What's this? A fear of shiny-lipped women? A petrifaction of Cosmopolitan Magazine? A phobia of half of Dulux's range of paints? Alas, no - this week's Face Your Fears article, Glossophobia, is the fear of public speaking.
What makes this particular phobia so fascinating is the fact that it ranks higher on the big list of the world's fears than dying. Which means, as Jerry Seinfeld once famously pointed out, that most people at a funeral would rather be in the casket than delivering the eulogy.
Another fascinating fact regarding glossophobia is that is one of the few fears that can actually produce what a person thinks it will.
Sound convoluted? Then picture this: You're at an important work meeting and it's your turn to give the speech to the board about your department's performance over the last quarter. If you suffer from glossophobia, you've probably already got sweaty palms. Allow your fear to get the better of you and you'll probably lose all your confidence and become speechless when you take to the stage.
Do you suffer from Glossophobia? For the next couple of weeks, The London Bridge Experience and The London Tombs are offering to help cure this fear for free. Simply come along to SCAREfactor dressed in your most hideous Zombie getup and act like you're half dead for your free curing. Oh, and you might just land a job working for us while you're here.
Monday, 27 September 2010
Monday, 20 September 2010
Face Your Fears: Claustrophobia
This week's Face Your Fears is dedicated to all you claustrophobics out there.
The word claustrophobia comes from the Latin word claustrum, which means 'a shut place' and the Greek word phóbos, which means 'fear'.
It's most likely to strike when in a confined space, like a lift, aeroplane or basement where there is little or no room to manoeuvre. And as with most common phobias, the cause of claustrophobia can be attributed to an unpleasant experience or learned behaviour.
As a child you may have been locked in a wardrobe. As an adult, there's a fair chance you may have been stuck in a lift. If you're really unlucky, you may have just learned to be afraid of small spaces by the adult in your life — a scenario that is most common with arachnophobia or ophidiophobia.
The primary symptom is a panic attack. You might be able to identify a claustrophobic as someone who always stands near the door at a party, terrified of getting too far away from their escape route.
So how do you get cured of such a phobia?
Hypnotism is one way as it can remove the nervous feeling altogether. But the best way? Face your fears, of course.
Here at the London Bridge Experience and London Tombs, we can help. Make your way down to The Big Squeeze - a confined chamber where the only way out is forward. Guaranteed to make your heart race and your sweat glands work overtime, being in a confined space isn't the only thing to watch out for…
If you've got any claustrophobia stories, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line on Facebook, or add your 140 characters on Twitter.
The word claustrophobia comes from the Latin word claustrum, which means 'a shut place' and the Greek word phóbos, which means 'fear'.
It's most likely to strike when in a confined space, like a lift, aeroplane or basement where there is little or no room to manoeuvre. And as with most common phobias, the cause of claustrophobia can be attributed to an unpleasant experience or learned behaviour.
As a child you may have been locked in a wardrobe. As an adult, there's a fair chance you may have been stuck in a lift. If you're really unlucky, you may have just learned to be afraid of small spaces by the adult in your life — a scenario that is most common with arachnophobia or ophidiophobia.
The primary symptom is a panic attack. You might be able to identify a claustrophobic as someone who always stands near the door at a party, terrified of getting too far away from their escape route.
So how do you get cured of such a phobia?
Hypnotism is one way as it can remove the nervous feeling altogether. But the best way? Face your fears, of course.
Here at the London Bridge Experience and London Tombs, we can help. Make your way down to The Big Squeeze - a confined chamber where the only way out is forward. Guaranteed to make your heart race and your sweat glands work overtime, being in a confined space isn't the only thing to watch out for…
If you've got any claustrophobia stories, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line on Facebook, or add your 140 characters on Twitter.
Friday, 20 August 2010
Face Your Fears: Ophidiophobia
A fear of snakes is perfectly normal. Since time began, the snake has been man's mortal enemy, tricking him to eat from the forbidden tree and getting him cast out of the Garden of Eden.
Greek mythology tells of a gargoyle called Medusa who could turn even the strongest of men into stone with a single look. Instead of hair, she had a head of snakes, each one lashing and thrashing, eager to strike fear into the heart of man.
Modern famous films like Indiana Jones, Snakes on a Plane, Anaconda et al. have also fuelled this fear of snakes, reinforcing one of the world's greatest phobias of this slithering serpent.
With so many negative references towards serpents spanning throughout history, it's hardly surprising that we are, on the whole, incredibly scared of snakes. As hard as I have looked, I haven't found a single story where the snake is the hero. It just doesn't happen - the snake is always the bad guy. Lodged firmly in the world's top ten most common phobias, ophidiophobia, or snakephobia as it is often known affects millions of people around the world. However, unlike other common fears, such as the dark, rejection and terrorist attacks, encounters with snakes can be reduced to a minimum Ñ especially here in the UK.
In Britain, there is only one deadly snake that you need to be wary of Ñ the Vipera berus, or adder as it's more commonly known. Part of the Viperidae family, it has long fangs that allow for a deep bite and a deadly venom that, in large doses, can kill.
Once injected, the venom from a viper causes immense pain, strong local swelling, blood loss and disruption to the blood clotting system. Death from a viper bite is caused by collapse in blood pressure.
If you are reading this in a warmer country than England, or you're preparing to go on holiday to snake-infested lands, there are many more deadly snakes you need to steer clear of.
The fierce snake, or inland taipan resides in central Australia, is brown or olive in colour and has distinctive black markings on the head. This snake could almost be considered a mass murderer as a single bite contains enough venom to kill 100 adult humansÉ Take that, human centipede!
Another incredibly deadly snake, the black mamba almost matches the inland taipan for deadliness. Growing up to 4.3 metres in length, it is indeed Africa's deadliest snake and commands one of the most potent venoms known to man. The mortality rate is nearly 100% and victims can be dead within 20 minutes of being bitten. What makes this particular breed so terrifying is the ferocity of its attacks, as it quite often strikes repeatedly.
Biting isn't the snake's only form of attack. The constrictor family can be just as deadly by squeezing the life out of its victims, slowly and really rather painfully.
The Burmese python is one of the largest snakes in the world and can grow up to 6 metres in length. And while this particular fiend doesn't have a venomous bite, it's gargantuan girth will squeeze you and squeeze you until you die.
So there you have it; a few freaky facts about snakes. Think you can face your fears? Then come visit The Snake Pit in The London Bridge Experience and London Tombs. We won't bite, I promisssssssss...
Sunday, 18 July 2010
Face Your Fears - Arachnophobia
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...
Friday, 18 June 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, 18 April 2010
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??
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!
Thursday, 18 March 2010
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 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.
Monday, 18 January 2010
"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.
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.
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