The Clink Prison Museum — Attraction in London

I finally visited after having it on my list for a while.

Entry is £8 for adults, you can pay at the door. All of it is in one floor in different rooms. The posts on the wall give you information about the prison through history and of reasons why people were imprisoned with a few cases of known persons' stories.

Alongside this, there are spooky and gruesome models of e.g. Heads hanging, people in torture devices and general scary things. In the background, you can hear 'prisoners' telling their stories, and also wailing soundtracks.

Like a normal museum, they do have artefacts in a glass box you can read about. You're even allowed to touch (at your own risk) some of the objects there, such as anvils and torture instruments (which are chained).

My favourite room was the one with the torture devices. It's actually terrifying to read up the details on how they were used in medieval times.

Photos are allowed in all parts; this means you can sit on the chair which was used as punishment and strap yourself on, and have a picture taken. A bonus is at the end, there is a room like a prison cell, in which you can take a photo of yourself screaming, and download it from a website with a ticket given (which is also free).

You can do the whole thing in about half an hour or less, but if you're likely me and want to read and immerse yourself in everything, you can stay for over an hour.

Although there was a lot of information, some of this is already on the website so it seems repeated (I read up on the Clink Prison site before visiting), I would have preferred seeing more unique information. However, if you do have time to read everything, there is quite some detail on both the prison and the area. Oliver Cromwell even has a mention and you can find a replica of his death mask as an exhibit.

Another thing is, it can get crowded so there might not be enough space for people to look around. I had to wait sometimes just so I could be closer to what I wanted to see. Maybe the place could have restricted entries until the rooms are less full? Just a suggestion.

Anyway, I did enjoy my visit and think it's a nice thing to do if you're along the...

We really enjoyed our visit today. We'd done London Dungeon in the morning and planned to visit in the afternoon, to complete our gruesome day out. This museum put a bit of meat on the bones of the LD experience which was great but definately goes in the entertainment bracket.

We used a 2 for 1 voucher with a train ticket. So with the kid quiz sheet it was £8 to enter which I feel was about right. As much as we enjoyed it, I'm not sure I'd have been happy paying more than about £10/£12 for us both (adult and 11 year old) and it would have been had we paid full price. That's the reason it's 4 stars from me.

The museum is small and informative, there is a lot of reading but the stories were well laid out and the right length (and gory and gross enough!) to hold our interest. My son enjoyed the quiz sheet and spotting the rats. The exhibits were interesting, lots of torture devices and historical artefacts. I particularly 'enjoyed' the dentists cap complete with real human teeth! There's a tablet giving information about different torture devices. There are maps showing where you are in relation to the original jail. Getting your picture done for free is a nice touch. The staff were really lovely and friendly.

In summary. Don't go expecting LD on the cheap. Do look for offers; from other reviews it sounds like Groupon also have 2 for 1 but it's on the National Rail 2 for 1 until early September 18. I'd probably suggest coupling it up with another...

5-Star Review for The Clink Prison Museum, London

The Clink Prison Museum is an absolute gem for history buffs and anyone looking for a unique and immersive experience in London! From the moment you step inside, you’re transported back in time to one of England’s oldest and most notorious prisons. The atmosphere is incredibly authentic, with eerie sound effects, dim lighting, and detailed exhibits that really bring the history to life.

The staff were fantastic—knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about the history of the prison. They added so much to the experience with their stories and insights. The interactive elements, like handling replica torture devices and reading about the lives of former prisoners, were both fascinating and chilling.

What really stood out was how well-preserved and informative the museum is. It’s not just a collection of artifacts; it’s a full sensory experience that gives you a real sense of what life (and death) was like for prisoners in The Clink. The gift shop also had some fun and quirky souvenirs to take home.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, The Clink Prison Museum is a must-visit. It’s educational, entertaining, and unlike anything else in London. Highly recommend for anyone who loves history or is looking for something a little different! Five stars...