One of London’s most popular visitor attractions, Madame Tussauds has been welcoming visitors since 1835. The wax museum is named after its founder, Marie Tussaud, and the London location was the first to open.
Today there are more than twenty Madame Tussauds museums around the world, and we have visited a few of them over the years. But the London museum was the original, and it remains our favourite of all the ones we have been to.
I first visited Madame Tussauds as a child in the 1980s, and Jess and I have returned a couple of times since as adults. It has changed a lot over the years, but the core appeal of getting up close to incredibly lifelike wax figures of famous people has stayed the same.
In this guide, we’re going to share everything you need to know to plan your visit to Madame Tussauds in London. We’ll cover tickets and pricing, what to expect inside, how to skip the queues, and whether we think it’s worth the visit. We’ll also share photography tips and our own experience of visiting.
Table of Contents:
Who was Madame Tussaud?
The Madame Tussauds wax museum is named after a real person. Marie Tussaud was born in Strasbourg, France in 1761, with the maiden name Marie Grosholtz.
She learned how to create wax sculptures at a very young age under the direction of the wax sculptor Philippe Curtius. With Philippe she moved to Paris, where she lived during the French Revolution. Many of her early works were wax models of the victims of the Revolution, including death masks of executed aristocrats.
When Philippe died, his large collection of wax models was bequeathed to Marie. Around this time she met and married Francois Tussaud, becoming Madame Tussaud.
For 30 years in the early 19th century, Marie took her collection of wax figurines on tour around Europe. She finally settled in London in 1831, where she died in 1850 at the age of 88. A wax figure of Marie herself can still be seen at the museum today, near some of the oldest works in the collection.

A Brief History of Wax Figures and Wax Museums
Life-size wax figures of people have been around for a long time. In the Middle Ages, life-like wax figures were created as part of the funeral process for European royalty, to present a figure of the deceased so the public could pay their respects.
It was in the 17th century that wax figures became popular as a form of entertainment. Versions of the French Royal Court and English Royal Court were created and exhibited, and these became popular as both travelling and permanent exhibits.
In a time before photography, TV, magazines, or the internet, most people had no idea what famous people actually looked like beyond printed sketches or coins. Wax figures were the most lifelike representations most people would ever see, and they were hugely popular. Some also depicted gruesome or shocking scenes such as murders and decapitations.
The first known wax museum in London was opened in 1711 on Fleet Street by a woman named Mrs. Salmon, more than 100 years before Madame Tussauds.
What is Madame Tussauds?
Madame Tussauds is a wax museum known for its lifelike wax depictions of historical and celebrity figures from around the world.
The original Madame Tussauds in London was founded by Marie Tussaud, and the original collection consisted of around 400 figures, including those Marie inherited from Philippe Curtius.
Today, the London museum sits on Marylebone Road (it moved to this location from Baker Street in 1884) and houses over 150 wax figures across 3 floors and 8 themed zones. The figures are updated regularly to reflect current celebrities, cultural events, and trending figures. You might visit twice a few years apart and have quite a different experience.
The London location also has some unique elements you won’t find in other branches. The Spirit of London ride takes you on a journey through London’s history in a black cab, the Chamber of Horrors explores London’s most notorious crimes, and there’s a section dedicated to Marie Tussaud herself with some of the oldest wax figures in the collection. The oldest piece is a sleeping figure called “Sleeping Beauty” made by Philippe Curtius in 1763, which has a mechanism that makes it appear to breathe.
For anyone interested in the history of wax modelling as an art form, the London museum is the one to visit. Each figure takes around six months to create from concept to completion, and seeing the craftsmanship up close is really quite impressive.

Planning Your Visit to Madame Tussauds
Now that you know a bit about the history of Madame Tussauds, let’s look at planning your visit.
Where is Madame Tussauds in London?
Madame Tussauds is on Marylebone Road in the Marylebone area of London, just to the north-west of central London, near Regent’s Park.
The full address is:
Madame Tussauds
Marylebone Road
London
NW1 5LR
From the outside you’ll notice the building is in two parts: a large white building and a dome. The dome was previously the London Planetarium, which closed in 2010 and is now used for the 4D cinema experience at Madame Tussauds.
Note that Madame Tussauds is within the Congestion Charge zone, so if you are driving you will need to pay the daily charge (currently £18). There is no on-site parking, though there are multi-storey car parks nearby. We’d recommend taking public transport if you can.

How to Get to Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds is easy to get to, with multiple transport options.
We nearly always travel to Madame Tussauds on the London Underground (the Tube). The nearest station is Baker Street, about a two-minute walk away. Baker Street is served by five lines: the Bakerloo, Circle, Jubilee, Hammersmith and City, and Metropolitan lines. So you should be able to reach it easily from wherever you are staying in London.
Several bus routes stop right outside, including the 13, 27, 74, and 453.
If you’re arriving by mainline rail, Marylebone station is about a ten-minute walk from the entrance.
Ride-sharing apps and taxis are also available throughout London.
Finally, if you are exploring London on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, most services include a stop at or near Madame Tussauds.
For more information about public transport in London, see our guide to getting around London.

When is Madame Tussauds Open?
Madame Tussauds is open year-round with the exception of Christmas Day.
The museum usually opens at 10am and closes between 4pm and 5pm, though during school holidays and peak periods it sometimes opens at 9am and stays open later. Opening hours vary by day and season, so do check the latest times before your visit on the official website here.
Madame Tussauds is also entirely indoors and air-conditioned, which makes it a solid choice for one of London’s rainy days.

How Long Does it Take to Visit Madame Tussauds?
We’d recommend allocating two to three hours for your visit, though you could get through in around 90 minutes if you are selective about which zones you spend most time in.
The museum is laid out so you naturally flow from one zone to the next through a one-way route. Most zones have lots of photo opportunities, so the time tends to go quickly. At busier times you may need to wait your turn for photos with the most popular figures, so give yourself plenty of time so you don’t feel rushed.

What Can You See at Madame Tussauds?
Madame Tussauds has over 150 wax figures spread across 8 themed zones on 3 floors. The zones do change from time to time, but as of early 2026, these are the main areas:
- The Awards Party, where you walk the red carpet with Hollywood celebrities, Bollywood stars, and social media icons. Recent figures include Timothee Chalamet, Bella Ramsey, Lady Gaga, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
- The Impossible Festival, a music zone where you can pose alongside artists from Beyonce and Ed Sheeran to The Beatles and Bob Marley. It’s set up like a festival with stages and tents.
- The Royal Palace, where you go beyond the gates of Buckingham Palace to meet the Royal Family past and present, including King Charles III, Queen Camilla, the Princess of Wales, and the late Queen Elizabeth II. There’s a Buckingham Palace balcony photo opportunity here.
- Culture Capital, a zone celebrating icons who have shaped British culture, from David Attenborough and Winston Churchill to Mary Earps (the first Lioness to be immortalised in wax) and Kylian Mbappe.
- Star Wars, created in collaboration with Disney and Lucasfilm, featuring scenes from across the saga including Jabba’s Throne Room, the swamps of Dagobah, and the flight deck of the Millennium Falcon.
- Marvel Hall of Heroes, with figures of Iron Man, Spider-Man, Captain America, Black Panther, and a 4.5-metre-tall Incredible Hulk (the largest figure Madame Tussauds has ever made).
- The Spirit of London ride, where you board a “black cab” for a journey through 400 years of London history, featuring figures of Shakespeare, Queen Victoria, Winston Churchill, and many more. This is always one of our highlights.
- The Chamber of Horrors, which explores some of London’s most notorious crimes and criminals over the past 150 years, including Jack the Ripper. This section is recommended for ages 16 and up due to its graphic nature.
There are also fun add-ons like the wax hand experience, where you can have your own hand sculpted in wax as a souvenir (around £20, takes about 15 minutes).

The actual figures on display change regularly. You can see a current list of figures and themed areas on the official website here.
The 4D cinema, housed in the former planetarium dome, has previously shown a Marvel Universe 4D film as part of the standard ticket. This closed in April 2026, and Madame Tussauds has not yet announced what will replace it. We will update this section when more information is available.

Do You Need a Ticket for Madame Tussauds?
Yes, all visitors to Madame Tussauds need a ticket. Children under 2 go free but still need a free ticket added to your booking.
Where to Buy Madame Tussauds Tickets
You can buy tickets in person at the museum on the day, or online in advance from the official website here.
We strongly recommend booking online in advance. It’s cheaper (sometimes significantly so), it guarantees your entry, and you can skip the ticket queue. Tickets are timed, with the time indicating when you can join the queue to enter.
If you prefer the flexibility to cancel, these Madame Tussauds tickets on GetYourGuide offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit, which is useful if your plans are uncertain.
Note that Madame Tussauds is a cashless venue. They only accept card and contactless payments, so make sure you have a payment card with you.

How Much Do Madame Tussauds Tickets Cost?
Madame Tussauds uses dynamic pricing, so the exact price depends on your chosen date, time, and how far in advance you book. Booking early for off-peak days will always get you the best price.
As a general guide, here is what you can expect to pay (prices checked April 2026):
Standard Ticket
The standard ticket gives you full access to all zones, the Spirit of London ride, and the Chamber of Horrors.
- Online in advance: from £31 per adult
- On the day (walk-up): from £39 per adult
- Children under 2: free (must still be added to booking)
Book your standard Madame Tussauds ticket here.
Flexi Fast Track Ticket
If you’d rather skip the queue, the Flexi Fast Track ticket gives you priority entry through a dedicated entrance, plus the flexibility to arrive at any time on your chosen day without a specific time slot.
- Online: from £47 per adult
The fast track ticket only speeds up entry. Once you’re inside, the experience is the same as a standard ticket. We’d say it makes sense during school holidays or weekends when queues can be 30-40 minutes, but on a quiet weekday the standard ticket is fine.
Book your Flexi Fast Track ticket here.
Champagne Bar VIP Experience
This is the premium option. You get fast track entry plus access to The 1835 Champagne Bar, where you start your visit with a complimentary glass of champagne, beer, or soft drink. You also get exclusive access to some of the museum’s archive pieces. If you want to make the visit feel a bit special, this is a fun upgrade.
You can book the Champagne Bar VIP experience on GetYourGuide here.
Multi-Attraction Tickets
Madame Tussauds is operated by Merlin Entertainments, who also run several other London attractions including the London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, the London Dungeon, and Shrek’s Adventure. You can save money by combining your Madame Tussauds visit with one or more of these attractions through a multi-attraction ticket.
These work on a “visit Madame Tussauds first” basis. You book your Madame Tussauds time slot, and then have 90 days to visit the other included attractions at your leisure.
Some of the combinations available (prices checked April 2026):
- Madame Tussauds + London Eye: from £49 per adult (save up to £29 vs separate tickets)
- Madame Tussauds + SEA LIFE: from £49 per adult
- Madame Tussauds + London Eye + SEA LIFE: from £54 per adult
- Madame Tussauds + 4 more attractions: from £59 per adult (includes London Eye, SEA LIFE, London Dungeon, Shrek’s Adventure, and Big Bus Tour)
If you are planning to visit multiple Merlin attractions, these combo tickets offer solid savings. The 90-day window is generous too, so you don’t need to cram everything into one day.
You can also find some of these combinations on GetYourGuide with free cancellation:
- Madame Tussauds + London Eye on GetYourGuide
- Madame Tussauds + SEA LIFE + London Dungeon on GetYourGuide
Can You Cancel or Reschedule a Madame Tussauds Ticket?
If you buy tickets from the official website, they are non-refundable but you can reschedule the date of your visit up to 3 times, with the flexibility to move your booking up to 1 hour before your arrival time. You can do this through the Booking Portal linked on your e-ticket. For more details, see the help centre FAQ.
If the option to cancel is important to you, buying through a third-party site like GetYourGuide can be a good option, as they typically offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Madame Tussauds Discount Tickets
There are a few ways to get discount tickets:
If you are a registered UK student, you can save on Madame Tussauds with a student discount ticket.
If you’re visiting London by train, you may be able to get a third off entry through the National Rail Days Out Guide. Some date exclusions apply and you’ll need to book in advance.
Groups of 10 or more can purchase a group entry ticket on the official website for a reduced rate.
Otherwise, your best bet is simply to book online well in advance of your visit. The earlier you book, the better the price tends to be.

Passes Which Include Madame Tussauds
Another way to save money is with an attraction pass that includes Madame Tussauds.
The main option we’re aware of is the London Pass. This includes entry to Madame Tussauds along with most of the other main sights in the city, such as the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and a hop-on hop-off bus tour. If you are visiting multiple sights in London, this pass can save you a lot of money. See our full London Pass review for more details.
If you’re visiting Madame Tussauds with the London Pass, you must make a reservation through the London Pass website before visiting.
There is also the Merlin Annual Pass, which covers nearly 30 attractions across the UK, including Madame Tussauds, the London Eye, Alton Towers, Legoland, the London Dungeon, and Warwick Castle. This is probably best suited for anyone living in the UK who plans to visit multiple attractions throughout the year. See the full attraction list here.

Is Madame Tussauds Worth It?
This depends on what you enjoy. We have always had a good time at Madame Tussauds. The figures are impressively lifelike, the themed zones are well put together, and it’s an interactive experience that works for all ages.
A big part of the experience today is taking photos with the figures. If posing for selfies with wax celebrities is not your thing, you might not get as much out of it. But we’d say there’s more to it than just the photos. The Spirit of London ride is a fun journey through history, the Chamber of Horrors is properly creepy, and the Royal Palace experience is well done.
Because this is the original Madame Tussauds, there’s also a section where you can learn about Marie Tussaud herself and see some of the oldest wax figures in the collection. Jess particularly enjoyed this part.
There’s also quite a focus on British celebrities, politicians, royalty, and athletes, as you’d expect for the London location. International visitors will recognise plenty of global figures too.

Facilities at Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds has toilets on every level, including baby changing facilities. There’s a souvenir shop at the exit, and you’ll find snack and drink stands inside the attraction. There is also a Ben and Jerry’s counter near the end.
The 1835 Champagne Bar is available for those who have purchased the VIP experience ticket.
Remember that the entire venue is cashless. Bring a debit or credit card.

Security and Restrictions at Madame Tussauds
You’ll go through a security screening before entering. Items not allowed inside include luggage, large bags, tripods, sharp objects, weapons, animals (except trained assistance dogs), and alcohol.
Pushchairs, strollers, and buggies are also not permitted inside. However, there is a free storage facility for these near the exit of the building. If you are facing the museum with the green dome in front of you, the buggy storage is to the left of the queue, near where you come out at the end. It’s also possible to store bags and coats in the cloakroom for a small fee.
You can see the full list of restricted items on the official website here.

Accessibility at Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds is designed to be fully accessible, with lifts available and assistance dogs permitted. BSL interpreters are available, and there are three wheelchairs available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis.
Due to the age of the building and lift capacity, only three wheelchair users can be inside the building at any one time. Wheelchair users must book a wheelchair ticket when booking to guarantee access.
The Spirit of London ride is not suitable for guests in a wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Carers with documentation are eligible for a free ticket when accompanying a disabled guest. This needs to be pre-booked online through the accessibility guide page.
Madame Tussauds also runs Quiet Sessions on selected dates for visitors with autism or other sensory needs. These sessions have limited ticket numbers and adjusted lighting and sound to provide a calmer experience.
For full accessibility information, see the accessibility guide here.
What Time of Day is Best to Avoid Crowds?
If you want a less crowded experience, aim for either the very first time slot of the day or after 2pm when the lunchtime rush has passed.
The attraction tends to get busier as the morning progresses, peaking around midday. Visiting on a weekday outside of school holidays will also be noticeably quieter than weekends.
We visited with a 9:30am time slot and were through security and inside within a few minutes of doors opening. It was noticeably quieter in those first 30-45 minutes before the later time slots started arriving.

How Long are the Queues at Madame Tussauds?
With a pre-booked online ticket, you’ll usually be inside within 15 minutes. At peak times (school holidays, weekends), the standard entry queue can stretch to 30-40 minutes. If you’ve bought on the day without booking in advance, expect even longer.
The fast track ticket gives you access to a dedicated entrance and usually gets you inside much faster during busy periods.
Is the Fast Track Ticket Worth It?
At busy times, the fast track option can save you a significant wait. During school holidays or weekends, we’d say it makes sense, especially if you have young children who won’t enjoy standing in a queue.
On a quiet weekday, the time difference is unlikely to be significant, and we’d suggest saving your money and going with the standard ticket.

Can You Take Food and Drink into Madame Tussauds?
Yes, you can bring food and soft drinks inside. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. The attraction reserves the right to restrict items they feel might affect operations, in which case you’ll be asked to consume or dispose of them before entry.

Is Photography Allowed at Madame Tussauds?
Photography is very much allowed and encouraged. You can get up close to the vast majority of figures and even touch them (lightly) to pose for photos. A few of the older or more important figures are roped off or behind glass, but you can still photograph them.
The main exceptions are the 4D cinema and the Spirit of London ride, where photography is not permitted.
Tripods are not allowed inside. If you’re travelling with one, security will hold it for you during your visit.

Photo Passes at Madame Tussauds
As well as your own photos, there are six professional photo stations throughout the attraction where staff will take your photo. These are included in your visit at no extra charge. At the end, you can view all the photos and decide whether to buy them.
The Digital Photo Pass costs around £10 on site and gives you digital copies of all six photos. You only need one pass per group, as the photos are delivered digitally. We’d suggest waiting until you’ve been through and seen the photos before deciding whether to buy.
Attractions Near Madame Tussauds
The Marylebone area has plenty to see beyond Madame Tussauds. Here are some options nearby:
- The Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street, a couple of minutes’ walk from Madame Tussauds. A fun visit for fans of the fictional detective.
- Regent’s Park, just to the north. One of London’s loveliest green spaces, and the view from Primrose Hill is one of our favourites in the city.
- ZSL London Zoo, found within Regent’s Park. Also one of London’s Harry Potter filming locations.
- The Wallace Collection, a few minutes’ walk away. A free museum with fine and decorative arts from the 15th to 19th century, set in Hertford House.
- The Wonderpass, a pedestrian underpass near Baker Street station that has been transformed into a colourful cultural walkway with local history facts and “Cabinets of Wonder” featuring nearby attractions. A fun little curiosity to spot on your way to or from the Tube.
- Oxford Street for shopping, just a short walk south.
- The Cartoon Museum, covering the history of British cartoons, comics, and caricatures.
Where to Stay Near Madame Tussauds
The Marylebone area makes a good base for exploring both local attractions and the rest of London. Transport connections are excellent, and mainline rail stations like Paddington and Euston are close by.
Here are some accommodation options near Madame Tussauds, ordered roughly by price:
- YHA London Central, about 15 minutes’ walk from Madame Tussauds. This hostel offers shared and private rooms as well as kitchen facilities. Good for those on a budget.
- Marylebone Inn, a couple of minutes’ walk from Madame Tussauds. A traditional London town house with comfortable rooms, en-suite facilities, and a small kitchenette.
- Hotel La Place, five minutes’ walk away. A family-run hotel with air-conditioned en-suite rooms and breakfast included.
- Holmes Hotel London, also five minutes’ walk from Madame Tussauds. A boutique hotel in an 18th-century townhouse with en-suite rooms, air conditioning, and an on-site restaurant.
- The Prince Akatoki London, 15 minutes’ walk away. A 5-star hotel with a minimal aesthetic, air-conditioned rooms, on-site dining, and a fitness centre.
- The Landmark London, 8 minutes’ walk from Madame Tussauds. A luxury 5-star hotel with spacious rooms, a spa, and restaurants.
For more options, see our complete guide to where to stay in London, which covers accommodation across the whole city and at the airports.
Madame Tussauds Photography Tips
One of the best things about Madame Tussauds is the chance to get photos with your favourite famous faces. The museum is set up to make this easy, with most figures positioned for posing. But there are still a few things to keep in mind if you want good results.
- Be patient with timing. At popular figures, you’ll often need to wait a moment for others to finish their photos. If you’re not in a rush, a little patience means cleaner shots without other visitors’ heads and arms in frame.
- Watch the light. Madame Tussauds is well lit for an indoor attraction, but it’s still indoor lighting. On a smartphone, try portrait mode or night mode if your phone has one. On a camera with manual controls, a wide aperture, a shutter speed of at least 1/60th, and an ISO to suit will give you good results.
- Tripods are not permitted, so leave yours at the hotel (or pay to store it in the cloakroom).
- If you’re visiting solo or want a photo of your whole group, offer to take a photo for another visitor or family. They’ll usually return the favour. That’s how we got our best group shots.
- Think about flash. Many cameras will fire the flash automatically in low light, but a flash often produces flat, unnatural results with wax figures. Know how to disable your flash and rely on the ambient lighting instead.
- Think about composition. Before pressing the shutter, check what’s in the frame. Is there a distracting background figure? Would a different angle work better? A few seconds of thought before the shot makes a difference. See our composition tips for more ideas.
- There are six professional photo stations where a photographer will take your shot. These are free to have taken (it’s the digital copies you pay for), so you might as well do them and decide later if you want to buy. The most popular one is with the Royal Family.
- Have fun. The goal is to enjoy yourself, and that comes through in your photos. Make some silly poses, laugh at how lifelike the figures are, and don’t take it too seriously.
For more photography advice, we have a full collection of photography tips here.

Our Experience Visiting Madame Tussauds
We have visited Madame Tussauds a number of times. I first went as a child with my family in the 1980s, when the experience was quite different. Back then the wax figures were to be observed from behind velvet ropes, long before social media and selfies changed everything.
Jess and I have visited twice in more recent years. We booked the earliest time slot available (9:30am), arrived about 10 minutes early, and were inside within minutes of the doors opening.
The first section was the Awards Party, full of film and TV celebrities in their red-carpet finest. Because we were there early, it was fairly quiet and we could get photos without much waiting.

From there we moved through themed experiences and into the world of movies, with stars from E.T. to James Bond. We passed by the wax hand creation workshop, which looked like a lot of fun and is something we’d like to try on a future visit.

Descending to a new level, we found sporting stars, Olympic athletes, and fashion models.

We then met the British Royal Family spanning the generations, with a photo opportunity on the Buckingham Palace balcony.



Near the Royals were prominent politicians from the UK and overseas, and then we entered the music zone with plenty of photo opportunities alongside musicians past and present.


We descended again to another level. The staircases had lots of posters and information about Marie Tussaud and the history of the museum, which was a nice touch.
This level opened with a small display on Marie Tussaud herself, including a wax model of Marie and some of the oldest works in the collection. The oldest piece is the “Sleeping Beauty” made by Philippe Curtius in 1763, with a device in her chest that makes it appear she is breathing.


There was also information on how wax figures are made. When we last visited, the video showed the creation of the Beyonce figure, covering all the steps from start to finish.
Next was the Spirit of London ride. You board a “black cab” carriage and are transported through scenes depicting key events and characters from London’s past, from the Middle Ages to the present. Figures include Shakespeare, Queen Victoria, and Winston Churchill. This part of Madame Tussauds is always a favourite with us. There’s a photo opportunity at the end of the ride, so watch out for that.

After the ride we entered the Marvel Hall of Heroes, home to many of the superhero characters from the Marvel universe.

From the Marvel area we passed through the Star Wars exhibit, which depicts scenes from across the saga and has some brilliant photo opportunities. We particularly liked flying the Millennium Falcon with Chewie.

Finally, we emerged through the gift shop, where we picked up a couple of gifts for friends before stepping back outside.
We spent about 90 minutes inside, though we had quite a busy schedule and had visited before, so we focused on our highlights rather than stopping at every figure. For a first visit, we’d suggest allowing at least two hours, perhaps three if you want to take your time.
Tips for Visiting Madame Tussauds
A few final tips to help you plan your visit:
- Book online in advance on the official site. You’ll get a better price, skip the ticket queue, and guarantee your entry.
- Arrive early or after lunch. The quietest times are the first slot of the day and from around 2pm.
- Allow at least 2 hours (3 if you want to see everything without rushing).
- Visit with friends or family if you can. The photo opportunities are much more fun with company, and it’s easier to get group shots when someone can hold the camera.
- Bring a payment card. Madame Tussauds is cashless throughout.
- Dress for the weather outside. The queuing area is outdoors, so you may be standing in the elements for a while before entry. Inside is fully air-conditioned.
- If you’re visiting multiple Merlin attractions, look at the multi-attraction tickets for savings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Madame Tussauds London
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about visiting Madame Tussauds.
How much are Madame Tussauds tickets?
Standard tickets start from £31 per adult when booked online in advance. Walk-up prices on the day are higher, typically from £39 per adult. Prices are dynamic, so they vary depending on the date and how far ahead you book. Booking early for off-peak days will always get you the cheapest price.
Children under 2 go free (though they still need a free ticket added to the booking). There are also combo tickets with other Merlin attractions like the London Eye, which can work out much cheaper per attraction if you’re planning to visit more than one.
Is Madame Tussauds London worth visiting?
We think so, especially if you enjoy taking photos and interactive experiences. The figures are impressively lifelike, the themed zones are well done, and there’s more to it than just posing with wax celebrities. The Spirit of London ride, Chamber of Horrors, and the historical section on Marie Tussaud herself all add variety.
It’s particularly good for families and groups, since so much of the fun is posing together with the figures. If selfies with wax celebrities aren’t your thing, you’ll probably get less out of it, but we’ve always had a good time.
How long do you need at Madame Tussauds?
We’d say two to three hours is about right for a first visit. You can get through more quickly if you’re selective (we did it in about 90 minutes on a repeat visit), but you’ll want more time if you’re stopping at every figure for photos, watching the 4D film, and doing the wax hand experience.
At busy times, factor in some extra time for waiting your turn at the most popular photo spots.
Can you take pushchairs into Madame Tussauds?
No, pushchairs, strollers, and buggies are not permitted inside the attraction. There is a free storage facility for them near the exit. If you’re facing the museum with the green dome in front of you, the storage area is to the left of the queue. You collect them at the end as it’s conveniently near where you exit.
Can you skip the queue at Madame Tussauds?
Yes, there’s a Flexi Fast Track ticket option (from £47) that gives you priority entry through a dedicated entrance. You can arrive at any time on your chosen day without booking a specific time slot. During busy periods like school holidays and weekends, this can save you 20-40 minutes of queuing. On quieter days, the standard ticket queue moves quickly and the fast track isn’t really necessary.
What are the current zones at Madame Tussauds London?
There are 8 themed zones across 3 floors. These include the Awards Party (film and TV celebrities), the Impossible Festival (music), the Royal Palace (the Royal Family), Culture Capital (British cultural icons), Star Wars, Marvel Hall of Heroes, the Spirit of London ride, and the Chamber of Horrors. The figures and zones are updated regularly, so what you see may differ slightly from visit to visit.
Is Madame Tussauds included on the London Pass?
Yes, Madame Tussauds is included on the London Pass. You do need to pre-book a time slot through the London Pass website before visiting. The London Pass also includes many other London attractions, so if you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing it can save you money. See our full London Pass review for details on whether it’s a good fit for your trip.
Further Reading
That’s our complete guide to visiting Madame Tussauds in London. We hope it helps you plan your visit.
We have loads of other guides to help you plan your time in London and the UK:
- Detailed itineraries for 1 day in London, 2 days in London, 3 days in London and 6 days in London
- Our guides to visiting the Tower of London and visiting the London Eye
- Our guide to where to stay in London for accommodation options across all budgets
- Our full London Pass review to help you decide if the pass is worth it for your trip
- Our guide to getting around London, and our guide to using the Oyster card in London
- Our guide to getting to London from the airport
- Our London packing list
- Tips on finding the best photography locations in London
- Our guide to finding Harry Potter in London
- Things to do in Kensington
- Our guide to London’s military museums and memorials, and our Winston Churchill in London guide
- Tips on spending two weeks in the UK
- Our guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK
- Our experience taking a full-day walking tour of London
- Visiting Stonehenge from London as a day trip
- Day trips to Oxford and Cambridge from London
- Heading further north? We have loads on Scotland, including a 2-day Edinburgh itinerary, guides to the North Coast 500, and a 2-day Glasgow itinerary
- Heading to Paris? See our guide to the best way to get from London to Paris
- The DK Eyewitness Travel Guide to London
- Rick Steves’ London
And that’s it! We hope our guide to visiting Madame Tussauds helps, and as always, if you have any questions, just pop them in the comments and we’ll answer them as soon as we can!

So you know: We were provided a pair of complimentary standard tickets for Madame Tussauds to experience a visit as media. We paid for all of our other expenses, including our transport and accommodation in London.

Hayley Myers says
So just to confirm here that pushchairs or prams are not allowed inside Madame Tussaud’s? But they can be left? Is this free or is there a charge to do this? Thanks!
Laurence Norah says
Hi Hayley,
That is correct, pushchairs/prams are not allowed inside Madame Tussauds. However it is free to store them at their storage facility. If you are looking at Madame Tussauds and the big green dome thing is in front of you, the queue goes down the right hand side of the building and the pushchair storage area is before you get in the queue, to your left. It’s also conveniently by where you come out at the end of your tour.
Enjoy your visit 🙂
Laurence
Brad Smith says
Hi Laurence,
We’ll be visiting London rom the USA and your guide has been very helpful and has made us decide we definitely want to visit here as our kids really want to do this.
However, when I looked at the ticket options, I can’t find the Madame Tussauds Family option for the London based attraction and there appears to be the new Pose & Post Ticket (photo VIP passes) – I am wondering if you could let me know if they still have a family ticket and what is included as part of the Pose & Post tickets. My family would definitely want to take photos and having good quality family shots (rather than selfies) is always nice – we were thinking of just buying one of the photographer ones but this seems different? Maybe they have changed the photography options here and don’t have photographers now? Also would we just need to get one photo one and the rest standard tickets? Sorry if you already covered this above but I could not find it in your article.
Sorry now for so many questions….the more I look at the website the more questions I seem to have and more confusing the ticket options become! Thanks for any help/research you can do on this as we’d like to try to buy the best value tickets for us but also think the photo option might be ideal. No rush as we do not leave until October!
THANKS for this and all the great info on your travel website about London!!
Brad, Anita & fam
Laurence Norah says
Hi Brad!
Glad to hear that our guides have been useful 🙂
So the family ticket is still available, but you are correct, it is not made super obvious from the website. You can see it listed and buy it on this page here.
I’ve updated this guide to include the links. In case you were wondering how I got there from the main site, it was from the Tickets & Prices dropdown, and then the “General tickets” link rather than the Tickets & Prices link. This is a bit confusing honestly, and seems designed to make it harder to find the family tickets!
The Pose & Post ticket includes the Digital Photo Pass, which lets you access digital copies of all the photos that are taken for you as you go through the attraction. I would say that you would only need one photo pass per group as the photos are delivered digitally. You should also be able to just buy this pass on site. You should be able to buy it at the end of the visit after all the photos have been taken, so you can decide if you actually want to buy the photos.
I have reached out to Madame Tussauds to ask them how much this costs on site, how many photo locations there are and if there is any material difference between purchasing it up front and purchasing it during your visit, so will let you know what I find out.
On a recent trip to Alton Towers which is operated by the same folks I used the digital photo pass which worked really well for all the ride photos, plus I only needed to pay once and I got all the photos for our group, which was great value 🙂
Anyway, I’ll hopefully be able to update this shortly with more information!
Laurence
brad smith says
Thanks Laurence, you guys are gems! The website mentioned photo stations or something, suggesting maybe you take your photo yourself at various points but not sure. So would love to know more about the photography situation and the passes when you find out more!!
Laurence Norah says
Hey Brad! So normally there are a number of specific photo opportunities at manned locations. You get your photo taken by the operator and they scan a QR code that you’ll have, and then at the end you can check all your images and decide if you want to buy. However I have reached out to MT to see if this is how it works and if I hear back I’ll let you know 🙂
Laurence Norah says
Hi Brad!
So I’ve heard back from Madame Tussauds. There are six photo sets in the attraction that you get photos from, these I believe are operated by staff. The on-site photo pass costs £10 and in terms of the experience and what you get is exactly the same as buying it as part of the Photo Pass. The images are digitally delivered. Personally I’d probably suggest waiting until the day, doing the photos, then deciding at the end if you want to buy them, but it’s up to you 🙂
Have a great time!
Laurence
G. Patel says
Hello!
Thank you for this kind and thorough article. Can you tell me if the wax figure of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is still on display at Madame Tussauds? My family would very much like to visit and get a photo with it while we are in London but are not sure if maybe it was removed after her passing.
Sincerely,
Gajpati Patel & family
Laurence Norah says
Hi Gajpati,
It’s our pleasure! Yes, as far as we are aware (and looking at recent images), Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is still on display at Madame Tussauds London. In our photos, which were taken before she passed, she was with the rest of the family while Prince Philip (who had passed) was to the side. However, she is now with Prince Philip.
Enjoy your visit to Madame Tussauds London!
Laurence