The Clink Prison Museum
BEST FOR
Ages 0-16
ENTRY
from £8
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
London
What it’s like
A small, dimly lit prison museum where kids can handle real torture devices and hear grim tales of former inmates.
This one's about atmosphere more than interactive buttons. You walk through a recreated medieval prison, dark and a bit smelly by design, past archaeological artefacts and displays that don't shy away from the grim details. Kids get to handle actual torture devices, which is the bit that'll get repeated at school on Monday, and there are stories of real inmates who ended up in the Clink to bring it all to life.
It suits kids who like things a bit spooky rather than toddlers who'll just find it dark and confusing. Ages are listed from 0 to 16, but the smells and the subject matter mean this leans towards children who can handle a proper scare story, not a babe in arms. There's no mention of hands-on activities beyond the artefacts and the devices, so don't expect a soft play run-around.
Money-wise it's £10 for an adult and £8 for a child, or £29 for a family of four, which isn't pocket change for what's a fairly compact museum, but you're paying for the storytelling rather than square footage. It's open every day from 10 to 6, last entry half an hour before closing, and shut on Christmas Day. Booking's available if you'd rather sort tickets ahead of a weekend trip into London Bridge.
One thing to flag before you go: it's not wheelchair accessible, so if anyone in your group uses one, this isn't the day out for them. Parking's tight round here too, with the nearest option being the NCP on Kipling Street and charges apply, so most people will find it easier to come in on the Tube to London Bridge or hop off the Thames Clipper at Bankside Pier, a short walk away.
Need to know
- Best for
- Kids old enough for a proper scare, not toddlers or babies
- Last entry
- 30 minutes before closing (30 minutes before 18.00)
- Parking
- NCP Car Park, Kipling St, London SE1 3RU (closest option, charges apply)
- Wheelchairs
- NOT wheelchair accessible
- Getting there by bus or train
- London Bridge Tube and Train Station
- Last entry is 30 minutes before the 6pm close, so don't leave it too late in the day
- The Thames Clipper from Bankside Pier runs every 20 minutes and drops you under a 10 minute walk away
- Closed on Christmas Day, open every other day of the year
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
£10 for an adult, £8 for a child or concession, and £29 for a family of two adults and two children.
Do we need to book ahead?
There's a booking option online if you want to sort it before you arrive, handy for a weekend visit.
What time does it open and close?
10am to 6pm every day, with last entry half an hour before closing. It's shut on Christmas Day.
Is it suitable for a toddler?
It's listed for ages 0 to 16, but the dark, smelly setting and torture device handling suit older kids who won't be spooked, more than babies or very young toddlers.
Is there parking nearby?
The closest option is the NCP car park on Kipling Street, and you'll pay for it. Coming by Tube to London Bridge is probably simpler.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
No, the museum isn't wheelchair accessible.
Featured in 2 Huddlepin lists
See all Museums in London · Things to do in London
MAKE A DAY OF IT
