Why go

The York Dungeon takes you through 2,000 years of York’s darkest history in a walk-through show led by live actors. Where the city’s museums tell York’s story with objects, the Dungeon tells it with theatre, jokes and jump scares, from Vikings and Guy Fawkes to witches and the highwayman Dick Turpin. It is a popular choice for families with older children and for groups of friends, and it was named Best Large Visitor Attraction at the Visit York Tourism Awards in 2024 and 2026.

What to expect

  • Ten live actor shows. Each scene tells a different story from York’s grim past, with immersive sets and special effects.
  • Surprises in the dark. You walk through the depths of the Dungeon between shows, and some actors perform jump scares, but they will not touch or chase you.
  • Seasonal shows. The Dungeon adds themed shows at times, such as its Mother Shipton show for Halloween 2026.
  • Dungeon Lates. Darker, scarier adults-only (18+) evening sessions on selected dates.

Plan your visit

Opening times: hours vary from day to day; on 8 November 2026 it was open 10.30am to 4pm. Check the official site for the day you want to go.

Tickets: standard tickets start at £19 per adult when booked online, against £25 on the day. The Dungeon says pre-booking is essential. Each ticket gives entry at a chosen 15-minute time slot, and you can reschedule free of charge up to 24 hours before your arrival time. Combination tickets and group bundles are also sold online.

Ages: the Dungeon recommends it for children aged 8 and over, with entry at the discretion of parents and guardians. The minimum age is 5, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by someone aged 18 or over. It is very dark inside, with lots of loud noises. If a child wants to leave during the tour, they can, but tickets are non-refundable.

Accessibility: one carer per disabled visitor can get free entry; ask the Dungeon about routes if anyone in your group has limited mobility, as the walk-through involves dark, uneven spaces.

Getting there: the Dungeon is at 12 Clifford Street, close to Clifford’s Tower and York Castle Museum and a short walk from the Shambles. The Park and Ride stops at Clifford Street and Tower Street are nearby, and the closest car parks are Castle and St George’s.

Passes and groups

Visit York Pass holders get free entry and are advised to pre-book a time slot through the pass’s web app; walk-up entry depends on availability. Groups of ten or more adults can buy group tickets, though these are not private tours, and private group tours for up to 22 people can be booked separately.

Who it suits

Older children, teenagers and adults who like their history loud and theatrical will enjoy it most. Anyone who dislikes the dark, loud noises or confined spaces should think twice, and younger children may find it frightening. If you are visiting York in a family group with mixed ages, pair it with something gentler nearby, such as York Castle Museum’s Victorian street or JORVIK, both a few minutes away.