Madame Tussauds London

Marylebone Rd, London NW1 5LR, UK

Tours

About Madame Tussauds London

Madame Tussauds London is the original branch of the wax-figure attraction that now carries its founder's name worldwide. Marie Tussaud began modelling in wax in the late 18th century and, after years touring Britain with her collection, set up a permanent exhibition in London in 1835. The current home on Marylebone Road has been welcoming visitors since 1884, and the attraction sits right next to Baker Street, the same stretch tied to Sherlock Holmes, which makes it easy to fold into a day in central London.

Inside you move through themed zones filled with lifelike figures of actors, musicians, athletes, royals, and world leaders, and the whole point is that you can walk right up and pose with them. Expect areas devoted to film and Marvel characters, a music section, a sports lineup, and a royal gathering, along with changing figures as new names rise to fame. Most people also come for the Spirit of London ride, a short dark ride through the city's history, and some tickets bundle in extras like a 4D cinema feature. Figures get added and retired over time, so the exact lineup shifts from year to year.

Plan on roughly one and a half to two hours, more if it's busy or you want time at every photo stop. The site is popular with families and often crowded on weekends and school holidays, so buying a timed ticket ahead of time saves standing in the walk-up queue, which can be long in peak season. It's an indoor attraction, which makes it a solid choice on a wet London day. Baker Street station is a short walk away and served by several Underground lines, so getting there is straightforward from most of the city.

Weather in London

Today 55°F13°C 48°F9°C Rain 100%
Today 61°F16°C 46°F8°C Rain 100%
Tomorrow 55°F13°C 50°F10°C Rain 75%
Mon, Oct 26 62°F17°C 50°F10°C Rain 69%
Tue, Oct 27 62°F17°C 51°F10°C Rain 31%
Wed, Oct 28 59°F15°C 49°F10°C Rain 8%
Thu, Oct 29 57°F14°C 47°F8°C Rain 5%

Local time 8:03 AM, UTC+01:00

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a visit to Madame Tussauds London take?
Most visits run about one and a half to two hours. Allow extra time on weekends and during school holidays, when it gets busy and you may wait longer at the popular photo spots and the Spirit of London ride.
Is the Spirit of London ride included in the ticket?
The Spirit of London dark ride is part of the standard route through the attraction. Some ticket types also add extras such as a 4D cinema feature, so it's worth checking what each option includes before you book.
Can I take photos with the wax figures?
Yes, that's the main idea. The figures are out in the open so you can stand beside them and pose, and photography is allowed throughout. Bring your phone or camera, as the whole visit is built around getting close to the figures.
Should I book tickets in advance?
It's a good idea, especially in peak season and on weekends. A timed entry ticket bought ahead lets you skip the walk-up queue, which can be long at midday. As an indoor attraction, it's also a reliable backup plan for a rainy day in London.