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Thanks to the creation of virtual reality (VR) and the advancements in technology, immersive experiences have never been so popular. Whether you’re organising a kids’ birthday party or planning a fun day out with friends, all ages can enjoy an immersive experience.
London is one of the best cities for immersive experiences, with plenty to choose from. Many of its experiences are integrated into historical landmarks and include live actors for a more realistic feel.
Read on to discover which of London’s immersive experiences are best and how to get there with South Western Railway.
Van Gogh Immersive Experience
106 Commercial Street, London E1 6LZ
Immerse yourself in a beautiful world of art at the Van Gogh Experience. This 360º digital art exhibit features a universe of Vincent van Gogh’s best work, displayed and lit up on each room's walls, floors and ceilings for an entirely immersive experience.
Once you’ve snapped your Instagram pics, head to the VR room to discover the inspiration behind eight of Van Gogh’s iconic works. Then, you’ll create your own paintings to be projected on the studio’s walls.
How to get there: Take the tube to Canada Water from London Waterloo via the eastbound Jubilee line. Switch to the overground towards Highbury & Islington, get off at Shoreditch High Street and walk for six minutes.
The Crystal Maze
22 - 32 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 7EU
The Crystal Maze is one of the best immersive events in London, based on the ‘90s TV show. Set in the iconic Maze, contestants are invited to compete in various team challenges against a time limit. Solve mysteries and test your physical abilities to win as many points as possible.
The maze is open to anyone aged nine or over and takes around 75 minutes to complete. The more crystals you earn, the more time you’ll have for the final challenge in the Crystal Dome.
How to get there: The Crystal Maze experience is a 25-minute walk from London Waterloo or a four-minute tube journey on the northbound Bakerloo line to Piccadilly Circus.
Immersive Gamebox
Arch 3, 83 Scoresby Street, Southwark SE1 0XN
Located at London Southbank, Immersive Gamebox is a VR gaming experience like no other. Compete with friends or work together to win immersive games inspired by popular TV series and movies, like Squid Games, Ghostbusters and Shaun the Sheep.
Visitors aged three and above are welcome at Immersive Gamebox; just make sure your game is for the right age group. Choose from 30, 60 and 90-minute time slots and let the fun begin!
How to get there: Immersive Gamebox is a 12-minute walk from London Waterloo.
The London Dungeon
Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
The London Dungeon is a fun, fascinating and creepy experience in the heart of London. You’ll descend to the underground dungeons to learn about London’s gory and grisly historical events, with live actors, special effects, and props providing a comical twist.
Along your 90-minute journey, you’ll hear stories of Sweeney Todd, Jack the Ripper and Henry VIII, encounter nail-biting jump-scares and ride two thrilling underground rides. The London Dungeon is open to anyone aged five or over. However, the recommended age is 12+.
How to get there: The London Dungeon is an eight-minute walk from London Waterloo.
The Tomb Raider Live
The Stables Market, Lower Basement & Upper Basement Atrium NW1 8AH
The Tomb Raider Live is an action-packed adventure for couples, friends and families based on the video games and movie.
This escape room-inspired attraction contains various physical and mental challenges for your team to work through together. You’ll complete puzzles, collect relics, explore the jungle, fight off enemies and brave the zip line on your quest to become a tomb raider.
The experience lasts around 90 minutes and is recommended for children aged 12 and above. Children under nine aren’t permitted.
How to get there: Take the tube via the northbound Northern line from London Waterloo to Camden Town. The experience is a seven-minute walk away.
War of the Worlds Immersive Experience
56 Leadenhall St, London EC3A 2BJ
The War of the Worlds Immersive Experience combines VR and live experiences for a fun-filled day out. Your two-hour experience promises to activate all your senses, with plenty to see, feel, hear, touch and smell along the way.
Visitors are transported back to 1898, following the story of when Martians invaded London. Journalist George Herbert will guide you through 24 immersive scenes, with live actors and 5D effects bringing the story to life.
Your two-hour experience includes a 20-minute interval in the Red Weed Bar. The minimum age is 10, and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
How to get there: Walk nine minutes from London Waterloo to Embankment tube station, then catch the eastbound District line to Monument. The War of the Worlds Immersive Experience is a nine-minute walk away.
Otherworld – London Victoria
85 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0QJ
Enjoy a VR gaming session with your friends at Otherworld. Based in Victoria, London, this futuristic experience can be enjoyed by players of all abilities.
Each player has their own pod, where a VR headset will transport them to a virtual island. Filled with individual and team games, it’s a unique and thrilling way to spend time with friends or family. The more games you win, the more DreamCoin you’ll earn – which you can spend at the bar on real-world drinks!
Speaking of drinks, the self-serve drink wall is the perfect way to relax after your session, featuring Peroni, G&Ts and a delicious selection of cocktails.
Otherworld is recommended for those over 16 years old. However, those over 12 can play when accompanied by an adult.
How to get there: Otherworld is a short tube journey from London Waterloo. Take the southbound District line to Victoria, then walk for around two minutes.
Frameless
6 Marble Arch, London W1H 7AP
Frameless is an interactive gallery experience in the heart of London. Visitors are invited to step beyond the frame and enter a world of art – where the walls, floors and ceilings are lit with colourful landscapes and alternate realities.
Each gallery has its own soundtrack – a blend of classical and contemporary music – to further enhance your experience. The gallery also hosts a range of exciting pop-ups throughout the year, including immersive ballet and yoga classes.
How to get there: Take the tube via the eastbound Jubilee line from London Waterloo to Bond Street. Frameless is then a 12-minute walk away.
The Gunpowder Plot
8-12 Tower Hill, London EC3N 4EE
At one hour 40 minutes, The Gunpowder Plot is one of London’s longest immersive experiences, set in the historic Tower Vaults. Featuring live action, special effects and three virtual reality experiences, your visit will be entertaining and educational.
Visitors are taken back to 1605 London, where the story of the infamous gunpowder plot unfolds. You’re involved from the very beginning, helping to unmask traitors, spy for the Royals and smuggle gunpowder. You’ll even stop for refreshments along the way at a fantastically themed bar.
The Gunpowder Plot is recommended for visitors aged 10 and over, and those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Book today and enjoy £10 off your tickets with SWR Rewards.
Find your train to London with South Western Railway, and discover cheap train tickets to your immersive experience by going off-peak. Passengers with a Railcard could save even more, and those travelling in a group could benefit from GroupSave or a Family and Friends Railcard.
