Face Your Fears - Arachnophobia

 

In the lead up to this year's Phobophobia, we thought we'd take a look at the biggest fears, frights and phobias that make your skin crawl. Spiders, small spaces, big spaces, lifts, darkness… its time to face your fears.

And to kick-start our face your fears season here at The London Bridge Experience and London Tombs, we thought we'd cover one of the world's greatest fears - spiders. According the National Institute of Mental Health, phobias affect 10% of all adults. Topping this list is arachnophobia — the extreme or irrational fear of spiders. Of all the 63,000 different species of arachnid in the world, only 2% are actually considered dangerous. The rest simply fall into the category of 'EWWW - it's a spider!'

So why are we scared of something so easily squashed by a slipper?

Here are just three reasons:
The Brazilian wandering spider is perhaps the most dangerous arachnid in the world. At just five inches long, this nomadic spider is known for its deadly bite. The venom released acts as a calcium channel blocker, which causes loss of muscle control, breathing problems, paralysis and asphyxiation.
The lethal black widow spider's venom is reported as being 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake's. It too has been known to cause a paralysis of the diaphragm which can kill young children, the elderly and the infirm.
A third spider to steer well clear of is the Sydney funnel-web. It not only commands one of the deadliest venoms known to man, but its aggressive nature means you'll be lucky to escape with just one bite. They are known to strike repeatedly, which will almost certainly lead to a slow and painful death.
Now, imagine being left in a room full of these frightful creatures; each one waiting to sink their fangs into your flesh… Still think you're not afraid of eight-legged insects?
Come to The London Bridge Experience and London Tombs and face your fears. The Spider Nest has a vile infestation of arachnids of all shapes and sizes that are bound to send shivers down your spine. Just watch out for that web...

Face Your Fears - Ghost Hunting At The London Bridge Experience

Do you believe in ghosts? Have you got a fascination with the paranormal? Or perhaps you just like being scared witless. Either way, Haunted Happenings at the London Bridge Experience and London Tombs are one of the best ways to spend a night in London… In 2007 the BBC reported how builders refused to work alone in the tombs after a collection of skeletons were uncovered in a sealed vault in the basement. Light bulbs blew for no reason, tools mysteriously disappeared and contractors all felt as if someone was watching their every move. 

Later that year, before the tombs were opened to the public, bloggers retold stories of their nights among the dead. Further reports of faulty lighting, strange noises and ticking clocks were all commonplace and even the most hardened ghost hunter felt the cold chill of the paranormal activity in their immediate surroundings. Haunted Happenings are immensely popular nights that have just one intention — to reinstate your childhood fear of the dark. Join an expert paranormal team equipped with the latest ghost-hunting gadgetry as you go in search of all things abnormal. A historian will impart their knowledge of the area and mediums will be on hand to make connections with the other side. For a full itinerary of your night in the tombs, take a look at the ghost hunts page. And if you are looking for a corporate event with a difference, then look no further than The London Bridge Experience.

Beware of Zombies!

It is a well known fact that since its opening in 2008, The London Tombs has been home to an array of terrifying, gruesome and cunning zombies down in its depths. The question is, however, if the zombie army rose up and started a zombie invasion, would you know how to shield yourself??

Here are 10 handy tips to ensure you survive a zombie encounter:
1. Make sure you run! - Zombies are slow. The fastest one can attempt a speed-stumble, but generally they can't move as fast as a human jogger.
2. Start rubbing those sticks together! - Zombies hate fire, so start a nice little fire burning to keep them at bay.
3. Wear tight clothes and tie up your hair! - Zombies will do just about anything to get hold of you, so keep your clothes tight and your hair tied back to prevent being snagged by undead fingernails!
4. Burn a dead one! - Zombies, once killed, can still regenerate and will come back to find you with a vengeance. So make sure that if you kill a zombie, cremate it so it doesn't come back to try and bite you!
5. Stay away from Chuck Norris! - If Chuck gets bitten, possibly the most dangerous zombie ever will be created! So, if you see Chuck Norris, run!! After all, when the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.
6. Stairs are your friend! - Zombies have really poor co-ordination, so will often have trouble trying to get up staircases, making them slow and easier to kill/run away from!
7. Stay away from any Zoos! - Human zombies are hard to escape from, but imagine a zombie animal stampede after you...doesn't bare thinking about!
8. Get a boat! - Zombies don't like water as they have no brain activity, and so they lack all of the physical control that would enable them to swim!
9. Get to the Supermarket! - A supermarket is a great place for long-term survival as it has all the food and entertainment you could need! Just make sure you create strong barricades to stop the Zombies from getting in, then sit back in the comfort of the home section and enjoy all of the free food on offer!
10. Go for the brain! - The best way to kill a zombie is to destroy the brain which will then immobilise them. And if they cant move (or bite!) then you will be far better off!


Now you should be armed with all the necessary skills to survive a zombie invasion and continue the human race should this crazy event ever occur! Good luck!

Meet Queen Boudicca

When the Romans invaded old Londinium in AD 43, they hadn't reckoned on the power of the Iceni. After Prasutagus, the ruler of the Iceni died, the Romans seized the opportunity to take this part of the country for their own to the detriment of the Iceni.

The late Prastagus's wife, Queen Boudicca was publicly flogged; her children deflowered; and property was confiscated which caused widespread resentment towards the Romans. In 60AD the Iceni rebelled and completely destroyed Colchester, the capital of Roman Britain. They went on to sack London and St Albans killing thousands on the way, and almost forcing the Roman empire to retreat from Britain altogether.

Of course, news spread of Boudicca's victories and a group of Romans led by Paulinus finally defeated the rebel forces. Many Britons died in this bloody battle and it is thought that Queen Boudicca killed herself to avoid capture. A legend of her time and an inspiration to many, Queen Boudicca's finest moments are captured within the London Bridge Experience. See how the rebel forces thwarted the Romans in one of the goriest battles of the era.

"The UK’s best scare attraction“ 2nd year running!

The London Bridge Experience and The London Tombs were delighted to be named “The Best Year Round Scare Attraction” at the UK’s only awards for the Scare and Haunted Attractions Industry.


On May 6th 2010, the much anticipated Screamie Awards returned for yet another year at The Magic Circle Headquarters in Central London. The Screamie Awards, or Screamies as they are more commonly referred to, are an award which recognises the immense talent and ingenuity that is prevalent in the exciting scare and haunted attraction industry.  The ceremony which is a key event in every major scare attractions diary, is voted for by the public and is a great way of identifying some of the best attractions and events around the country. 


The London Bridge Experience and The London Tombs were delighted to  retain the crown as as ‘The UK’s Scariest Visitor Attraction” thanks to an impressive  and highly invested new set design and the continuous development to the year-round show.


David Leon, Secretary, BASHA says “ The London Bridge Experience and The London Tombs deserves the award for the UK’s Scariest Attraction, as they provide a consistently good scare fix all year round, so customers don’t have to wait until October to get scared. The London Bridge Experience and The London Tombs  is a great attraction for everyone to enjoy. The first part of the attraction offers families  and school parties with a historical account of the history of London Bridge, whilst groups of teenagers just love the London Tombs. “


The special ceremony which marks the annual ScareCON event took place at The Magic Circle Headquarters, in Euston, central London. The London Bridge Experience & The London Tombs were particularly praised for continuously striving to update and renew their show content, fighting fierce competition from The London Dungeons, Pasaje del Terror in Blackpool, Scream at Madame Tussauds and York Dungeons.


There are now treble the number of scare attractions there were three years ago as customers rush to put themselves in horrific situations and be frightened out of their minds. Hundreds of thousands of thrill seeking customers pay entrance fees every year in the UK to be scared witless, leaving breathless, shaking and clammy palmed, so what are you missing out on?


“Scare attractions” are a unique style of theatrical storytelling that aim to immerse the audience in an intense experience. Through a combination of live actors, special effects and design, guests are treated to a frightening experience, which will take them on a safe, yet terrifying journey into the unknown. From the success of top attractions such as The London Bridge Experience and The London Tombs, it would seem that the public’s desire for this unique form of entertainment is unquenchable. The Scare attractions that work best are the ones that offer a genuine and terrifying scare all year round, and offer a new level of scare and intensity. People want to experience the fear they witness whilst watching horror movies, so attractions have to up their game in terms of technology on offer as well as frequent updates to ensure their attraction looks fresh and exciting. Attractions such as The London Bridge Experience and The London Tombs have definitely proved that there is demand for a darker scare.


The UK public have a seemingly morbid fascination with death and gore, and although the blatant scare attraction is a huge draw, the more subtle and lifelike horror can be just as creepy. However as the Screamie Awards demonstrate, The London Bridge Experience and The London Tombs remain at the forefront of the industry as The UK’s Scariest Visitor Attraction and invite everyone to come down and put it to the test!


Get your tickets online now.