Madame Tussauds, London

Madame Tussauds, London

One of London's most bustling tourist attractions, this establishment is nothing short of the world's most renowned showcase of lifelike wax figures depicting celebrities. Madame Tussaud honed her craft through the creation of death masks for victims of the French Revolution and in 1835, she established her initial exhibition of famous figures near this location, featuring sculpted busts of guillotined aristocrats. It's worth noting that she was fortunate to escape the same fate, unlike her uncle, who initiated the family business but met a less fortunate end.

In days gone by, the Chamber of Horrors used to take the spotlight, featuring murderers and macabre subjects. However, times have changed, and the spotlight now shines on limited exhibitions showcasing characters from the Star Wars universe, Marvel films, and YouTube sensations. One particularly unique experience is the "Spirit of London", a playful, irreverent five-minute journey through the history of London, all within a miniature taxi.

***Sherlock Holmes Walk***

The Madame Tussauds Wax Museum offers an exciting opportunity to get up close and personal with the legendary detective himself, albeit in wax form. Inside the famous museum, visitors can snap selfies alongside two incredibly lifelike wax figures representing the iconic character. The first of these figures is Robert Downey Jr. in his full Sherlock Holmes attire, a nod to the popular film adaptations. The second figure portrays Benedict Cumberbatch, known for his portrayal of Sherlock in the more recent Netflix series. Both wax sculptures provide a unique chance to stand next to these interpretations of Sherlock Holmes, making for unforgettable additions to your photo gallery.

A permanent addition to Madame Tussauds London, the Sherlock Holmes Experience was unveiled on July 15, 2016. It goes beyond mere photo ops and invites visitors to step into the enigmatic world of Sherlock Holmes through an immersive walk-through adventure. This interactive theatrical experience takes place in the atmospheric basement of the Marylebone attraction. During the visit, guests will have the opportunity to don the great detective's iconic deerstalker hat and assist Dr. Watson in finding the enigmatic Sherlock. The experience is a fusion of storytelling, multi-textured theatrical sets, illusion, live actors, sound effects, and spectacle. The adventure concludes with a dramatic and unforgettable 'watery' climax.

Why You Should Visit:
Still a classic thing to do when visiting London. The collection is extensive and you're able to see figurines of celebrities of all stripes.

Tip:
To save on entrance fees and reduce waiting time in line, it's advisable to pre-book tickets online.
Be sure to double-check opening times, too, since they may undergo changes.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Madame Tussauds on Map

Sight Name: Madame Tussauds
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in London, England

Create Your Own Walk in London

Create Your Own Walk in London

Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Kensington/Knightsbridge Walking Tour

Kensington/Knightsbridge Walking Tour

Situated just below Hyde Park, Knightsbridge and South Kensington are two adjacent neighborhoods with grand Victorian homes and leafy garden squares. Home to London’s most expensive homes, Knightsbridge has some of the highest density of millionaires in the world. This is clearly reflected in the selection of stores & restaurants in the area, including the famous Harvey Nichols and Harrods...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
City of London Walking Tour

City of London Walking Tour

The City of London, widely referred to simply as the City (with the capital C), is also colloquially known as the Square Mile, for being just 1.12 sq mi in area. Situated on top of the original Roman center of commerce, called Londinium, established in 43 AD, this neighborhood is the historic and financial heart of the British capital. It has been a major meeting point for international business...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
London Introduction Walking Tour

London Introduction Walking Tour

After the Roman invasion of 43 AD, the settlement of Londinium came into being. Things went well enough until 61 AD. Then Queen Boudica and her Iceni warriors arrived. They burned the town to ashes. They were not just rowdy tourists. Londinium had died but it rose again and it flourished until the Romans left in the 5th century.

With the Romans gone, Londinium was Anglo-Saxon Lundenwic. Until...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Shakespeare's London Walking Tour

Shakespeare's London Walking Tour

Often called England's national poet or simply "the Bard", William Shakespeare is revered as one of, if not the greatest playwright this world has ever seen. The dramas, such as Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth are among the finest creations in the English language, translated into every major language and performed more often than those of any other author....  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Jane Austen’s London

Jane Austen’s London

The celebrated English novelist Jane Austen primarily lived between Bath and Hampshire. However, London also held a special significance in Austen's life. Many of her novels drew inspiration from the capital, like Lydia Bennet and Mr Wickham’s elopement in “Pride & Prejudice.”

One of Austen's cherished spots in London was Twinings, a renowned tea shop. Jane Austen was known...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
Sherlock Holmes Tour in London

Sherlock Holmes Tour in London

Among a myriad of other, real-life celebrities who have ever called London their home, perhaps the most famous is the fictional consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes, created by Conan Doyle. Indeed, the ingenious sleuth has left an indelible mark on the literary and cultural landscape of London ever since the appearance of the first stories about him in the late 1880s. Years on, there are several...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


London Souvenirs: 20 Distinctively British Products for Travelers

London Souvenirs: 20 Distinctively British Products for Travelers

Most visitors to London consider shopping as part of their must-do London experience. From street markets to Victorian arcades to snobbish Sloane Square to busy Oxford Street, there are a host of shops selling items which typically represent this vibrant city. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs...