York Dungeon — one of the UK's most terrifying immersive interactive experiences, terrifying countless visitors since opening in 1986. Based on 2000 years of York's dark history, professional actors deliver 10 live horror shows: from the bloody Viking invasion, Guy Fawkes' Gunpowder Plot, a medieval plague hospital, to the horrifying witch trial of Isabella Billington and outlaw Dick Turpin's death-defying carriage chase. A 75-minute underground journey of darkness, screams, smoke, splashes and sudden "surprises" will jangle every nerve. The faint-hearted should stay away — the brave must try!
From Viking war cries to witch curses, traverse York's darkest 2000 years through screams and laughter
In the morning, walk 10 minutes from York Railway Station to York Dungeon (12 Clifford Street), arrive 15 minutes early to exchange your timed ticket. Enter the dungeon and follow actor guides through 10 immersive scenes — starting with the bloody Viking sack of York in 866 AD, passing through the ghosts of The Golden Fleece pub, Guy Fawkes' secret Gunpowder Plot chamber, the spine-chilling medieval torture chamber and gallows, finally holding your breath on outlaw Dick Turpin's death-defying carriage ride. 75 minutes of darkness, screams, smoke and splashes, and you might be randomly "selected" by actors to become part of the story! In the afternoon, stroll to the adjacent Shambles for photos, climb Clifford's Tower for panoramic city views, and decompress with an evening walk along the River Ouse.
A 2-minute walk from the dungeon, this riverside English pub is the perfect "recovery" spot after the frights. Floor-to-ceiling windows face the River Ouse, signature dishes include Yorkshire roast platter with dark beer gravy, fish and chips, and Sunday Roast — all highly rated. Average cost £15-£25.
Just 93 metres from the dungeon, this riverside chain restaurant offers a varied menu at reasonable prices. From burgers and chips to salads and pasta, summer outdoor seating lets you sip cocktails while watching the river. Average cost £12-£20.
A 3-minute walk from the dungeon, TripAdvisor's #1 ranked pizzeria in York. Authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizza with thin crispy bases, San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella. Average cost £10-£18, the perfect family meal option.
A 5-minute walk from the dungeon, York's most popular Brazilian barbecue. Uniformed waiters circulate with skewers of grilled meats — beef flank, chicken hearts, garlic beef, grilled pineapple — all unlimited, with salad bar and caipirinha cocktails. Average cost £25-£40.