London has a blood soaked and macabre past. Plague victims gasped their last torturous breath on many a street corner during the 1600s. Condemned criminals were led from the infamous Newgate Prison to be hung from the gallows, in front of a baying crowd, until they were dead. And let's not forget London's most famous serial killer, Jack the Ripper, whose unfortunate victims met a very gruesome end amongst the dark alleys of Whitechapel. So if you fancy a dose of horrible history instead of a relaxing riverboat cruise, where are the scariest attractions in London?
The Tower of London
Turn back the clock a couple of centuries and the Tower of London was not the best place to be. Most unfortunate souls who ended up behind its walls didn’t last long. Thankfully, visits to the Tower of London these days are a lot less hazardous to one's health, but there are still plenty of gruesome exhibits more than capable of turning the blood cold. And if the sight of all those medieval torture instruments makes you feel a bit sick, step outside into the sunlight and try to find the exact spot there they executed Ann Boleyn.
Jack the Ripper Tours
Everyone loves a good Ripper tour, which is why there are so many to choose from. The best time to explore the killing grounds of Jack the Ripper is in the evening, preferably when dusk is falling and the corners of Whitechapel are steeped in gloomy shadows. There are dozens of tour guides competing for attention in and around Spitalfields, so take your pick, but be careful to choose a tour appropriate for the age of the group (some are gorier than others).
The London Dungeons
A macabre trip to London would not be complete without an interactive tour around the London Dungeons. The entrance to the London Dungeons is located on London Bridge. You might have to wait in a queue during the busiest periods, but once inside you are in for a blood curdling tour that takes in Sweeny Todd's murderous barber shop, the Tooley Street operating room, and scenes of the Great Plague and the Fire of London. Adults and children alike will be entertained, if not always scared witless.
London Tombs
The London Tombs can be found at London Bridge, near the Dungeons. The tombs of today were originally 14th century plague pits, and thanks to a combination of evocative atmosphere and set scenes, you might soon be looking for the way out. There are regular special events held inside the tombs throughout the year, so check the schedule before booking tickets.
SCREAM at Madame Tussauds
Madam Tussauds waxworks is hardly scary (unless the sight of some freakishly lifelike celebrities is enough to give you goose bumps), but if you fancy being chased by insane lunatics in the serial killer live-action exhibit, make sure you check out the SCREAM exhibit. The setting is a maximum-security prison and actors play the part of the psychotic inmates. You have to find your way out of the maze before the crazies get you, so this attraction isn’t suitable for those of a nervous disposition or kids under the age of 12 years. Oh yes, and it will probably give you nightmares.
Charlotte Enderby is a renowned author of all things travel related. When travelling to London, Charlotte usually visits www.thamescruise.co.uk to get the latest information on cruises alonf the Thames.
