London Dungeon visitors can't stop talking about the smells

A few years ago it was a popular trend to look up ‘hilarious reviews’ of well-known landmarks and attractions.

All the big news outlets did it, and people enjoyed the read, so I decided to take a look back at a few.

While reading the reviews for the London Dungeon - one of the city’s best-loved and most famous attractions - I discovered one thing people can’t stop talking about. The smells.

Of course, a huge part of an immersive experience like the dungeons is playing to all senses, sight, touch, sound, and smell. (I don’t think taste is an option here...)

And apparently, the LD does it very well. So well in fact, one person claimed: “the stench clung to them all day”.

That’s not to say it’s a bad thing - although the smells are for effect, pretty putrid.

They use smells including dampness, to transport visitors to bygone eras, and from the reviews it appears to be pretty effective. Have a read for yourself below.

Matt Hills, who visited this month said: “Experience is informative and fun travelling through some of London’s history. The smells and feel about certain sets felt like you were there in that era.”

William V, who visited the Dungeons in August 2024 wrote on TripAdvisor: “This was my second time going through the dungeon and it was better than the first time I went around! There are always new things there, the actors are always amazing and you get really immersed by the use of smells, sounds, and scenery.”

Danielle R wrote: “It was scary from start to finish. The actors were amazing. I loved every second of it! They really made you feel as if you were involved in everything. The smells, darkness! I wouldn’t say it’s good for children but so much fun for adults!”

Honest Punter 98 said: “The set up is excellent, and you genuinely feel like you are transported back in time with the atmosphere they have created- with little touches like musty smells just to complete the experience.”