Clink Prison Museum is situated on Clink Street in London and offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of one of England's oldest prisons. The museum features interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and detailed displays that narrate the life and times of the prison during its operational years. Visitors can explore the dark past of the prison system and learn about notable prisoners who once inhabited these walls. The museum is not only an educational experience but also a way to engage with London's rich history, making it a popular destination for tourists.
What each source says
- Viator 4.9 7,403
- Google Places 4.1 2,270
- Tripadvisor 4.0 1,837
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Affordable Price Compared to many London attractions, the Clink Prison Museum is reasonably priced, offering good value for the experience, especially for families or budget-conscious travelers.
- Convenient Location Situated near London Bridge and Borough Market, the museum is easily accessible and can be combined with other popular attractions in the area for a full day of exploring.
- Informative and Educational The museum provides a wealth of information about the history of the Clink Prison, prison life, and London's darker past, suitable for history enthusiasts and those interested in medieval times.
- Interactive Exhibits The Clink Prison Museum offers a hands-on experience, allowing visitors to handle replica torture devices and interact with exhibits, making the history more engaging and memorable.
- Unique Photo Opportunity Visitors can take a free downloadable photo behind bars at the end of the tour, providing a memorable and unique souvenir of their visit.
Criticised
- Not Suitable for Young Children The gruesome nature of the exhibits and the subject matter may be too intense or scary for young children, making it less suitable for families with very young kids.
- Over-emphasis on Religious Aspects Some visitors felt the museum focused too heavily on the religious turbulence of the time, potentially overshadowing other aspects of the prison's history and operations.
- Reading Intensive There is a lot of reading involved, which may not appeal to all visitors, especially those who prefer more visual or interactive experiences over extensive text.
- Repetitive Elements Some reviewers found the exhibits to be somewhat repetitive, with similar information presented in different formats, which can detract from the overall experience.
- Small Size The museum is relatively small, and some visitors may find the experience shorter than expected, potentially lasting only 30-45 minutes for a quick walkthrough.
The longer read
The Clink Prison Museum offers a glimpse into London's darker history, focusing on prison life, punishment, and torture. Many reviewers found it a fascinating and unique experience, with interesting artifacts, interactive displays, and detailed information. Several reviewers mention the museum isn't very big, with visits lasting from 20-45 minutes to an hour or more depending on how thoroughly one reads the exhibits. The low cost of entry is frequently highlighted as a great value, especially for London. Many appreciate that it is an affordable activity. Several reviewers recommend it for those interested in medieval history. The museum's atmosphere, with old stone walls and dim lighting, is often described as eerie, enhancing the sense of stepping back in time. A key highlight is the interactive exhibits. Many reviewers enjoyed being able to handle replica torture devices, making the experience more engaging, especially for older children. A few reviewers cautioned that some exhibits may be too intense for younger children. Numerous reviewers mention a free photo opportunity at the end of the tour, where visitors can take a picture of themselves in a jail cell. The staff are frequently described as friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, enhancing the overall experience. The museum is lauded as a hidden gem and a unique and chilling experience. While some found the amount of reading extensive, most appreciated the wealth of historical information provided. A few reviewers noted that the museum can get crowded, so visiting during off-peak times may be preferable. Several reviewers mentioned the museum's location near London Bridge and Borough Market as convenient for combining it with other activities. Many reviewers noted the experience is quite gruesome, graphic, and macabre. While some reviewers found the sound effects childish or repetitive, most found them adding to the immersive experience. Several reviewers compare The Clink favorably to the London Dungeon, citing it as more realistic and less scary. The availability of a children's activity, such as a rat hunt, is also highlighted as a positive aspect for families. Multiple reviewers appreciated the reasonable prices in the gift shop and encourage purchasing the guidebook for added insights.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 20 7403 0900
- Website
- clink.co.uk
| Mon | 10:00 - 18:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Wed | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Thu | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Fri | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Sat | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Sun | 10:00 - 18:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.5 across the 4 venues we hold for Cannon Street, and the most-reviewed of them.
Still deciding?
- What are the museum's opening hours and are there any seasonal variations?
- How much does admission cost for adults, children, and concessions at the Clink Prison Museum?
- Are there guided tours or audio guides offered to enhance the visitor experience at the Clink Prison Museum?
- Is the Clink Prison Museum suitable for families with children, and what age groups are recommended?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.