Certainly one of London’s hottest and well-known customer sights is Madame Tussauds. This wax museum, named for its founder, has been welcoming guests since 1835.
At the moment, there are greater than twenty Madame Tussauds wax museums discovered all world wide, a number of of which we now have visited over time. Nevertheless, the museum in London was the primary to open and is unquestionably our favourite of all those we now have visited!
We have now visited Madame Tussauds in London many instances over time. My first go to was as a toddler within the Nineteen Eighties, however I’ve since returned as an grownup a few instances as properly.
In right now’s information, we’re going to share with you every thing you must know to plan your individual go to to London’s Madame Tussauds based mostly on our experiences.
From recommendations on get right here, what to anticipate, and skip the traces, this information will enable you plan the proper go to. Additionally, if you’re unsure if you wish to go to right here, this information ought to enable you determine whether it is value visiting or not.
Let’s get began by answering some questions on Madame Tussauds.
Who was Madame Tussauds?
The Madame Tussauds wax museum is definitely named after an actual particular person. Marie Tussaud was born in Strasbourg, France in 1761, with the maiden identify Marie Grosholtz.
She began to learn to create wax sculptures at a really younger age underneath the path of the famend wax sculptor Philippe Curtius. With Philippe she moved to Paris, France, the place she was through the French Revolution. In truth, lots of her early works have been wax fashions of the victims of the French Revolution.
When Philippe died, his giant assortment of wax fashions was bequeathed to Marie. It was additionally round this time that she met and married Francois Tussaud, thus changing into Madame Tussauds.
For 30 years within the early nineteenth century, Marie took her assortment of wax collectible figurines on tour round Europe. She lastly settled in London in 1831, the place she died in 1850.
A Temporary Historical past of Wax Figures & Wax Museums
At this level you may be questioning when and why wax museums turned common, and if Madame Tussauds was the primary wax museum in London.
Effectively, life-size correct wax figures of individuals have been round for fairly a protracted whereas. For instance, life-like wax figures have been created as a part of the funeral course of for European Royalty within the Center Ages. This was to current a determine of the deceased to the lots to pay their respects to.
It was within the seventeenth century that wax figures turned common as a type of leisure. Variations of the French Royal Court docket and English Royal Court docket have been created and exhibited, and these turned common as each travelling and everlasting displays.
In a time earlier than images, TV, magazines, or the Web, most individuals would probably not know what well-known folks regarded appreciated exterior of printed sketches or cash. Wax figures have been probably the most life-like representations that most individuals would ever see and have been extremely popular. Some additionally depicted grotesque or stunning scenes equivalent to murders and decapitations.
The primary recognized wax museum in London was opened in 1711 on Fleet Road by a girl named Mrs. Salmon. This was over 100 years earlier than Madame Tussauds opened her London museum!
What’s Madame Tussauds?
Madame Tussauds is a wax museum which is thought for its lifelike wax depictions of historic and movie star figures from world wide.
The unique Madame Tussauds in London was based by Marie Tussaud who gave it her identify. The unique assortment consisted of round 400 figures, together with the figures Marie had inherited from Philipe Curtius.
At the moment there are a number of Madame Tussauds museums world wide, however the authentic was based in London on Baker Road in 1835. In 1884 the museum was moved to its current location on Marylebone Highway.
At the moment, Madame Tussauds comprises all kinds of displays. These embrace rotating themed displays, typically based mostly on latest motion pictures or different cultural occasions.
There are additionally notable wax figures spanning historical past, from latest celebrities to previous political figures, sporting heroes, and even fictional characters.
The London Madame Tussauds can also be dwelling to a few of the oldest wax fashions within the Madame Tussauds assortment, a few of which have been created by Marie herself. So for these of you curious about the historical past of the museum and the lifetime of Marie, that is undoubtedly the Madame Tussauds to go to.
Planning Your Go to to Madame Tussauds
Now that a bit concerning the historical past of Madame Tussauds, each the museum and the particular person behind it, let’s take a look at planning your go to to this common attraction.
The place is Madame Tussauds in London?
Madame Tussauds is discovered on Marylebone Highway within the Marylebone space of London. That is simply to the north west of central London sights, by Regent’s Park.
The total deal with is:
Madame Tussauds
Marylebone Highway
London
NW1 5LR
From the skin you’ll discover that the constructing is in two components, a big white constructing after which a dome. This was beforehand the London Planetarium; nevertheless it closed as a planetarium in 2010 and is now the world of Madame Tussauds the place 4D movies are proven.
The best way to Get to Madame Tussauds?
Madame Tussauds is simple to get to, with a number of transport choices obtainable.
We practically all the time journey to Madame Tussauds on the London Underground, or Tube. The closest tube station is Baker Road, simply a few minutes’ stroll away.
Baker Road is served by 5 tube traces, the Bakerloo line, Circle line, Jubilee line, Hammersmith & Metropolis line and Metropolitan line. So it is best to be capable of simply attain it by tube wherever you might be staying in London.
There are additionally public bus stops close to to Madame Tussauds providing connections throughout town.
Experience-sharing apps and taxis are in fact additionally obtainable in London.
Lastly, if you’re exploring London on a hop on hop off bus, such because the one included on the London Move, nearly all of these companies have a route which features a cease at Madame Tussauds.
If you need extra details about public transport in London, see our information to getting round London.
When is Madame Tussauds Open?
Madame Tussauds is often open year-round excluding Christmas Day.
Opening instances range from 9am to 10am, and the closing time additionally varies between 3pm and 5pm.
These instances depend upon the day of the week and the time of the yr, with much less common days usually having shorter opening hours.
Make sure you verify the most recent opening dates and instances earlier than your go to. You possibly can see the complete calendar of opening instances and hours on the official web site right here.
How Lengthy does it take to go to Madame Tussauds?
In our expertise, it is best to anticipate to spend a minimal of 90 minutes visiting, however we’d advocate spending two to 3 hours visiting Madame Tussauds to get probably the most out of your expertise.
The museum is specified by a structured style so that you naturally move from one exhibit to the subsequent. The vast majority of displays have quite a lot of photograph alternatives, so you’ll doubtless discover the time flying by as you pose along with your favourite personalities.
As well as, when the museum is busier it could take a bit of longer as you wait to take your photographs. So we’d advocate giving your self loads of time so that you don’t really feel rushed or that you’re lacking out on something.
What Can You See at Madame Tussauds?
With over 150 wax figures on show, unfold out throughout 11 totally different themed zones, you’ll be able to undoubtedly see so much at Madame Tussauds!
The primary zones are as follows. Nevertheless, do bear in mind that the figures and zones do change every now and then.
- Music
- Royals
- Sport
- Vogue
- Movie
In addition to the above, there are themed zones which often replicate latest common movies or different cultural occasions. For instance, when we now have visited we now have seen a Star Wars themed zone, and a Marvel themed zone.
In addition to the themed zones, there are a selection of different experiences inside Madame Tussauds. These are as follows.
- The Spirit of London experience has you boarding a “black cab” to take a tour via the historical past of London. That is principally a experience on rails via a lot of displays, with audio obtainable in a lot of languages to clarify what you might be seeing. This experience is quite a lot of enjoyable and is all the time one among our highlights once we go to.
- The Chamber of Horrors. This fashion of stunning and gory waxwork was really the unique imaginative and prescient of Madame Tussauds when she toured the UK in 1818, because it was interesting to audiences on the time. This exhibit is grownup in nature, and focuses on a few of the UK’s most infamous crimes, victims and perpetrators. This contains serial killers like Jack the Ripper.
- The 4D film expertise. After we visited, this was the Marvel Universe 4D expertise, which takes you on a enjoyable experience via the Marvel world with heroes equivalent to Captain Marvel, Thor and Spider-Man. The experience includes a 3D film in addition to a lot of particular results to create a extra immersive expertise. Observe that as of 2023 that is included with the usual ticket (it was once a paid addon).
The precise wax figures on show change pretty frequently. You possibly can see a listing of the present wax figures and themed areas on the official web site right here.
Do you Want a Ticket for Madame Tussauds?
Sure, all guests to Madame Tussauds want a ticket. This contains kids underneath three who qualify at no cost entry.
The place to Purchase Madame Tussauds Tickets
You could have two choices for buying Madame Tussauds tickets. You should buy them in particular person on the day of your go to, or you should purchase them on-line upfront from the official web site.
We strongly advocate reserving tickets upfront as it would each prevent cash and assure your entry. Tickets are timed, with the time indicating when you’ll be able to be a part of the queue to enter the attraction.
How A lot Does Madame Tussauds Value?
Pricing for Madame Tussauds varies relying on a lot of components. Similar day tickets and tickets for common days equivalent to holidays and weekends are often dearer in comparison with tickets booked additional upfront and for much less common days equivalent to weekends.
There are additionally totally different ticket choices obtainable at totally different costs. These are the usual ticket, fast-track ticket, and household ticket.
There are additionally ticket choices which embrace extra experiences, which additionally improve the worth.
In our expertise, the perfect worth tickets are these purchased upfront for much less common days. Shopping for tickets in particular person practically all the time prices extra, and on busy days you aren’t assured entry.
The costs beneath are right as of March 2023, however do verify the official web site for the most recent pricing data and ticket choices.
Normal Madame Tussauds Ticket Value
The usual Madame Tussauds ticket grants you entry to Madame Tussauds on a day and time of your selecting.
Observe that you just do nonetheless have to affix line with all the opposite folks at your timeslot and undergo safety, so you’ll have to queue for a time period.
Normal entry for Madame Tussauds prices:
- £32 – £42 for an grownup
- £25.5 – £38 for a kid (3-15 years)
- Free for kids underneath three years
For the perfect costs you must e-book on-line at the least three days upfront on a non-peak day.
Peak days range, so you’ll need to verify costs on the web site to see in case your chosen day is a peak day. We’d advocate reserving on-line on peak days as properly to keep away from disappointment on the day.
Quick-Monitor Madame Tussauds Ticket Value
At busier instances of the yr equivalent to throughout college holidays, it could take a short while to enter the attraction, with queue instances between 20 and 40 minutes in our expertise.
Should you’d moderately not queue, you’ll be able to pay a premium for a fast-track ticket possibility. Quick-track ticket holders get entry to a devoted line and entry door, so may be inside faster. Nevertheless, the fast-track ticket solely helps with entry, as soon as you might be contained in the attraction there is no such thing as a additional profit.
Quick-track entry for Madame Tussauds prices:
- £40 – £52 for an grownup
- £32 – £48 for a kid (3-15 years)
- Free for kids underneath three years
Typically, fast-track ticket costs price round £8 – £18 greater than customary entry ticket costs. Once more, reserving for off-peak days will get you the perfect worth.
It’s additionally value noting that you may improve a typical ticket to fast-track as a part of the reserving course of, which generally works out cheaper than simply reserving a fast-track ticket relying on availability.
Household Madame Tussauds Normal Ticket
In case you are visiting Madame Tussauds as a household, it can save you by buying a household ticket.
These can be found for teams consisting of 1 or two adults, and two to 3 kids, for a most of 5 company complete.
A household ticket presently prices:
- £31 for every grownup
- £31 for every baby (3-15 years)
- Free for kids underneath three years.
As you’ll be able to see, it can save you fairly a bit on customary entry costs with a household ticket. Observe that fast-track entry is just not doable with a household ticket.
Further Madame Tussauds Experiences
There are extra experiences you’ll be able to pay for to boost your go to. A few of these may be booked once you e-book your Madame Tussauds ticket, others are payable on web site. These are as follows:
- Quick-track improve. If reserving a typical ticket, you should have the choice to improve to a fast-track ticket for £10 per particular person. This should be finished upfront.
- Wax Hand. Throughout your go to, it is possible for you to to cease off at a wax modelling location and have your hand crafted in wax as a memento. This course of takes round quarter-hour and prices £20 per particular person. This may be booked upfront or in particular person on the day.
- Photograph stops. While images is allowed and inspired, you even have the chance to have your photograph taken by skilled photographers at totally different stops. The preferred of those is with the Royal Household. You possibly can take a look at these photographs and determine to purchase them from the present store on the finish of your go to. It’s free to have your photograph taken so that you would possibly as properly do it after which you’ll be able to determine on the finish if you wish to buy them. Pricing varies relying on the variety of photographs chosen.
Are you able to Cancel or Reschedule a Madame Tussauds Ticket?
If you buy tickets from the official web site, these are bought on a non-refundable and non-transferable foundation. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to change the date of your reserving at no cost, which you are able to do on the official web site right here or by way of the Reserving Portal which you’ll obtain a hyperlink to upon ticket buy.
If you buy tickets by way of a third-party ticket web site equivalent to GetYourGuide, these might have a special cancellation coverage. So if the choice to cancel your tickets is necessary, this generally is a good possibility.
The final time we checked, these Madame Tussauds tickets on GetYourGuide supplied free cancellation as much as 24 hours upfront of your go to.
Are you able to Improve a Madame Tussauds Ticket?
You possibly can improve a ticket after buy to incorporate a cinema ticket. Nevertheless, on the time of writing, we’re not conscious of a method to improve tickets from a typical ticket to a fast-track ticket. So it is crucial you e-book the correct of ticket upfront of your go to.
How Lengthy are the Queues at Madame Tussauds?
Queue instances range relying on the time of day and whether or not or not it’s a college or public vacation. At quieter instances the queue will usually be quarter-hour or much less, however throughout peak visiting instances equivalent to college holidays it may be so long as an hour.
Can You Skip the Line at Madame Tussauds?
There are two ticket choices for Madame Tussauds, a standard-entry line and a fast-track ticket line. Quick-track ticket holders can skip the slower standard-entry line and reap the benefits of a devoted entrance.
Nevertheless, each entrances have safety checks, and so there’ll usually be a brief wait even with a fast-track ticket. That stated, at busier instances the fast-track tickets ought to get you inside Madame Tussauds so much faster than the usual tickets.
Madame Tussauds Low cost Tickets
There are a number of totally different choices for low cost tickets for Madame Tussauds. Those we’re presently conscious of are as follows.
Pupil Reductions. In case you are a registered UK scholar, it can save you as much as 56% on Madame Tussauds by profiting from their scholar low cost. You possibly can learn extra about how to do that right here.
In case you are visiting London by practice, you’ll be able to reap the benefits of 2 for 1 entry to many sights, together with Madame Tussauds. This must be booked upfront, and a few date exclusions apply. You possibly can learn extra about this provide right here.
In case you are visiting Madame Tussauds as a gaggle of at the least 10 folks, it can save you by buying a gaggle entry ticket on the official web site.
Deal web site Groupon generally has offers for Madame Tussauds, you’ll be able to verify these out right here.
In any other case, your only option is to buy on the official web site upfront of your go to, which is able to usually prevent some cash in comparison with shopping for tickets on the day.
Passes which embrace Madame Tussauds
An alternative choice which may prevent cash in your Madame Tussauds tickets is to buy an attraction go which incorporates Madame Tussauds. So it’s a good suggestion to verify should you plan to go to any of the opposite sights included on the assorted mixture tickets.
On the time of writing, common metropolis attraction passes just like the London Move don’t embrace Madame Tussauds.
Nevertheless, there are some multi-attraction tickets and passes which do embrace Madame Tussauds. Should you have been already planning on visiting a number of sights when within the metropolis, then these passes and mixture tickets would possibly prevent cash.
For instance, you’ll be able to e-book the next mixture tickets:
There are additionally some passes which embrace Madame Tussauds, that are as follows:
- Huge Metropolis Saver Move. This go is offered in a lot of variations, overlaying as much as 5 premium sights in London. These sights embrace Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, London Dungeon, Shrek’s Journey, and the London Eye.
- Merlin Annual Move – Should you plan to go to quite a lot of sights throughout the UK, then the Merlin Annual Move may be an excellent possibility. This contains entry to almost 30 sights, together with Madame Tussauds, London Eye, Alton Towers, Legoland, London Dungeon, and Warwick Fort. That is most likely greatest suited for individuals who dwell within the UK.
Is Madame Tussauds Value It?
This can in fact depend upon you and the kinds of sights you favor.
We actually have loved Madame Tussauds once we go to. It’s superb how lifelike the movie star figures are, and all of the displays are quite a lot of enjoyable and really properly put collectively. It’s an interactive expertise which is unquestionably one thing that may enchantment to the entire household.
A giant a part of the Madame Tussauds expertise right now for most individuals is taking photographs of the figures and taking selfies with the figures. If this isn’t one thing you get pleasure from, this won’t be the perfect attraction for you.
The opposite factor to notice is that with all the Madame Tussauds places, there’s a give attention to native celebrities, politicians, royalty, athletes, and many others. So that you’ll see a lot of British athletes, movie stars, singers, and naturally the British Royal Household. However worldwide guests will make sure you acknowledge many of those folks in addition to see loads of well-known folks from different components of the world. There are many American figures particularly.
We additionally like that the London location is the unique Madame Tussauds, and that there’s an space the place you’ll be able to be taught extra about Marie Tussaud herself, and see a few of the wax figures that she labored on. Jess likes historical past and actually loved seeing the older figures and studying a bit concerning the historical past and making of wax figures.
In fact, like each expertise and attraction, it’s finally as much as you as as to if or not you’re feeling it’s value it.
Is the Quick Monitor Madame Tussauds Possibility Value It?
That is in fact as much as you. At busier instances, you’ll be able to undoubtedly save a while by buying the fast-track ticket possibility. Nevertheless, if you’re visiting at a quieter time, the time distinction is probably going not going to be very important.
It’s additionally value noting that aside from the possibly diminished queue time, there is no such thing as a different benefit to the fast-track ticket.
Amenities at Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds affords bogs on each stage of the attraction, in addition to child altering amenities.
There’s a memento retailer on the exit, and foods and drinks stands serving confectionary, snacks and drinks are additionally obtainable all through the attraction.
Safety and Restrictions at Madame Tussauds
Earlier than you enter Madame Tussauds you’ll undergo a safety screening course of.
Numerous objects usually are not allowed inside Madame Tussauds, together with baggage, giant luggage, tripods, child buggies, sharp objects equivalent to penknives and scissors, weapons, animals (besides skilled help canines), and alcohol. You possibly can see a full record right here.
Observe that child strollers/prams/buggies may be saved at no cost at a particular storage facility on the museum. You can too depart baggage and coats however there’s a small payment to take action.
Accessibility at Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds is designed to be absolutely accessible, with lifts obtainable and help canines permitted.
As a result of age of the constructing and the variety of lifts obtainable, solely three wheelchair customers may be accommodated within the constructing at anyone time. It’s due to this fact crucial that wheelchair customers e-book a wheelchair ticket when reserving.
The Spirit of London experience can also be not appropriate for company in a wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Carers with documentation are eligible for a free ticket when accompanying a disabled visitor. They do have to pre-book this ticket, which may be finished on-line right here.
There’s a full information to accessibility at Madame Tussauds which you’ll entry from their accessibility web page right here.
Baggage Storage at Madame Tussauds
Buggies and bigger luggage usually are not permitted inside Madame Tussauds. Nevertheless, there’s an on-site cloakroom and buggy storage facility. Buggies may be left right here at no cost, while luggage and coats may be checked right here for a small payment.
What Time of Day is Finest for Visiting Madame Tussauds to Keep away from Crowds?
It’s usually really useful that you just both go to at round opening time or round 2pm if you wish to keep away from the most important crowds.
It’s because though entry is timed and managed to make sure an excellent via move, because the morning goes on the attraction does get a bit busier. So in order for you a much less crowded expertise, then visiting both when it opens or simply after lunch tends to end in a much less crowded go to.
Is Madame Tussauds Air Conditioned?
Sure, Madame Tussauds is absolutely air-conditioned. That is each for the advantage of the company but in addition the wax figures, as these should be saved in a climate-controlled surroundings.
It’s value mentioning that while the inside of Madame Tussauds is local weather managed, the queuing space is exterior the constructing and never shielded from the weather. So it would be best to costume for the climate as you could be in line for a time period earlier than you enter the attraction. Dressing in layers is all the time a good suggestion.
Should you’d like suggestions for what to convey to your journey to London, see our London packing record for many concepts.
Can I take Meals and Drink into Madame Tussauds?
Sure, you might be allowed to take foods and drinks into Madame Tussauds, excluding alcoholic drinks.
It’s value noting that the attraction reserves the proper to limit entry of any merchandise they really feel would possibly adversely have an effect on the operations of the attraction. In these conditions, you’ll be requested to eat or discard these things earlier than entry.
Is Images Allowed at Madame Tussauds?
Images may be very a lot allowed and certainly inspired at Madame Tussauds. So be at liberty to take as many photographs as you want with the wax figures!
You’ll be able to rise up near the overwhelming majority of the wax figures and even contact them (flippantly in fact) to take photographs. However a number of of the older figures and extra necessary figures are roped off or behind glass, however you’ll be able to nonetheless take photographs of them.
The primary exceptions to this rule are within the cinema and on the Spirit of London experience, each are areas the place images is just not permitted.
As well as, tripods usually are not permitted at Madame Tussauds. In case you are travelling with a tripod, this shall be held by safety in the course of your go to.
Sights Close to Madame Tussauds
While you might be within the Marylebone space, you could be questioning what different sights are close by that you may additionally go to. Listed here are some choices you would possibly think about while within the space:
- Sherlock Holmes Museum. This museum devoted to the fictional detective is discovered on Baker Road, and it’s a few minutes’ stroll from Madame Tussauds.
- Regent’s Park. Simply to the north of Madame Tussauds is Regent’s Park, one among London’s pretty inexperienced areas. The view of London from Primrose Hill in Regent’s Park is one among our favorites.
- ZSL London Zoo. Discovered inside Regent’s Park is that this well-known zoo, often known as one among London’s Harry Potter filming places. It’s dwelling to animals from world wide.
- The Wallace Assortment. Just some minutes’ stroll from Madame Tussauds, this artwork assortment focuses on effective and ornamental arts from the fifteenth to nineteenth century, set in stunning Hertford Home.
- The Wonderpass. This pedestrian underpass simply close to Madame Tussauds underwent a major facelift, and is now very colourful. It’s additionally full of details and details about the native space, to present you extra concepts for what to see within the native space!
- Procuring on Oxford Road – That is one among London’s busiest procuring streets and a spot to take a look at if you’re concerned about some retail remedy.
- The Cartoon Museum – this informative museum will train you all concerning the historical past of British cartoons, comics, and caricatures.
As you’ll be able to see, there are many sights close to Madame Tussauds so you might simply make a day of visiting this a part of London.
Alternate options to Madame Tussauds
Actually, there aren’t any comparable sights that we’re conscious of in London which might be like Madame Tussauds. If you wish to go to a wax mannequin museum in London, then Madame Tussauds is unquestionably the most suitable choice!
The place to Keep Close to Madame Tussauds
The Marylebone area of London the place Madame Tussauds is discovered could make for an excellent base for exploring each native sights and the remainder of London. There good transport connections to the remainder of town, and mainline rail stations like Paddington and Euston are additionally shut by.
In case you are considering of staying on this space, listed below are some lodging choices to think about. These are ordered roughly by worth, from decrease to larger, however charges can range so do all the time verify and examine to your dates.
- YHA London Central – quarter-hour’ stroll from Madame Tussauds, this hostel affords shared and personal lodging in addition to kitchen amenities. An excellent possibility for these on a price range or preferring a hostel surroundings
- Marylebone Inn – a few minutes’ stroll from Madame Tussauds, this conventional London city home affords comfy rooms with en-suite amenities and a small kitchenette.
- Lodge La Place – simply 5 minutes’ stroll from Madame Tussauds, this family-run lodge affords air-conditioned en-suite rooms with breakfast.
- Holmes Lodge London – additionally 5 minutes’ stroll from Madame Tussauds, this can be a pretty boutique lodge present in an 18th century townhouse. Rooms are en-suite and air-conditioned, and there’s an on-site restaurant.
- The Prince Akatoki London – quarter-hour stroll from Madame Tussauds, this 5* lodge affords high-end lodging with a minimal aesthetic. Rooms are air-conditioned and en-suite and there’s on-site eating and a health centre.
- The Landmark London – 8 minutes’ stroll from Madame Tussauds, this luxurious 5* lodge affords spacious air-conditioned rooms, a spa, and on-site eating places.
For extra inspiration, we now have an entire information to the place to remain in London, which covers lodging choices throughout the entire of London in addition to on the main airports.
Madame Tussauds Images Suggestions
Certainly one of our favourite issues about Madame Tussauds is the distinctive alternatives it affords for taking photographs. In spite of everything, the place else are you going to have the ability to get a photograph of you along with your favourite celebrities!
Madame Tussauds is about up that will help you get the photographs you need. A lot of the wax fashions are displayed in a manner that makes posing with them straightforward.
That stated, there are nonetheless a number of challenges to concentrate on in relation to taking photographs. As an expert photographer, I’ll now share some recommendations on taking photographs at Madame Tussauds that will help you get the perfect pictures once you go to.
- Time your photographs. Madame Tussauds is a well-liked location, which signifies that it may be a bit of bit crowded. In case you are not in a rush, then exercising a bit of endurance can reap rewards. Ideally you wish to decrease distractions like different folks in your pictures, so you’ll be able to focus in your topic and the wax mannequin moderately than another person’s arm or head!
- Modify for the sunshine. Madame Tussauds is pretty properly lit, however it’s nonetheless an indoor attraction. In case you have a smartphone, it ought to alter itself robotically, however think about setting it to an evening mode, indoor mode or portrait mode if it has one. In case you have a digital camera with handbook controls, I like to recommend setting a wide-open aperture, a shutter pace of at the least 1/sixtieth of a second, after which an ISO to swimsuit.
- Keep in mind that tripods usually are not permitted so that you’ll wish to depart them at your lodge (otherwise you’ll have to pay to verify them on the cloakroom).
- In case you are visiting by yourself or need a photograph of you and your companions/household, it’s good to make pals with one other customer or group of holiday makers. A great way to do that is to supply to take a photograph of one other particular person or group, and they’re going to often return the favor. That’s how we obtained a number of photographs of us collectively throughout our go to as we had supplied to take a photograph of a household and so they returned the favor.
- Handle your flash. Many cameras will robotically allow the flash unit in the event that they really feel it’s essential. Nevertheless, a flash can typically end in unnatural trying pictures. So it is very important perceive how to have the ability to disable your flash if required.
- Contemplate the composition. When taking your photographs, take into consideration what’s within the body and the place it’s positioned. Is there something distracting or pointless that you just don’t want, like one other particular person or background wax determine? Do you will have every thing in shot that you just wish to have in shot? Maybe a special angle will work higher? Simply take a while to consider the composition of your photographs earlier than you press the shutter button. See our recommendations on composition in images for some extra concepts.
- There may be usually an opportunity for one or two skilled photograph alternatives the place a photographer will take your photograph of you and your group after which you will have an opportunity to buy it later should you prefer it. That is usually finished with the Royal Household in addition to at different places.
- Have some enjoyable! The aim of visiting Madame Tussauds is to get pleasure from your self, and hopefully seize some pictures of you and anybody you might be visiting with having an excellent time! So, make some enjoyable poses, smile, and revel in your self! This can come via in your photographs and provide you with higher outcomes.
Hopefully our images suggestions enable you get some higher photographs once you go to Madame Tussauds. Should you’d wish to be taught extra about images, we now have a complete number of images suggestions right here so that you can learn via.
Our Expertise Visiting Madame Tussauds
We have now really visited Madame Tussauds a lot of instances. Laurence first visited as a toddler together with his household within the Nineteen Eighties, when it was fairly a special expertise earlier than social media and selfies have been a factor! Again then, the wax figures have been to be cautiously noticed from behind velvet ropes!
Since then, instances have modified, and Jessica and I’ve visited twice in more moderen years. We’ll share our expertise from our most up-to-date go to in 2022, which was just like our go to in 2017 (though a few of the displays modified between visits).
We booked for the 9:30 AM timeslot, which was the primary one on the day we visited. We arrived a bit of at round 9:20 AM. There was already a queue shaped, which we joined. The doorways opened at 9:30 AM, and the queue moved shortly. We handed via safety and have been inside by 9:36 AM.
The primary part we visited was the movie star after-party, which featured many celebrities from the world of movie and TV. They have been all dressed to the nines and this was a preferred location to get photographs.
Fortunately as we have been there early within the day it was not too busy however there have been nonetheless some quick waits to face subsequent to the preferred celebrities.
We then navigated via the Alien: Escape expertise, a horror themed exhibition based mostly on the world of the Alien franchise. This was quite a lot of enjoyable and a bit of bit creepy!
As you’ll be able to inform within the photograph beneath, we have been right here through the COVID-19 pandemic interval and we each wore face masks throughout our go to however did take away them for lots of the photographs.
From there we entered the world of flicks, that includes stars of the silver display screen from E.T. to James Bond. We additionally noticed the large eighteen-foot animatronic statue of Kong’s head from Kong: Cranium Island.
We handed by one of many wax hand creation workshops. Somebody was about to get a wax mannequin handmade, which regarded like quite a lot of enjoyable, particularly for youths. That is one thing we’d attempt on a future go to.
Right here we descended to a brand new stage the place there have been sporting stars, Olympic athletes and style fashions.
We then met Royals from the British Royal Household spanning the generations. Right here there was a photograph alternative with the current Royal Household.
Our go to was earlier than the demise of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, so the format may have modified since we have been final there.
The Royals have been close to a lot of outstanding politicians from each the UK and abroad, after which we entered into the world of Music with plentiful alternatives for photographs of a lot of common musicians, each present and previous.
We then descended to a different stage. We notably appreciated that the staircases had a lot of posters and details about Marie Tussauds and the historical past of Madame Tussauds, a form of mini museum because it have been.
The brand new stage opened with a small show on Marie Tussauds, with a wax mannequin of the woman herself in addition to a few of the oldest wax fashions within the assortment. The oldest waxwork within the assortment is the respiration Sleeping Magnificence made by Philippe Curtius, which dates to 1763. A tool in her chest makes it seem that she is asleep and respiration.
There was additionally data on the method of constructing a wax mannequin. The video proven once we have been there final was of the making of a wax mould of Beyoncé, displaying all of the steps it take to create a contemporary wax determine and her expertise of the method.
Now it was time to board the Spirit of London experience. It is a experience on rails the place you board a “black cab” carriage, and are transported round a lot of scenes depicting key occasions and characters from London’s colourful previous.
This contains all types of occasions from the Middles Ages till now and figures embrace these of individuals equivalent to William Shakespeare, Queen Victoria, and Winston Churchill.
This a part of Madame Tussauds is all the time a favorite with us. There’s additionally a possibility to have your photograph taken on the finish of the experience so hold a watch out for that.
After the experience we entered Marvel’s Corridor of Heroes, dwelling to lots of the superhero characters from the Marvel universe.
There have been extra enjoyable photograph alternatives right here. That is additionally the place the cinema is, which was displaying the Marvel 4D film once we visited. As of 2023 that is included on all tickets (it was once a paid add-on).
From the Marvel space we handed via the Star Wars exhibit, which depicted key scenes from lots of the Star Wars motion pictures and had some extra enjoyable photograph alternatives.
We notably appreciated the chance to fly the Millenium Falcon into hyperspace with Chewie by our aspect!
Lastly, we have been into the present store the place we picked up a few items for pals earlier than rising into the daylight.
We left simply after 11am, having spent about 90 minutes inside. We undoubtedly might have spent longer, however we had fairly a busy schedule and had visited earlier than, so we actually hit a few of our highlights moderately than stopping completely in all places.
However I believe most individuals ought to allocate at the least 2 hours, maybe 3 hours, to make sure they’ve sufficient time right here.
Madame Tussauds Suggestions for Visiting
We needed to share some suggestions that will help you plan your go to to Madame Tussauds.
- Guide upfront. You possibly can skip the ticket queue, get the perfect costs and assure your entry by reserving on-line upfront on the official web site right here.
- Plan to come back early or after lunch. Madame Tussauds is a well-liked attraction, and tends to get busier because the day progresses, with a lull round 2pm after lunch. So plan to both arrive very first thing, or simply after lunch should you would favor a much less busy expertise.
- Allocate at the least 2 hours right here, maybe 3 hours (particularly if you wish to watch the movie), to make sure you have loads of time to get pleasure from your time right here and see every thing with out feeling rushed.
- Go to with pals or household should you can. Madame Tussauds is unquestionably greatest skilled as a gaggle. You’ll wish to get a lot of photographs, and it’s undoubtedly simpler to do this if you’re not by yourself. Plus it’s a enjoyable shared expertise!
Additional Studying
That’s it for our information to visiting Madame Tussauds in London. We hope you discovered it helpful in serving to you propose your journey to this common attraction.
We’ve additionally obtained a lot of different sources that will help you plan your journey to London and the UK typically which we predict you’ll discover helpful.
- We have now detailed itineraries for 1 day in London, 2 days in London, 3 days in London and 6 days in London
- We have now an in depth information to visiting the Tower of London in addition to visiting the London Eye, two extra iconic London attraction
- You’ll want someplace to remain within the metropolis should you’re right here for greater than a day. See our information to the place to remain in London for some ideas throughout all budgets.
- Should you plan on doing a lot sightseeing within the metropolis, you’ll doubtless get monetary savings with a London Move. See our full London Move overview right here to see if this would possibly prevent cash on sightseeing.
- We have now a information to getting round London, and a information to utilizing the Oyster card in London.
- Should you’re flying into one among London’s six airports, see our information to attending to London from the airport.
- We have now an in depth information to what to pack for London, that will help you put together to your journey to London.
- We put collectively some recommendations on discovering the greatest Images Areas in London
- For the Harry Potter followers amongst you, check out our information to discovering Harry Potter in London
- 8 Issues to Do in Kensington, London, in case you needed to focus extra on a selected area of town
- Should you get pleasure from navy museums, check out our information to London’s greatest navy museums and memorial. Additionally see our Winston Churchill in London information.
- Recommendations on spending Two Weeks within the UK, must you wish to have London as the beginning of a much bigger journey
- For price range planning, see our information to how a lot it prices to journey within the UK
- Our expertise taking a full day strolling tour of London, in case you want the concept of a totally guided day
- Ideas on visiting Stonehenge from London as a day journey
- Different good day journeys from London embrace Oxford and Cambridge. See our information to Oxford in a day in addition to issues to do in Cambridge for concepts.
- Heading additional north? We have now a great deal of content material on Scotland, together with a 2 Day Edinburgh itinerary, guides to the North Coast 500 and a 2 Day Glasgow itinerary
- How about heading to Paris from London? We have now an in depth information to the greatest method to get from London to Paris that will help you plan
- The Eyewitness Journey Information to London, which has all kinds of data inside, together with extra itineraries and concepts to your journey
- Rick Steve’s London information, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK journey guides, and all the time a superb supply of related data
And that’s it! We hope you discovered our information to visiting Madame Tussauds useful, and as all the time, if in case you have any questions, simply pop them within the feedback and we’ll reply them as quickly as we are able to!
So : We have been offered a pair of complimentary customary tickets for Madame Tussauds to expertise a go to as media. We paid for all of our different bills, together with our transport and lodging in London.