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Spirit of London ride at Madame Tussauds London: What to expect

Not every part of Madame Tussauds London is about posing beside famous faces. The Spirit of London ride offers a change of pace, taking visitors on a short journey through the city's past from the comfort of a classic black cab.

It is one of the museum's more distinctive attractions, particularly for families and anyone curious about London's history. Instead of stopping at individual displays, the ride lets the city unfold around you through changing sets, characters, music and atmospheric effects.

What is the Spirit of London ride?

The Spirit of London ride is a themed journey through London's history, located inside Madame Tussauds London. Guests sit inside a replica London black cab and travel through a series of historical scenes, with each section representing a different chapter in the city's story.

The ride combines full-scale sets, wax figures, sound effects, music and lighting to recreate London across different eras. It is less like a traditional museum display and more like a short theatrical journey, with the cab carrying visitors from one period to the next.

The ride first opened in 1993 and has since taken millions of visitors through London's history.

Which London eras are featured on the Spirit of London ride?

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Plague-era London

Travel through one of the city's darkest periods, with plague-era characters, atmospheric settings and scenes showing what life was like during the outbreak.

The Great Fire of London

Watch the city burn around the cab before seeing London begin to rebuild, including a recreation of St Paul's Cathedral designed by Sir Christopher Wren.

Royal and Georgian London

Pass through grand period settings filled with historical characters, offering a glimpse into London's royal, social and political life during earlier centuries.

Wartime London

Move into a city shaped by conflict, with wartime scenes and the recognisable voice of Winston Churchill adding atmosphere to this chapter of the journey.

Swinging London

Arrive in the colourful 1960s, where Carnaby Street, period fashion and music capture the energy of London's cultural revolution.

London in the 1980s

The journey moves towards the late 20th century with brighter settings, bold colours and references to the music, nightlife and culture of the era.

Who is the Spirit of London ride for?

The ride is best suited to visitors who enjoy historical storytelling, themed attractions or simply want a change of pace from Madame Tussauds' figure-filled galleries.

Families with children

The moving black cab and constantly changing scenes give children plenty to look at without requiring them to read lengthy displays. Some darker scenes, including the plague sequence, may not suit very young children.

History enthusiasts

With several centuries of London history represented through physical sets, figures and atmospheric effects, the ride suits visitors who prefer seeing the past recreated rather than presented through traditional museum displays.

Visitors wanting something different

If the celebrity and film galleries are not the only reason for visiting, the Spirit of London ride adds a distinctly different format. Its seated journey offers a short break from walking between the museum's themed areas.

Who might want to skip it?

  • Visitors mainly interested in celebrity and pop culture figures
  • Anyone expecting a fast-paced or thrilling theme park ride
  • Very young children who may find darker scenes unsettling

Tips for riding the Spirit of London

  • Check that the ride is operating: The Spirit of London can close temporarily for maintenance or operational reasons, so availability can change on the day.
  • Keep young children in mind: The ride is not designed to be scary, but the plague scenes and some historical imagery may unsettle younger visitors.
  • Stay seated throughout: Guests must remain seated while the cab is moving.
  • Be aware of the lighting: Strobe lighting features in the ride and may not be suitable for everyone.
  • Plan for the whole museum: At around five minutes, the ride is easy to fit between the larger themed areas rather than planning the visit around it alone.
  • Check the ride restrictions: Children under 0.9m must be accompanied by a guest over 16 in the same taxi. Children between 0.9m and 1.2m also require appropriate supervision.
  • Ask staff about accessibility: Visitors who need assistance boarding should speak to a member of the ride team on arrival.
  • Consider the taxi capacity: Each cab normally seats up to two guests, although three can sit together when at least one guest is a child under 1.2m.

Frequently asked questions about the Spirit of London ride

The Spirit of London is a themed black-cab ride through London's history at Madame Tussauds London. It recreates major events and periods using sets, figures, sound and lighting.