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The Clink Prison Museum

London, United Kingdom•4.1(2.4k)•Heritage Site, Museum

Explore one of England's oldest and most notorious prisons with hands-on exhibits, archaeological artifacts, and immersive experiences that bring 600 years of history to life.

The Clink Prison Museum occupies the original site of a prison dating back to 1144, one of England's most infamous and historically significant correctional institutions. Positioned in the heart of Southwark, the museum presents the scandalous history of Old Bankside through engaging, hands-on educational experiences. Visitors can view archaeological artifacts, experience the authentic sights, sounds, and smells of the prison, handle replica torture devices, and discover the dramatic tales of inmates including debtors, heretics, drunkards, and religious adversaries. Spanning over 600 years of history, The Clink witnessed remarkable social and political change in England and was situated in an area known for raucous entertainment and unruly behavior. The museum is specifically designed to be family-friendly and engaging for children ages 8 and up, with interactive elements that make history accessible and memorable. The venue has received recognition from Kidrated.com, TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice 2021, and features in both Day Out with the Kids and Kids in Museums directories. Open year-round, seven days a week (except Christmas Day), the museum offers affordable admission with family packages available. The location is easily accessible via London Bridge tube and train stations, as well as by river transport via MBNA Thames Clippers.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 – 18:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 18:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 18:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 18:00
Friday: 10:00 – 18:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor

Typical visit duration

1-3 hours

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

8 years+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly
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Google Reviews

4.1(2.4k reviews)
S
Scott McCall

Scott McCall

2 months ago

Great little interactive museum to visit. More aimed at kids but well worth a visit for all ages. Really friendly staff member and not busy so plenty of time to explore and walk around.

B
Bert74

Bert74

2 months ago

Dark and eerie music, lots to read, informative and interesting. A few items to hold and try. Worth the money and lasted 30 minutes depending on how quick you read. Can imagine it's longer with more people there, we visited on a Sunday, was quiet. Nice woman at the desk, and a photo opportunity at the end. Recommended.

M
Melissa Hughes

Melissa Hughes

3 months ago

A friend surprised us with this fantastic place! Not only is ut steeped in history, but the torture equipment is hands-on! (Though set up in a way that noone will actualky get hurt.) We studied the history, experienced a taste of a time gone by, played, and laughed! Definitely an awesome place a bit off the beaten path! Would absolutely recommend!

I
irene Sheridan

irene Sheridan

3 months ago

Absolutely fantastic experience! I would highly recommend this museum it's very informative and lots of displays. They offer a kind of scavenger hunt for kids and lots of facts signs and activities for children. It was great to see the impressive contributions from the mudlarkers. The man at the front desk is even dressed the part and the gift shop is very reasonable for London. The stories of prisoners were well researched and respectful of their memory. I thoroughly enjoyed the section on the reformation and separatists. Great displays with some you could touch and lift like the shackles and sword and ball and chain. Total immersive experience for the senses At the end we could take a photo in a cell and download it online as a souvenir.

M
Mark Loughnane

Mark Loughnane

9 months ago

We had a great little experience here, although I will say it's a little short, and there's an awful lot of reading to get through. The Museum does a fantastic job of going in to the nitty-gritty detail of how disgusting life at the clink was, especially the section that goes into the torture devices. Might be nice to design an app based Audio Tour you can get on your phone, I know many museums offer this and it saves faffing about with audio devices.

Reviews last updated: 6 October 2026

Events at The Clink Prison Museum

No upcoming events scheduled

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This venue was last updated on 6 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about The Clink Prison Museum

Is The Clink Prison Museum free to visit?

The Clink Prison Museum is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

What ages is The Clink Prison Museum suitable for?

The Clink Prison Museum is best for children aged 8 and up.

Is The Clink Prison Museum dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at The Clink Prison Museum.

Is there parking at The Clink Prison Museum?

The Clink Prison Museum doesn't have on-site parking, but parking is available nearby.

Is there food at The Clink Prison Museum?

The Clink Prison Museum doesn't have food on site — bring snacks or grab something nearby.

Is The Clink Prison Museum pushchair-friendly?

The Clink Prison Museum isn't the easiest for pushchairs, prams or buggies — stairs or uneven terrain may make a baby carrier a better option.

How long should we plan to spend at The Clink Prison Museum?

Plan 1–3 hours for a visit to The Clink Prison Museum.

How do I get to The Clink Prison Museum by public transport?

The Clink Prison Museum is well-served by public transport.
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