The Edinburgh Dungeon
BEST FOR
Ages 8-15
ENTRY
from £7.50
WHERE
Edinburgh
What it’s like
Live actors march you through 75 minutes of Edinburgh's grislier history, from courtroom trials to Burke and Hare.
This is a walk-through show, not a museum. Actors run each scene as you move between sets, with The Courtroom, The Torture Chamber, Cannibal's Cave and a Burke and Hare tale all part of the 75 minutes. There's a Frankenstein special that turns up in October if you're timing a half-term visit around it. The Drop Ride is out of action for now, so don't build the visit around it, but the rest of the shows carry on as normal.
It's billed for 8 and up, and that feels about right. Under-5s aren't allowed in at all, and even a confident 6 or 7 year old might find the low lighting and jump scares a lot for 75 minutes of mostly standing. There's no sitting down through most of it, so it's not the one for a toddler in a buggy or a kid who tires easily.
Book online and you're looking at £19 for an adult standard ticket, jumping to £25 if you turn up and pay on the day. There's a child discount running for September and October 2026 that brings a child ticket down to £7.50. A group of up to four can go in on the Friends and Enemies ticket for £54, which works out sensibly if it's two adults and two kids. Everything's card only, so leave the cash at home.
Slots are timed to 15 minutes and last entry is 3:45pm, with the whole thing over in about 75 minutes regardless of when you go in. Turn up more than 15 minutes early and you'll just be standing about, so time it properly. Wheelchair access runs via slopes and lifts, but only one wheelchair user is taken per tour for safety reasons, and mobility scooters can't get round at all.
What’s on here
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 8 to 15; under-5s aren't admitted at all
- Last entry
- Last tour 15:45 (approximately 3:45pm)
- Booking
- Pre-booked 15-minute time slots
- How long to allow
- Approximately 75 minutes
- Wheelchairs
- Wheelchair access via low gradient slopes and lifts (max 1 wheelchair per tour for safety/evacuation)
- Dogs
- Assistance dogs welcome. Note there are loud noises, mist effects and smells that may confuse assistance animals
- The Drop Ride is currently closed, so don't count on it being part of the show.
- Book online rather than on the day, it's £6 cheaper per adult ticket.
- You're mostly on your feet for the full 75 minutes, no seating through most of the tour.
- Only one wheelchair user can be taken per tour, so it's worth booking that slot ahead of time.
- Bring a card, nowhere on site takes cash.
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
£19 for an adult if you book online, rising to £25 on the day. A child ticket is £7.50 under the September to October 2026 promotion, and a group of four can go on the Friends and Enemies ticket for £54.
How long does it take?
About 75 minutes once you're inside, and that's fixed whatever time slot you get. Queuing time is on top of that.
Do we need to book in advance?
Yes, tickets are sold as 15-minute time slots and it's a popular attraction, so booking ahead avoids a long wait. You can reschedule for free up to 24 hours before arrival if plans change.
Is it suitable for young children?
The recommended age is 8 and up, and under-5s aren't allowed in at all. It's dark, loud and involves jump scares, so younger kids who spook easily might find it a lot.
Can we pay by cash?
Card only, no cash accepted anywhere on site.
What time should we arrive?
Earlier than 15 minutes before your ticketed time slot. Last tour goes in at 3:45pm.
Is there wheelchair access?
Wheelchair users can get round via low gradient slopes and lifts, though only one wheelchair user is accommodated per tour for safety reasons. Mobility scooters can't be used inside, and anyone using a wheelchair needs to transfer unaided into ride seats.
Can we bring an assistance dog?
Assistance dogs are welcome, though the loud noises, mist and smells throughout might confuse them.
Is there a carer ticket for a disabled visitor?
One support assistant gets in free per disabled guest, but it needs booking in advance along with proof of disability such as a blue badge or Access Card.
What's on for Halloween?
There's a Frankenstein special event running in October alongside the usual shows.
Featured in 2 Huddlepin lists
See all Caves, Mines & Underground in Edinburgh · Things to do in Edinburgh
MAKE A DAY OF IT
