We’ve visited Shrek’s Adventure on Southbank a few times, so here’s a look at our most recent trip with three children (ages 14, 8, and 6) and two adults. While the kids had a great time and the adults enjoyed it too, there were a few noticeable changes for those who’ve been before.
One of the biggest differences is that the 4D bus ride is no longer 4D. Since Covid, they removed the 3D glasses—likely due to restrictions at the time—but haven’t brought them back, which is a shame since it added a lot to the experience. Another issue was that some character voices were a bit hard to hear; maybe it’s my hearing, but I don’t remember this being a problem in the past.
For those unfamiliar, Shrek’s Adventure is an immersive experience where you meet different characters from the Shrek universe as you follow along with a storyline, ultimately meeting Shrek himself at the end. The characters you encounter can vary, but typically include Fiona, Cinderella, Doris (Cinderella’s stepsister), a fortune teller, and others. There’s even a mirror maze, which is always fun for the kids.
In some rooms, guests—children and sometimes adults—are picked to interact with the characters or carry props between rooms, which keeps things engaging. The rooms themselves are uniquely decorated and capture the feel of the Shrek universe, though there haven’t been many updates over the years. It would be nice to see something fresh added, although they do switch things up slightly for holidays, like adding a witch who handed out sweets for Halloween.
We booked our tickets through GetYourGuide, a fantastic platform for finding family-friendly activities in London or abroad. They offer free cancellation, so you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Ticket prices start at £21, although it’s worth noting they tend to be higher on weekends and during school holidays. Children under two are free, but you’ll need to reserve a ticket for them when booking.
So, is Shrek’s Adventure worth the money? I’d say yes, especially for a first-time visit. It’s a fun, immersive experience that the whole family can enjoy at least once. However, I don’t think it’s the type of attraction you need to revisit unless there are significant changes, as we’ve been a few times over the years and haven’t seen much variation.
Towards the end of the experience, you’ll have the chance to take a photo with Shrek. You can either get a professional photo taken (at an extra charge) or snap one on your phone. Be warned, though—the professional photos and the gift shop are quite pricey, so you may want to skip those if you’re on a budget.
You’ll also find a few other DreamWorks-themed photo opportunities at the end, such as statues and set pieces rather than actual characters. Overall, Shrek’s Adventure is a lot of fun and a great choice if you enjoy live performances and immersive experiences.
