Plan your visit to Madame Tussauds London
Madame Tussauds London is a wax attraction featuring more than 150 lifelike figures across themed zones, interactive sets and rides. The attraction is spread across six floors, with plenty of photo opportunities and several immersive sections along the way. Most visitors need around 1.5 to 2 hours, although taking photos, waiting for popular attractions or moving at a relaxed pace can stretch your visit closer to three hours.
This guide covers everything you need to visit Madame Tussauds London comfortably, from choosing your ticket and timing your arrival to getting around, knowing what to prioritise and planning what to do nearby.
Quick overview: Madame Tussauds London at a glance
For a straightforward visit, book a timed entry slot in advance, arrive around 10–15 minutes before your slot and allow at least two hours inside. Opening times vary by date, so check the schedule for your chosen day rather than relying on a standard daily timetable.
- When to visit: Opening hours vary by date. Early morning or later afternoon generally offers lighter crowds than the middle of the day.
- Getting in: Standard admission is available online from around £23.63 for adults, depending on date and availability. Fast Track starts from around £37. Prices fluctuate with demand.
- How long to allow: Allow 1.5–2 hours for the main route. Give yourself closer to 3 hours if you want plenty of photos, slower browsing and time for the rides and interactive sections.
- When to go: Tuesday to Thursday mornings are generally a sensible choice for lighter crowds; early morning and late afternoon are also recommended by the attraction for avoiding busier periods.
- What most people miss: The quieter details in themed sets, newer figures and the less obvious photo angles are often more rewarding than rushing from one headline figure to another.
🎟️ Timed entry tickets are the easiest way to secure your preferred slot. Fast Track is worth considering on weekends, school holidays or when your London itinerary leaves little room for queues.
Jump to what you need
Where and when to go
How much time do you need?
| Visit type | Route | Duration | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
Quick visit | Entrance → key zones → Spirit of London → exit | 1.5–2 hours | Covers the major zones and headline figures without spending long at individual photo spots. |
Balanced visit | Entrance → main zones → interactive sections → rides → exit | 2–3 hours | Enough time for photographs, popular figures, interactive sets and the main rides without excessive rushing. |
Full visit | Main route → figures → interactive sets → rides → slower photo stops | 3+ hours | Best if photography is a priority or you are visiting with children who want time in each section. |
Which ticket is right for you?
| Ticket type | What's included | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Entry | Timed admission and access to the main attraction, including its zones and included rides | A weekday or off-peak visit when you have some flexibility | From £27 |
| Flexi-Fast Track | Attraction entry with priority access | Busy weekends, holidays or a tight London itinerary | From £37 |
| Multi-attraction tickets | Madame Tussauds combined with selected London attractions | Visitors planning several attractions over the same trip | Varies |
How do you get around Madame Tussauds London?
Madame Tussauds is a six-floor attraction in a historic building, with lifts available for visitors who need them. The standard visit follows a managed route through themed areas rather than allowing completely free movement between floors. There are also 324 steps throughout the building, making the lift particularly useful for visitors with reduced mobility.
What should you prioritise at Madame Tussauds London?
The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace recreates a formal royal setting where you can see figures including King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The setting is worth slowing down for because the surroundings add more to the photographs than simply standing beside a figure. Look beyond the central figures for the palace-style details and wider composition.
Where to find it: Royal Palace zone.
Impossible Festival
Impossible Festival turns the music section into a concert-style setting featuring major performers such as Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Bob Marley. It is particularly good for group photographs because the stage-inspired surroundings make the figures feel less static.
Where to find it: Impossible Festival zone.
Marvel Hall of Heroes
Marvel Hall of Heroes brings superheroes into a more action-focused setting, including Spider-Man, Hulk and Captain Marvel. The scale of some figures makes this one of the easier sections to spot even when you're moving quickly through the attraction. Allow extra time if Marvel is one of your main reasons for visiting.
Where to find it: Marvel Hall of Heroes.
Star Wars
The Star Wars section places figures including Anakin, Chewbacca and Yoda into recognisable cinematic settings. Rather than photographing each figure in isolation, use the surrounding set to create wider shots.
Where to find it: Star Wars zone.
Spirit of London Ride
The Spirit of London is a seated black-cab ride through different periods of the capital's history. It provides a change of pace from the figure-filled galleries and includes scenes inspired by different eras of London.
Where to find it: Along the main visitor route.
Chamber of Horrors
The Chamber of Horrors focuses on notorious London crimes and includes darker theatrical scenes. It is recommended for visitors aged 16 and over and is not recommended for people affected by flashing lights, loud noises, sensory sensitivities, pregnancy, high blood pressure or heart conditions.
Where to find it: Along the main attraction route; it can be bypassed.
Facilities and accessibility
- 🎒 Cloakroom: Bags can be stored for a fee; bags cost £5, coats £2 and umbrellas £1. Pushchairs and buggies can be stored free of charge. Suitcases, folding bicycles, large hand luggage and adult scooters are not accepted.
- 🚻 Restrooms: Toilets are available inside the attraction, with accessible facilities provided.
- 🍫 Food and drinks: Grab-and-go kiosks and a Chocolate Fondue station are available inside. Food and beverage outlets are cashless.
- 🛍️ Gift shop: The shop is located near the exit and sells Madame Tussauds, celebrity, Marvel, Royal and London-themed merchandise.
- 🪑 Seating: Seating is available throughout the attraction for visitors who need regular breaks.
- 📶 Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available inside.
- 👶 Baby changing: Baby-changing facilities are available for families with infants.
Madame Tussauds is designed to be accessible to wheelchair users, although the historic building means some parts of the visit require specific arrangements. Up to three wheelchair users can be inside at one time, and wheelchair users should book an accessibility timeslot at least 24 hours ahead.
- Mobility: Lifts connect the attraction's floors. The Spirit of London ride is not accessible to guests who cannot walk unaided, although a virtual-reality alternative is available.
- Wheelchairs: Three wheelchairs are available to hire, subject to availability.
- Carers: One carer can receive a free ticket when accompanying a guest who requires assistance.
- Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs are permitted, although they cannot take part in the Spirit of London ride.
- Hearing assistance: Hearing assistance and BSL interpreting support are available.
- Sensory needs: Flashing lights, loud sounds and other effects are present in several areas. Ear defenders are available, and staff can help visitors find a quieter area.
- Families and strollers: Pushchairs cannot be taken through the attraction but can be stored free of charge in the cloakroom.
Madame Tussauds works well for families because the visit mixes recognisable figures with interactive sets, rides and film-inspired areas. Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
- Allow 2–3 hours: Younger children may need more breaks, especially because the attraction spans several floors.
- Prioritise interactive zones: Marvel, Star Wars, music and sports-focused areas tend to give children more to do than traditional figure displays.
- Leave the buggy behind: Pushchairs must be stored in the cloakroom; a baby carrier can be useful for very young children.
- Skip the Chamber of Horrors: The section is recommended for visitors aged 16+ and can be bypassed.
- Eat nearby afterwards: Marylebone Road and Baker Street have plenty of casual family-friendly dining options.
Rules and restrictions
Practical tips
- Book your slot online: Online tickets are generally cheaper than walk-up admission, and prices can rise with demand. Booking ahead also removes the uncertainty of arriving without a suitable slot.
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early: This gives you time for security and finding the correct entrance without arriving so early that you are simply waiting outside.
- Choose your priorities: If Royal Palace, Marvel or Star Wars are your main reasons for visiting, decide this before you arrive rather than trying to photograph every figure equally.
- Keep your bag small: Large items slow you down and may need to be stored. The cloakroom charges £5 per bag, so travelling light is both easier and cheaper.
- Save time for photographs: The attraction is much more photo-heavy than a conventional museum. If you want good shots, don't underestimate how quickly 20–30 minutes can disappear in one popular zone.
- Don't plan another timed attraction immediately afterwards: Your visit may take longer than expected if queues build up inside, particularly when you're travelling with children.
- Use the quieter periods: Early morning or later afternoon is generally better for photographs and easier movement through popular areas.
- Bring water: Bottled water is permitted, and food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed subject to the attraction's restrictions.
What else is worth visiting nearby?
Madame Tussauds sits in a particularly useful part of central London, with Baker Street, Regent's Park and several major attractions within walking distance or a short Tube ride.
Eat, shop and stay near Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds has grab-and-go food and drink options, including a Chocolate Fondue station, but the attraction's food outlets are better treated as convenient stops than a replacement for a proper meal.
Better options nearby:
- Great British Fish & Chips — about 1 minute away: A straightforward choice for classic British fish and chips when you want something quick and filling.
- Mario's Burger — around 10 minutes away: Casual burgers, loaded fries and milkshakes suited to a relaxed family meal.
- L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele — around 5 minutes away: Neapolitan-style pizza and a stronger option if you want to sit down for a proper meal.
- Haru — around 5 minutes away: Japanese dishes including sushi and hot food for a lighter alternative.
💡 Pro tip: If you are visiting Madame Tussauds around lunchtime, eat either before your entry slot or after leaving. That keeps your time inside focused on the attraction rather than waiting for food.
- Madame Tussauds Gift Shop: Located by the exit, with celebrity, Marvel, Royal and London-themed merchandise.
- Marylebone High Street: Useful for independent boutiques and lifestyle shopping after your visit.
- Oxford Street: Around 10–15 minutes away on foot, with major high-street retailers if shopping is part of your London itinerary.
Yes for convenience, but not necessarily for the best London base. Marylebone is attractive, walkable and particularly useful if you want easy access to Madame Tussauds, Baker Street, Regent's Park and central London. It is also a quieter base than some of the busier tourist districts.
- Price point: Generally upper-mid-range to luxury, although smaller hotels and apartments offer more affordable options.
- Best for: Families, short London stays and visitors who want easy access to Baker Street and central attractions.
- Consider instead: Soho or Covent Garden if you want more nightlife, restaurants and central sightseeing within walking distance.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Madame Tussauds London
A typical visit takes around 1.5–2 hours, according to the attraction itself. Allow closer to 2–3 hours if you are visiting with children, taking lots of photographs or want to move slowly through the interactive sections.
Booking ahead is recommended, particularly for weekends, school holidays and specific time slots. Online tickets are also generally cheaper than walk-up admission, with prices varying according to date and demand.
It can be worthwhile on busy days if your London itinerary is tightly scheduled. Fast Track provides priority access, while standard admission uses the normal entry process. Prices vary according to demand.
Aim to reach the attraction 10–15 minutes before your booked time. This gives you enough time to find the entrance and complete security without creating a long wait before admission.
Small bags are allowed. Large luggage and suitcases cannot be taken inside and may need to be stored in the cloakroom. Current cloakroom charges include £5 for bags, £2 for coats and £1 for umbrellas.
Yes. Personal photography is permitted throughout most of the attraction. Tripods, selfie sticks and extension poles are prohibited, while some areas have additional photography or filming restrictions.
Yes. Groups can visit, although larger organised groups may have separate booking arrangements. Children aged 15 and under must remain accompanied and supervised by an adult aged 18 or over.
Yes. Interactive zones, Marvel, Star Wars, music and the Spirit of London ride provide plenty for families. The Chamber of Horrors is recommended for visitors aged 16+ and can be bypassed.
Yes, most of the attraction is wheelchair accessible, with lifts connecting the floors. Wheelchair users should book an accessibility timeslot at least 24 hours in advance because capacity is limited to three wheelchair users inside at one time. The Spirit of London ride is not accessible to guests who cannot walk unaided.
Yes. Grab-and-go kiosks and a Chocolate Fondue station are available inside, and food and drinks can generally be brought in subject to restrictions. Hot food, pungent food and alcoholic drinks are not permitted.
Do not plan your day around re-entry. If you need to leave because of accessibility, sensory or other circumstances, speak to a member of staff who can advise on the appropriate arrangements. The attraction's standard timed admission is designed for a continuous visit.
Early morning or later afternoon is generally preferable if you want lighter crowds. Weekdays, particularly Tuesday to Thursday, are usually a better choice than weekends.
No. Pushchairs, strollers and buggies must be stored in the cloakroom, where they can be left free of charge. A baby carrier can be useful for very young children.
