Shrek’s Adventure London: An Honest Family Review (2026)

Shrek’s Adventure

We recently visited London for the day with our 5 year old son Leo and 9 month old baby Luca. Leo (and me) are big Shrek fans, so Shrek’s Adventure has been on our to do list for a while.

We found that there was surprisingly little information available online about what to expect. Since filming or taking photos is not allowed during the adventure, social media offers almost no glimpse into the experience. Something that is quite unusual this day and age! We went in completely oblivious as to what was going to happen.

We visited on a Thursday during term time, so it was relatively quiet with minimal queueing. It took around 10 minutes to get in and for the experience to begin.

What do you do at Shrek’s Adventure?

The question we had right up to entering the attraction! In a nutshell, it is a walk-through experience where you meet a variety of live actors playing various fairy tale characters. You get to interact with the characters and collect clues as you make your way through the adventure.

The experience starts when you enter a magical lift and go up to an area with toilets and a place to leave your pram if you have one. Make sure everyone uses the toilet here, as there won’t be another opportunity until the end of the tour. You aren’t allowed to take prams into the attraction, and you can’t leave bags in the pram park either, so do be aware that you may end up carrying a baby and a bag! You queue to have your photo taken in front of a green screen (which you can buy at the end if you wish) and then the tour begins.

A 4D flying bus ride with Donkey takes you to Far Far Away. Along the way you encounter a variety of Dreamworks characters including Kung Fu Panda and characters from How to Train Your Dragon. You take out one of Rumpelstiltskin’s witches during the flight, which leads to him wanting to ‘get you’ throughout the rest of the adventure. He eventually captures the group in a cell, but you are saved by Shrek himself, who offers a photo opportunity to bring the tour to a close.

Along the adventure you also meet Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, the Muffin Man, and others as you move between fairy tale themed rooms. Every set is packed with detail, and the actors throw themselves into it completely.

Our Overall Shrek’s Adventure Review

Shrek’s Adventure is definitely a unique attraction, and something that can be enjoyed by a wide variety of ages. Leo is still talking about it days later, he says he enjoyed it more than SEALIFE London (he LOVES an aquarium, so this is really saying something!). The actors and actresses were brilliant; they put so much effort into their performances and the attention to detail in each of the sets is fantastic. Just like in the movies, we loved the subtle jokes for adults that were cleverly sprinkled throughout.

If you are looking for something to do with the kids in London, this is a great shout. Be prepared for something a little different and an experience you won’t forget anytime soon!

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How Much Does Shrek’s Adventure Cost?

Tickets are available directly through the Shrek’s Adventure website, and booking online in advance almost always gets you a better deal than paying on the door. Standard online advance tickets start from around £19 for adults and £14 for children, whereas door prices are usually fixed at £32 for adults and £26 for children.

If you have a Merlin Annual Pass, entry is included in your membership. It is also worth checking for 2-for-1 deals through National Rail, Merlin offers, and voucher sites before you book. We always recommend checking the official site for the most up-to-date pricing, as costs vary by date and time slot. Going mid-week during term time, as we did, tends to be both cheaper and much quieter.

What to Do Nearby

Shrek’s Adventure sits right on the South Bank, which is one of London’s most family-friendly stretches of riverside. SEALIFE London Aquarium is right next door and makes a brilliant pairing for a full day out, Leo loved both, though Shrek’s Adventure just pipped it to the post! The London Eye is steps away if you want to add a ride. Further along the riverbank you’ll find the BFI IMAX, street food stalls, and plenty of open space for kids to run around. Westminster tube station is a five-minute walk and drops you right by Big Ben, which is always a hit with younger visitors.

Key Takeaways

• Best for ages 5-12, though adults enjoy it too, especially those who love a good panto.
• Lasts around one hour from start to finish, so factor in extra time for queueing and the exit activities.
• No prams inside the attraction: bring a baby carrier so your hands stay free.
• No filming or photos are allowed during the experience, which is why you’ll find so little of it on social media.
• Book online in advance for the best ticket price, paying on the door costs more.
• Mid-week term-time visits are quieter and often cheaper, as we found on our Thursday trip.
• SEALIFE London is right next door, making it an easy and brilliant full-day pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens at Shrek’s Adventure?

Shrek’s Adventure is a walk-through experience that begins with a 4D flying bus ride with Donkey to Far Far Away. Along the way you encounter Dreamworks characters including Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon favourites. You then move through a series of fairy-tale themed rooms with live actors playing characters including Rumpelstiltskin, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty. You collect clues, get captured by the villain, and are eventually rescued by Shrek for a photo opportunity at the end.

Can you take a pram or buggy into Shrek’s Adventure?

No, prams and buggies are not permitted inside the attraction. There is a pram park where you can leave your buggy, but bags cannot be left there. If you have a baby or young toddler, bring a baby carrier so your hands stay free throughout the experience.

Is Shrek’s Adventure suitable for a 2-year-old?

It can be tricky for very young toddlers. The experience includes jump scares, loud noises, flashing lights, and a concept of being chased by a villain, which can be frightening for under-5s. Buggies and prams are not allowed inside, so you will need a baby carrier. Children aged 5 and over tend to enjoy it most, though sensitive children should be prepared for some startling moments.

Is Shrek’s Adventure suitable for neurodiverse children?

It is worth being aware that the experience includes sudden loud noises, flashing lights, and a few jump scares. Leo is quite sensitive to loud noises and had to keep holding his ears throughout. If your child is particularly sensitive to these things, it is worth preparing them in advance and having a plan for stepping back if needed.