing room to enjoy every interactive scene.
Since the York Dungeon operates on strictly timed ticket slots, it’s best to choose a time that fits your travel plans and minimises crowd exposure. Early slots may provide a quieter experience, while later ones might be busier but offer a different evening vibe.
It’s advisable to bring a valid photo ID matching the booking details and to have your digital or printed ticket handy for scanning at entry. Since the tour involves a lot of standing and low lighting, wear comfortable, flat shoes and secure any personal belongings to avoid loss in the dark environments.
Yes, the experience is designed with families in mind and is recommended for children aged 8 and up, although children as young as 5 may enter. Because some scenes can be intense and include jump scares, parents should consider the sensitivity of younger visitors before booking.
Throughout the tour, live actors actively involve guests in the storytelling. Whether you’re asked to respond to a character’s call or encouraged to play a small role in one of the interactive scenes, your participation helps to create a unique, personalised experience every time you visit.
York Dungeon stands out with its live actor-led performances, richly detailed themed sets, and a perfect blend of horror and humour that other historical attractions might not offer. While places like the Jorvik Viking Centre provide immersive historical context, the Dungeon adds an interactive twist that makes it a unique stop on your York itinerary.
Journey through 2,000 years of York’s darkest tales with live actors and special effects.
Everything you get: Admission at your selected time slot for seamless entry, full access to all live shows, immersive themed sets with spine-tingling special effects, and interactive performances by professional actors who bring York’s most chilling stories to life.
Why choose this: Step beyond the typical museum visit and dive into York’s shadowy past with an actor-led experience packed with theatrical storytelling and special effects.
Inclusions
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Timed entry to The York Dungeon
Access to 10 immersive live shows
Exclusions
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Food and drinks
Hotel transfers
Souvenirs
What’s not allowed
Safety is a priority, so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 5 years.
Photography is strictly prohibited at the venue.
Accessibility
This experience is partially wheelchair accessible.
Due to constraints of the building's historic structure and layout, The York Dungeon is unable to accommodate electric wheelchairs. However, they offer a manual wheelchair available to borrow throughout your visit. Please note only one wheelchair can be accommodated per hour.
People with severe claustrophobia, epilepsy, sensitivity to flashing or low lights and loud noises, or those who dislike jump scares are restricted from participating in this experience.
The York Dungeon uses flashing and strobe lights, which may impact visitors with photosensitive epilepsy. If this affects you, inform a staff member immediately so they can brief you on the areas where strobe lighting is used and provide an alternative route if needed.
Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
Additional information
This experience is recommended for ages 8+.
Guests under the age of 16 have to be accompanied by someone over the age of 18.
Please arrive a few minutes before your time slot to ensure smooth entry.
If you need to leave the experience at any point, please inform a member of staff or an Actor immediately. They can assist you with a temporary pause backstage, or the Duty Manager will facilitate your exit.
Guest participation is central to the experience, with audience members often selected at random. If you prefer not to participate, please request a yellow sticker from the Admissions team upon entry and place it visibly. You can remove the sticker at any time if you change your mind during the tour.
While actors may come close or engage with you as part of the performance, they will not touch you during your tour, and you are asked not to touch them. Failure to comply with this request may result in your immediate ejection from the attraction without a refund.
Facilities: restrooms, gift shop
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Tickets
The York Dungeon Entry Tickets
Journey through 2,000 years of York’s darkest tales with live actors and special effects.
Everything you get: Admission at your selected time slot for seamless entry, full access to all live shows, immersive themed sets with spine-tingling special effects, and interactive performances by professional actors who bring York’s most chilling stories to life.
Why choose this: Step beyond the typical museum visit and dive into York’s shadowy past with an actor-led experience packed with theatrical storytelling and special effects.
