After walking out of the York Dungeon this past week we released that this was not the usual copy and paste Dungeon experience and in fact it may just be the best Dungeon experience I’ve had to date!

With the Alton Towers Dungeon being the worst Dungeon attraction I’ve ever experienced despite me giving it a mediocre review being my first ever Dungeon attraction. With Warwick Castle relying on its surroundings over experience, with Blackpool Dungeon being a little meh to say the least the Dungeons are not an attraction I’d rant and rave about.
Each attraction certainly has its highlight moment that’s for sure or a certain scene that looks rather impressive but they immersion quickly dies or one bad performance from an actor and the entire scene is ruined. It’s a carefully balanced machine but I felt York Dungeon absolutely blew the others out of the water and easily stands as my current favourite.
The York Dungeon Merlin attraction is a captivating journey that immerses visitors in the enchanting world of medieval folklore and legends. As soon as you step foot inside this historical gem nestled in the heart of York, England, you are transported to a bygone era filled with tales of knights, wizards, and mythical creatures. In this review, we will delve into the various aspects of the York Dungeon Merlin attraction, exploring its immersive experience, storytelling prowess, interactive elements, and overall entertainment value.
York Dungeon Review

 
From the moment you enter the York Dungeon, you are greeted with an atmosphere that oozes authenticity. Greeted with a projection mapped monk of sorts as you’re seated in a waiting area forced to look at his creepy little illuminated face before the show begins.
The dimly lit corridors, eerie sound effects, and meticulously designed sets instantly transport you to the dark and mysterious medieval world. The attention to detail is commendable, as every aspect of the attraction, from the cobblestone floors to the eerie lighting, contributes to creating a truly immersive experience that captivates the senses.
I was very surprised at some of the building facades in the corridors and the smell pods were very strong with each room having its own distinct scent.
Exceptional storytelling drove my Dungeon experience and once again I was chosen for The Torturer scene, I’ve been chosen for this scene at every single Dungeon experience I’ve ever done, every single time I’ve gone. On this occasion I know the drill and decided to put our actor to the test when I stole his punchline, he did incredibly well to ad lib a response. There was no pause or hesitation it was a very quick reaction and nicely done by the actor in question.
One actor that did stand out to me was an executioners assistant, he was absolutely superb as he had a bright energy, wonderful comedic timing and turned one of the more basic actor and audience sets into my favourite of the entire experience.

The talented cast of actors brings historical characters to life with their engaging performances, perfectly blending humor, suspense, and drama. The well-crafted scripts take you on a gripping journey through the annals of history, intertwining legendary tales with historical events. The stories are thoughtfully curated and meticulously researched, ensuring an educational yet entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.
I thought out of all of the experiences the Vikings one was the poorest, it dragged on a little and wasn’t the best but a new scene that I hadn’t witnessed before was the creepiest I’ve ever seen in a Dungeons attraction. A set that involved a witch in a cage waiting for her trial and we just witness her plead her innocence whilst she’s clearly showcasing some supernatural abilities. This was quite something! Definitely one the little kids would not like one single bit, it was quite terrifying!

The York Dungeon concluded in a Dick Turpin finale which instead of a drop tower or a boat ride was a horse carriage that comes under siege from Dick Turpin. It’s the only one of its kind at a Dungeon attraction and it worked rather well. The carriage was beautifully crafted and whilst the simulation was quite basic it just worked wonderfully and the actor we had was perfect in delivering her dialogue that dragged us all into the story.
Whether you find yourself in the midst of the legendary King Arthur’s court, facing the wrath of the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin, or witnessing the dark practices of medieval medicine, there is a story to captivate every imagination. This broad spectrum of themes ensures that visitors are constantly engaged, and the seamless transitions between segments maintain the momentum and intrigue throughout the entire experience.
York Dungeon Experience

The technical execution of the York Dungeon Merlin attraction is commendable. The clever use of lighting, sound effects, and special effects enhances the overall ambiance and adds to the immersive quality.
The attention to detail in the sets and costumes is evident, showcasing the dedication of the creative team. The attraction seamlessly incorporates multimedia elements, including projections and animatronics, further heightening the sense of realism and spectacle.
Technical wizardry and wonderful set design (one of the only Dungeon attractions I’ve seen that themes all four walls instead of 1,2 or 3) combine for an unforgettable experience.

I certainly wouldn’t recommend York Dungeon for a younger audience and if you’re a little prone to stage fright being chosen to take part in these interactive scenes can be quite daunting, even for a seasoned professional like myself (I’ll need paying at this rate if they keep choosing me).
An immersive and enchanting experience that transports visitors to a captivating world of medieval legends and historical tales.
With its exceptional storytelling, interactive elements, thematic variety, technical execution, and overall entertainment value, it undoubtedly stands as a must-visit attraction in York.
Whether you are a history buff, a lover of folklore, or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure and is far from the usual copy and paste Dungeon attractions found elsewhere within the United Kingdom.
York Dungeon review by Sean Evans