In a world of digital technology, immersive experiences remove us from our daily lives to new and exciting places. One that supercharges our senses, our sight, hearing, often touch and occasionally smell. We lie back, marvel at impressive art, and let the dreamlike experience float around us. Others take us on thrilling adventures. We solve mysteries or escape from evil.
No longer looking on, but instead, interacting in experiences that leave a lasting, unforgettable memory. London hosts many exciting, immersive events, so here is our guide to eight of the best immersive experiences in London.
The Best Immersive Experiences in London
Van Gogh Immersive Experience
Have you ever dreamed of disappearing into a rabbit hole and entering a different world like Alice in Wonderland? That’s what the immersive experience is all about. You step into the works of Van Gogh.
In the famous artist’s Three Cicadas painting, the insects come alive and fly across the walls, the sky in Starry Night slowly swirls around you., and the Sorrowing Old Man (At Eternity’s Gate) appears to weep.
A visit to the Van Gogh immersive experience in London walks you through his life and works, providing a snapshot into his thoughts. You can paint your creation and have it projected on the wall. Step into a virtual reality room and a 360° immersive room that allows you time to recline and immerse yourself in the world of Van Gogh’s major works, set to music.
There are several prices, including concessionary. Prices vary depending on the day and time. An idea of expected prices is:
- Standard adult: £18.00 does not include the VR room
- VIP adult: £27.90 includes the VR
- Child (4-12): £11.00
- Child VIP: £19.00
- Family Bundle (4 tickets): £12.00 per person, excluding VR entrance
A visit takes approximately 1 – 1.5 hours. The overall experience is a complete sensory interaction appealing to visitors of all ages.
Address: 106 Commercial Street, London, E1 6LZ
Telephone: 01344 951371
Dalí Cybernetics: The Immersive Experience
Salvador Dalí is famous for his unique, surrealist art, his iconic moustache, and for being a flamboyant showman. You cannot see any of Dalí’s actual art pieces. At the Dalí Immersive Experience, you can immerse yourself in the life and works of the genius artist.
The exhibition first walks you through Dalí’s interests in God and Science. You then enter the immersive room, where projections of Dalí’s captivating work appear on the walls and floor. The finale is virtual reality. Put on your virtual glasses and transport yourself to Dalí’s world of paintings.
Ticket prices are,
- Adult (13 – 64): £22.90
- Child (4 – 12): £13.90
If you love art and technology, the Dalí immersive experience in London is a must-see for a 60 – 90 minute sensory bonanza.
Address; 152 Brick Lane, London, E1 6RU
Contact: Further information is obtainable through the online contact form.
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience – London West End
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience hits the nail on the head for a night of old-style comedy. The actors are superb and stay in character throughout.
Basil, Sybil, and Manuel will treat you to a night of chaos as they serve a three-course meal over two hours. It is an entirely immersive event, where you should expect the unexpected, as around 70% of each show is unscripted and improvised.
The immersive dining in London is a concept by the Interactive Theatre International, and Faulty Towers The Dining Experience has recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Tickets are from,
- Adult: £72.50 + £3.50 booking fee
- Children (under 12s): £42.50 + £3.50 booking fee
Reviews highly recommend the Faulty Towers Dining Experience for a night of laughter. However, some diners don’t rate the food.
Address: 56 Guilford St, London WC1N 1DP
Telephone: 0845 154 4145
Sherlock The Official Live Game
Lose yourself in the super-genius mind of Sherlock Holmes or the criminal mastermind of Morarity and solve a series of challenging puzzles in Sherlock The Official Live Game. In the immersive escape game, you are against the clock, with only 100 minutes to find the clues.
Prices start from £35.00 for gripping entertainment from beginning to end.
At Sherlock’s Mind Palace, you can try an immersive cocktail experience, The Case of the Poisoned Chalice. For £35.00, you receive a welcome drink and four cases to solve before creating your perfect cocktail.
Other options include Sherlock’s Afternoon Tea and Mini Mystery, priced at £39.00, and Sherlock’s Boozy Afternoon Tea at the Mind Palace from £49.00.
Sherlock arranges corporate events, including team-building activities. It is an excellent way to encourage team members to work collectively to achieve a goal.
The Sherlock Official Live Game is one of the best immersive experiences in London for fans of Sherlock, escape rooms, and those who see themselves as a super sleuth.
Address: Shepherd’s Bush Green, London W12 8PP
Email: [email protected]
The Crystal Maze Live Experience
Now, it can be your turn to try out your skills at the Crystal Maze Live Experience. Throw yourself in the immersive adventure with your energetic Maze Master. They will explain the rules of the games before you set off to gather as many points as possible.
There are four zones to test abilities before reaching the ultimate goal, The Crystal Dome.
Prices range from £62.00 to £81.00, depending on time and date, for 75 minutes of fun and laughter.
There is some running involved, so wear comfortable clothing and shoes. If you’ve built a thirst or appetite through the interactive experience, Figaro’s Bar, with a Mediterranean theme, serves food and drinks next door.
Maximum effort ensures the immersive experience has been kept as close to the original game as possible.
Address: 22 – 32 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 7EU
Telephone: 0161 791 0727
The Gunpowder Plot: The Immersive Experience
The Gunpowder Plot Immersive Experience uses live theatre and digital technology to transport you back to 1605, into a time boiling with lies, deceit, and traitors. It is more accurate to life than you can ever imagine. You will smell and taste the atmosphere and encounter scary times, which is testimony to the brilliance of the actors. Tom Felton, of Harry Potter fame, plays Guy Fawkes.
The immersive experience in the Tower of London lasts 1 hour and 40 minutes. There is a 20-minute interval where you can work on your strategy while taking refreshments at the Duck and Drake.
- Standard tickets for adults are £40.00 – £70.00.
- VIP tickets for adults: £90.00 – £110.00 to include food and drink.
- Children are £10.00 less.
It is possible to arrange corporate events for groups of 16 or more, starting from £66.00 per person.
The Gunpowder Plot Immersive Experience is ideal for couples, friends, and families.
Address: 8-12 Tower Hill, London EC3N 4EE
Email: [email protected]
Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Bar – Cell Block Two-One-Two
As a convicted criminal, you can ease your prison time with the alcohol you smuggled into Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Bar. Your fellow inmates will create cocktails, while crooked guards, and the warden, will not want to make your time straightforward.
The Alcotraz immersive cocktail experience is a creation by Inventive Productions, which also takes you back to the Wild West at the Moonshine Salon, featured in our cool activity bars.
Prices are £39.99.
Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Bar is a fantastic experience for special occasions. You will look the part in your orange jumpsuit, adding to the fabulous Instagram photos. The actors are great, and the bartenders are magicians at making delicious cocktails.
Address: Unit 3B, 127 Hackney Rd, London E2 8GY
Telephone: 020 3109 0488
The War of the Worlds: The Immersive Experience
The War of the Worlds, the Immersive Experience, provides an unforgettable time. Embark on a 1-hour 50-minute adrenalin-pumping adventure as you endeavour to escape a Martian Invasion in London.
As you make your way through 24 interactive scenes and virtual reality, live actors and the unmistakable soundtrack of the War of the Worlds enhance the drama of your immersive experience.
Ticket prices are £45.00 to £82.00. Savings up to £24.00 are available for early bookings. There is a £2.50 booking fee.
War of the World’s legacy lives on in this award-winning immersive experience described as one of London’s best nights out.
Address: 56 Leadenhall St, London EC3A 2BJ
Email: [email protected]
5 Tips for an Awesome Immersive Experience
- What makes a good immersive experience? A good immersive experience should arouse feelings and awaken the imagination.
- What is a 360° immersive experience? One that has video recordings in all directions simultaneously.
- Do I have to book in advance? Many events recommend booking in advance. Some events have timings and only allow a specific number of people at once.
- How long does an immersive experience last? Most take about 90 minutes. However, some require you to arrive about 30 minutes before starting to allow time to register.
- Can I wear my glasses for virtual reality? Yes, most virtual reality headsets are adjustable to accommodate glasses.
