Jeff Wayne's The War of the Worlds: The Immersive Experience

The Experience

Jeff Wayne's The War of the Worlds: The Immersive Experience is a groundbreaking blend of virtual reality, live theatre and multi-sensory effects housed inside a purpose-built venue at 56 Leadenhall Street in the City of London. Created by immersive entertainment company Layered Reality, it transports audiences back to 1898 and into H.G. Wells's Martian invasion, all set to Jeff Wayne's legendary 1978 musical score.

Groups of up to 14 are guided by live actors through 24 interconnected scenes. The journey begins in a Victorian parlour before escalating through smoke-filled trenches, alien landscapes and the show's centrepiece — a VR boat ride down the Thames as 300-foot Martian Fighting Machines lay waste to London. The 2026 relaunch brought completely new VR technology, spatial audio throughout and the first-ever appearance of Jeff Wayne himself within the narrative.

What to Expect

The full experience lasts approximately one hour and fifty minutes, including a 20-minute interval at the Red Weed Bar where you can grab a signature cocktail. Expect to walk, stand and interact throughout — comfortable shoes are recommended. The VR headsets are lightweight and adjusted by staff before each sequence. Multi-sensory effects include heat, wind, vibration, smoke and scent, creating a level of immersion that goes far beyond a standard VR experience.

The experience is recommended for ages eight and over. Some scenes contain loud sounds, darkness, confined spaces and sudden effects. It is not suitable for anyone with severe motion sickness, epilepsy triggered by strobe lighting or claustrophobia.

The Spirit of Man Bar

The venue includes The Spirit of Man, a 200-seat steampunk-themed bar and restaurant open to the public as well as ticket holders. Designed by theatre designer Tim McQuillen-Wright, the space is dominated by a towering Martian sculpture with metal tentacles suspended from the ceiling, created by Circus Kinetica. The floor-to-ceiling bar serves themed cocktails, craft beers, wines, pizzas, burgers and salads. It is a destination in its own right and worth arriving early to enjoy before your session.

Booking and Nearby

Tickets are available through the official website and platforms including Fever and LW Tickets. Sessions run Wednesday to Sunday with time slots between 2:40pm and 7:40pm, though schedules are subject to seasonal variation. The venue is secured in London through to 2029 under a landmark four-year partnership.

Leadenhall Street sits in the heart of the City of London, close to the striking Leadenhall Market — a beautifully restored Victorian covered market with restaurants and shops. The Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street offers free panoramic views and is a ten-minute walk south. The Tower of London is fifteen minutes on foot.