Clink Prison Museum
1 Clink St SE1 9DG
10am-6pm (last entry 5.30pm)
Nearest tube: London Bridge
30 - 45mins
7+
Not accessible
From £6.00
Based on 17 reviews
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About Clink Prison Museum
If your kids love all things creepy, gruesome, and historical, The Clink Prison Museum is a must-visit. Tucked away in Bankside near the Thames, it’s one of London’s oldest and most notorious prisons, and now a hands-on, spine-tingling museum that’s perfect for families with a dark sense of humour.
Inside, you’ll discover tales of torture, escape attempts, and real-life prisoners from over 900 years ago. Brave kids can try on medieval manacles, touch replica torture devices (yikes!), and even meet some ghostly characters along the way.
The museum is compact, affordable, and self-guided, which means you can go at your own pace (and dodge anything too scary for younger visitors). It’s best suited for children aged 8+ who can handle a bit of the gruesome stuff without needing to sleep with the light on.
Top tip from the KidRated team:
Pair it with a stroll along the South Bank and maybe some churros at Borough Market – history is way more fun when it ends with snacks.
Is The Clink scary?
Not in a haunted house way, but it is dark and full of grisly stories. There are torture devices, crime scenes and a few mannequins that might give you a start. Nothing jumps out though.
How long does it take to go around?
Most families spend about 30 to 45 minutes inside. It’s self-guided, so you can go at your own pace. That makes it a great add-on if you’re also visiting Borough Market or the South Bank.
Is it interactive for children?
Yes. Kids can try on shackles, touch replica torture devices, and read about real prisoners. There are also sound effects and gruesome facts to keep them engaged.
Do you need to book The Clink Museum in advance?
You don’t have to, but booking online is cheaper than paying on the door. It also guarantees entry during busy times like weekends and holidays.
Is The Clink wheelchair or buggy friendly?
Unfortunately not. The building is very old and has uneven floors, narrow doorways and stairs, which make it unsuitable for wheelchairs and prams. Baby carriers are a better option for little ones.
Are there toilets on site?
No, there are no toilets in the museum itself. The nearest public toilets are at Borough Market, a short walk away. Worth planning for if you’re visiting with children.
Is there a gift shop?
Yes. It’s small but full of suitably spooky souvenirs. Expect lots of skulls, handcuffs, keyrings and creepy mugs. Good for pocket-money spends or bribing them back into the daylight.
Is it educational?
Yes, in a Horrible Histories sort of way. It’s packed with real stories, facts and historical context, but delivered with enough drama and detail to keep kids entertained.
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Really brilliant spot for slightly older kids. They love a bit of spooky history, can also take a short walk over to Shakespears Globe to finish off the day.