Laugh, squirm and recoil at the ghastly torture methods and grisly crimes recreated in this prison-like museum where you can immerse yourself in macabre practices and living conditions of the Middle Ages.
York Dungeon is a fun and frightening museum that brings to life the gory horrors of medieval punishments. With a touch of dark humor, the exhibits portray execution and torture techniques and shed light on an array of infamous moments in regional history.
Make your way through the dungeon’s circuit and encounter the Fear the Vikings exhibit. You play the role of the Saxons under attack from their Norse enemies. Take refuge with a monk in medieval York, or fall victim to the Viking warrior, Snore Short Sword Viking. Let him show you his viper pits and other torture contraptions.
Enter the Plague Doctor area to learn about the Black Plague in the most gruesome of fashions. The doctor’s assistant will pull out grim body parts affected by the plague. Next is the Golden Fleece, an inn where you’ll hear the tale of the two Williams, Curry and Brown.
Continue on the tour for the King’s Manor Labyrinth and then the Gunpowder Plot, which tells us what happened to conspirator Guy Fawkes when he was caught. Among the most charismatic characters on the circuit is the Highwayman Dick Turpin, who tortured his victims to get what he wanted.
Attend the interactive show of The Torturer and be shocked by the selection of pain-inflicting implements. The Execution area lets you swing the axe.
The site opens daily year round from morning until late in the afternoon. Tours last around 75 minutes and tickets are cheaper to buy online in advance.
York Dungeon lies beside the River Ouse in the center of York. Take a bus to a stop adjacent to the attraction or walk east from the city’s railway station for 10 minutes to get here. Visit some of the neighboring sights, including JORVIK Viking Centre, Fairfax House and York Castle Museum.
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