York Dungeon, York (must see)

York Dungeon, located in York, offers a unique blend of education and entertainment through its portrayal of the darker aspects of local history. This attraction, which opened its doors in 1986, was the second such Dungeon, following the London Dungeon established in 1974. Both attractions are designed as interactive live-action horror shows, drawing from historical events but presented with a theatrical twist.

At the York Dungeon, visitors experience history through actor-led shows, complete with special effects and detailed models and displays. The tours at the Dungeon are particularly structured, beginning every 7 minutes and lasting anywhere from one to one and a half hours. These tours guide visitors through a series of dramatically reconstructed scenes and historical reenactments.

One of the standout experiences at the York Dungeon is the Great Plague show. Set in 1551, this exhibit recreates a plague doctor’s surgery, where an actor, playing the role of an assistant to a deceased plague doctor, leads the narration. Another significant highlight is the recreation of The Golden Fleece Inn, a historic York pub, where visitors gather to hear chilling local ghost stories.

Additional shows enrich the Dungeon experience. These include the "Judgement of Sinners," where visitors find themselves accused of various historical crimes, and the "Torture Chamber," which showcases gruesome torture devices. Throughout the tour, actors in the roles of plague doctors’ assistants, innkeepers, night watches, torturers, judges, executioners, stagecoach guards, and witch-burners engage with the audience, sharing macabre and thrilling tales.

York Dungeon thus serves as a portal to the past, inviting visitors to explore the grim and eerie aspects of York’s history in a uniquely immersive environment.

Why You Should Visit:
Atmospheric and realistic. The actors are very good and the stories are entertaining. Some surprises and audience participation were used well.
At the very least, you get an insight into some of the poor living and health conditions that folks had to put up with along with the barbarity of those in power.

Tip:
Pre-book online so you can turn up at your time and just go straight in; otherwise, risk being turned away or waiting in a lengthy queue.