Clink Prison Museum Tours and Activities

The Clink’s dark past reaches back as far as the 12th century. Over its 600 years of operation, the prison was notorious for its poor conditions, famous inmates, and regular rebellions. Today, interactive exhibits reveal the harsh realities of crime and punishment in medieval London.

The Basics
A short stroll from Shakespeare’s Globe, Tate Modern, and HMS Belfast, the Clink is easily checked off on a walking tour of South Bank must-sees. Alternatively, themed tours are ideal for the criminally curious, often combining the prison with other shady destinations, such as the Old Bailey. Some packages include admission; otherwise, book tickets in advance to guarantee entry into England’s oldest prison—though escape may not be so simple!

Things to Know Before You Go

• The museum is popular with families and children, though be aware that a portion of the exhibition is dedicated to the history of torture.
• The Clink isn’t wheelchair-accessible.
• There’s no toilet available on-site.
• Admission includes a free group photo.

How to Get There
The museum is about a 5-minute walk from London Bridge station, and under 10 minutes from Bankside Pier. Although you’ll find an NCP car park near the museum, it’s best to avoid driving, as the mostly pedestrian Bankside is easily explored on foot.

When to Get There
A top choice for school trips and family days out, the tiny museum is often crowded. For quieter conditions, go on a weekday morning, when you might even have the museum to yourself.

London’s Famous Prisons
The Clink is an iconic London jail—its name has even become a slang term for a prison cell—but it’s certainly not the only one. Just along the river, the Tower of London stands as one of the capital’s oldest landmarks. Head deeper into Borough to find the remains of Marshalsea, the prison to which Charles Dickens’ father was sent, which inspired the writer’s strong social beliefs and much of his later work.