The Edinburgh Dungeon is an underground tourist attraction in Edinburgh's city centre, on East Market Street, which uses live actor shows and interactive rides to show various historical events from Scottish history in a scary fun style, with audience interaction and special effects, theatrical sets and performance. The shows are laced with tongue in cheek, gallows humour typical of the Dungeon brand.
The Edinburgh Dungeon was founded in 2000 by Vardon Attractions (now Merlin Entertainments) founder and later CEO, Nick Varney. Based on the same concept as the London Dungeon, early characters included Vikings, William Wallace, Burke and Hare, and scenes from Edinburgh's famously plague-ridden 'closes' (alleyways).
This was one of the highlights of our visit to Edinburgh. The performers were absolutely outstanding, hilarious, talented, and super interactive. It was really cool to get such an Edinburgh-themed horror experience; would pair very nicely with one of the many ghost tours in the city. I hadn't realized there were little ride-type portions of the Dungeon either, it was very cool and so much more involved than what I expected for our money. Cool gift shop too. I found an optional survey in the gift shop and actually stood there for awhile filling it out, I was so impressed by this place. Seriously, go check it out!
Emily HarrisFeb 9, 2018
Great fun. The staff / actors really get into the parts. They had us laughing through the whole tour. We were jumping at all the scary bits ! Our 12 year old son loved it. Don't take little girls or boys that scare easily...2 families had to leave half way through due to this. It goes dark a lot during the tour and there is great lifting and special effects. Really enjoyed this. Thankyou
Marie LeeDec 29, 2017
Had a great time in the Edinburgh dungeons. The staff make your visit fun as well as scary for you. This is a must place to visit if you come to Edinburgh. Good value for money and the whole experience lasted a lot longer then I expected. Not advisable to bring young children here as it dark and at times very scary and will make you jump. From start to finish be on your guard as you don't know if you will be the next person to be picked on and have to play a role in the tour. And be warned if you use the toilets here you could be in for some surprises too.
Alex GreenDec 27, 2017
Totally enjoyable hour and a half. Booking tickets on line is cheaper and saves waiting in a queue. The staff do a great job setting the atmosphere and using the public as victims bringing some humour to proceedings. You also learn a little bit of history. Scared the kids a little and gave us a laugh. Money well spent.
Stuart McFadzeanJan 16, 2018
A must go when visiting Edinburgh. An immersive experience with talented and engaging actors. Two rides and so many different “scenes” for us to participate in. My girlfriend and I had a great time, the scares were very well choreographed, the whole experience was one I’d never forget. Hilarious, morbid and MURDEROUS. Wish I could take photos and upload them but we weren’t allowed to do so. Do take note that there are strobe lights in use, so people who are sensitive might want to consider sitting this one out.
JoshuaJan 22, 2018
Really enjoyed my time in the dungeon. Went with my wife who had never been even though she's from the area. She liked it but it wasn't her thing. Be prepared to be picked on as they randomly pick on people. The staff there really get into character for the role required, this made the experience even more enjoyable.
Thomas EasterMar 20, 2018
Good fun out with the family. Staff who work there are brilliant and really get you into the swing of things! Funny, spooky and historically interesting. Can easily spend a good couple of hours here.
Nikki ReidMar 22, 2018
Went here on a day out with our kids. Fantastic time the kids got spooked at bits but by the end they were buzzing about it. We all had such a great time. I would recommend a visit here if your ever in Edinburgh.
Iain BryceApr 2, 2018
We had a fantastic experience from star to finish with the staff and service at the dungeons. I wanted to propose to my girlfriend as part of a big surprise and it turned out perfectly. Management was very helpful from my initial email down to the tiniest detail on the day. The actors were extremely good and professional. We had a terrifyingly brilliant time and memories to cherish forever. Thank you to all the staff at the dungeons and hope to see you again 👍
Vijay RajuApr 26, 2018
This a really fun little experience for those who are coming to Edinburgh for a trip! It’s a nice way to learn about the history of Edinburgh and all the scary things that went on! The tour itself is really great and all the actors are amazing! Really into their parts and made the experience worth it! I do love the fact they’ve got a mini ride within the tour as well! (Optional) that was an exciting part! The only reason I’m not giving 5 stars is because ticket prices are rather expensive and I was refused my student discount.
Claire ThackrayMay 1, 2018
A fun place to go for most ages. Some scary parts, some jumpy parts. Taken through a acted scenario of old Edinburgh depicting witches, the law and hangings. Overall well acted by the people that were doing it. Set designs were good. Worth a visit with a easy to find location. Worth booking in advance and finding some deals to make it a bit cheaper. Put by a couple of hours for it as well and make sure you've been to the loo before hand.
Brian MembryApr 9, 2018
Great day out. Staff had a real sense of fun and seemed to enjoy their jobs. Bit gory so don't go if you don't don't like that sort of thing. It is trying to scare you after all!
Robert RobinsonApr 30, 2018
I was on my own as partner ran the marathon. So made welcome as soon as I arrived. The acting in this place deserved an Oscar. They make you feel part of the show. Picking audience members. Making you jump. Very theatrical. Great effects and rides. I love it. A* DEFO value for money
Maggie SJun 4, 2018
Great fun for the whole family! Much more like horrible histories than a horror show! It's very funny and the actors are all believable and enthusiastic. The special effects are much better than I had expected and it really is a good time
ChunkJun 5, 2018
This was one of the highlights of our visit to Edinburgh. The performers were absolutely outstanding, hilarious, talented, and super interactive. It was really cool to get such an Edinburgh-themed horror experience; would pair very nicely with one of the many ghost tours in the city. I hadn't realized there were little ride-type portions of the Dungeon either, it was very cool and so much more involved than what I expected for our money. Cool gift shop too. I found an optional survey in the gift shop and actually stood there for awhile filling it out, I was so impressed by this place. Seriously, go check it out!
Emily HarrisFeb 9, 2018
Great fun. The staff / actors really get into the parts. They had us laughing through the whole tour. We were jumping at all the scary bits ! Our 12 year old son loved it. Don't take little girls or boys that scare easily...2 families had to leave half way through due to this. It goes dark a lot during the tour and there is great lifting and special effects. Really enjoyed this. Thankyou
Marie LeeDec 29, 2017
Had a great time in the Edinburgh dungeons. The staff make your visit fun as well as scary for you. This is a must place to visit if you come to Edinburgh. Good value for money and the whole experience lasted a lot longer then I expected. Not advisable to bring young children here as it dark and at times very scary and will make you jump. From start to finish be on your guard as you don't know if you will be the next person to be picked on and have to play a role in the tour. And be warned if you use the toilets here you could be in for some surprises too.
Alex GreenDec 27, 2017
Totally enjoyable hour and a half. Booking tickets on line is cheaper and saves waiting in a queue. The staff do a great job setting the atmosphere and using the public as victims bringing some humour to proceedings. You also learn a little bit of history. Scared the kids a little and gave us a laugh. Money well spent.
Stuart McFadzeanJan 16, 2018
A must go when visiting Edinburgh. An immersive experience with talented and engaging actors. Two rides and so many different “scenes” for us to participate in. My girlfriend and I had a great time, the scares were very well choreographed, the whole experience was one I’d never forget. Hilarious, morbid and MURDEROUS. Wish I could take photos and upload them but we weren’t allowed to do so. Do take note that there are strobe lights in use, so people who are sensitive might want to consider sitting this one out.
JoshuaJan 22, 2018
Really enjoyed my time in the dungeon. Went with my wife who had never been even though she's from the area. She liked it but it wasn't her thing. Be prepared to be picked on as they randomly pick on people. The staff there really get into character for the role required, this made the experience even more enjoyable.
Thomas EasterMar 20, 2018
Good fun out with the family. Staff who work there are brilliant and really get you into the swing of things! Funny, spooky and historically interesting. Can easily spend a good couple of hours here.
Nikki ReidMar 22, 2018
Went here on a day out with our kids. Fantastic time the kids got spooked at bits but by the end they were buzzing about it. We all had such a great time. I would recommend a visit here if your ever in Edinburgh.
Iain BryceApr 2, 2018
We had a fantastic experience from star to finish with the staff and service at the dungeons. I wanted to propose to my girlfriend as part of a big surprise and it turned out perfectly. Management was very helpful from my initial email down to the tiniest detail on the day. The actors were extremely good and professional. We had a terrifyingly brilliant time and memories to cherish forever. Thank you to all the staff at the dungeons and hope to see you again 👍
Vijay RajuApr 26, 2018
This a really fun little experience for those who are coming to Edinburgh for a trip! It’s a nice way to learn about the history of Edinburgh and all the scary things that went on! The tour itself is really great and all the actors are amazing! Really into their parts and made the experience worth it! I do love the fact they’ve got a mini ride within the tour as well! (Optional) that was an exciting part! The only reason I’m not giving 5 stars is because ticket prices are rather expensive and I was refused my student discount.
Claire ThackrayMay 1, 2018
A fun place to go for most ages. Some scary parts, some jumpy parts. Taken through a acted scenario of old Edinburgh depicting witches, the law and hangings. Overall well acted by the people that were doing it. Set designs were good. Worth a visit with a easy to find location. Worth booking in advance and finding some deals to make it a bit cheaper. Put by a couple of hours for it as well and make sure you've been to the loo before hand.
Brian MembryApr 9, 2018
Great day out. Staff had a real sense of fun and seemed to enjoy their jobs. Bit gory so don't go if you don't don't like that sort of thing. It is trying to scare you after all!
Robert RobinsonApr 30, 2018
I was on my own as partner ran the marathon. So made welcome as soon as I arrived. The acting in this place deserved an Oscar. They make you feel part of the show. Picking audience members. Making you jump. Very theatrical. Great effects and rides. I love it. A* DEFO value for money
Maggie SJun 4, 2018
Great fun for the whole family! Much more like horrible histories than a horror show! It's very funny and the actors are all believable and enthusiastic. The special effects are much better than I had expected and it really is a good time
ChunkJun 5, 2018
This was one of the highlights of our visit to Edinburgh. The performers were absolutely outstanding, hilarious, talented, and super interactive. It was really cool to get such an Edinburgh-themed horror experience; would pair very nicely with one of the many ghost tours in the city. I hadn't realized there were little ride-type portions of the Dungeon either, it was very cool and so much more involved than what I expected for our money. Cool gift shop too. I found an optional survey in the gift shop and actually stood there for awhile filling it out, I was so impressed by this place. Seriously, go check it out!
Emily HarrisFeb 9, 2018
Great fun. The staff / actors really get into the parts. They had us laughing through the whole tour. We were jumping at all the scary bits ! Our 12 year old son loved it. Don't take little girls or boys that scare easily...2 families had to leave half way through due to this. It goes dark a lot during the tour and there is great lifting and special effects. Really enjoyed this. Thankyou
Marie LeeDec 29, 2017
Had a great time in the Edinburgh dungeons. The staff make your visit fun as well as scary for you. This is a must place to visit if you come to Edinburgh. Good value for money and the whole experience lasted a lot longer then I expected. Not advisable to bring young children here as it dark and at times very scary and will make you jump. From start to finish be on your guard as you don't know if you will be the next person to be picked on and have to play a role in the tour. And be warned if you use the toilets here you could be in for some surprises too.
Alex GreenDec 27, 2017
Totally enjoyable hour and a half. Booking tickets on line is cheaper and saves waiting in a queue. The staff do a great job setting the atmosphere and using the public as victims bringing some humour to proceedings. You also learn a little bit of history. Scared the kids a little and gave us a laugh. Money well spent.
Stuart McFadzeanJan 16, 2018
A must go when visiting Edinburgh. An immersive experience with talented and engaging actors. Two rides and so many different “scenes” for us to participate in. My girlfriend and I had a great time, the scares were very well choreographed, the whole experience was one I’d never forget. Hilarious, morbid and MURDEROUS. Wish I could take photos and upload them but we weren’t allowed to do so. Do take note that there are strobe lights in use, so people who are sensitive might want to consider sitting this one out.
JoshuaJan 22, 2018
Really enjoyed my time in the dungeon. Went with my wife who had never been even though she's from the area. She liked it but it wasn't her thing. Be prepared to be picked on as they randomly pick on people. The staff there really get into character for the role required, this made the experience even more enjoyable.
Thomas EasterMar 20, 2018
Good fun out with the family. Staff who work there are brilliant and really get you into the swing of things! Funny, spooky and historically interesting. Can easily spend a good couple of hours here.
Nikki ReidMar 22, 2018
Went here on a day out with our kids. Fantastic time the kids got spooked at bits but by the end they were buzzing about it. We all had such a great time. I would recommend a visit here if your ever in Edinburgh.
Iain BryceApr 2, 2018
We had a fantastic experience from star to finish with the staff and service at the dungeons. I wanted to propose to my girlfriend as part of a big surprise and it turned out perfectly. Management was very helpful from my initial email down to the tiniest detail on the day. The actors were extremely good and professional. We had a terrifyingly brilliant time and memories to cherish forever. Thank you to all the staff at the dungeons and hope to see you again 👍
Vijay RajuApr 26, 2018
This a really fun little experience for those who are coming to Edinburgh for a trip! It’s a nice way to learn about the history of Edinburgh and all the scary things that went on! The tour itself is really great and all the actors are amazing! Really into their parts and made the experience worth it! I do love the fact they’ve got a mini ride within the tour as well! (Optional) that was an exciting part! The only reason I’m not giving 5 stars is because ticket prices are rather expensive and I was refused my student discount.
Claire ThackrayMay 1, 2018
A fun place to go for most ages. Some scary parts, some jumpy parts. Taken through a acted scenario of old Edinburgh depicting witches, the law and hangings. Overall well acted by the people that were doing it. Set designs were good. Worth a visit with a easy to find location. Worth booking in advance and finding some deals to make it a bit cheaper. Put by a couple of hours for it as well and make sure you've been to the loo before hand.
Brian MembryApr 9, 2018
Great day out. Staff had a real sense of fun and seemed to enjoy their jobs. Bit gory so don't go if you don't don't like that sort of thing. It is trying to scare you after all!
Robert RobinsonApr 30, 2018
I was on my own as partner ran the marathon. So made welcome as soon as I arrived. The acting in this place deserved an Oscar. They make you feel part of the show. Picking audience members. Making you jump. Very theatrical. Great effects and rides. I love it. A* DEFO value for money
Maggie SJun 4, 2018
Great fun for the whole family! Much more like horrible histories than a horror show! It's very funny and the actors are all believable and enthusiastic. The special effects are much better than I had expected and it really is a good time
ChunkJun 5, 2018
Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
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