Few attractions spark quite the same mix of curiosity and skepticism as Ripley’s Believe It or Not!. The brand has been showcasing oddities since 1918, but whether it’s a worthwhile family outing—especially at today’s ticket prices—is a question worth answering. We’ve dug into the facts, visitor reviews, and location details to help you decide.

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Founded: 1918 · Number of attractions: over 100 worldwide · Countries: 14 · Annual visitors: 12 million (est.)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Ripley’s attractions are multi-exhibit spaces featuring unusual facts and displays (Klook)
  • There are 30 Ripley museums worldwide according to one travel listing (London City Break)
  • Ripley’s London has been reported as permanently closed on major review sites (Tripadvisor)
  • Blackpool is promoted as the UK’s only remaining Ripley’s site (Everything Blackpool)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact annual visitor numbers vary by source (estimated 12 million)
  • Whether Ripley’s is profitable as a franchise is not publicly reported
  • Some location-specific pricing and opening status may be outdated
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Future openings likely in Asia and the Middle East
  • Ripley’s may expand its aquarium and attraction formats

The table below summarizes the key facts about the franchise.

Key facts at a glance
Label Value
Founder Robert Ripley
Year founded 1918
First Odditorium 1933, Chicago
Global locations Over 100
Countries 14
Annual visitors 12 million (estimated)

What exactly is Ripley’s Believe It or Not?

Ripley’s started as a newspaper cartoon by Robert Ripley in 1918, then grew into a chain of “Odditoriums” displaying bizarre artifacts from around the world. The first permanent Odditorium opened in Chicago in 1933 (Wikipedia). Today, each location is a mix of genuine oddities, interactive exhibits, and themed displays.

The concept of odditoriums

  • Odditoriums are designed to showcase the weirdest and most unusual items the founder collected or was sent by fans (Klook)
  • Exhibits include shrunken heads, two-headed animals, and the world’s largest collection of strange artifacts
  • Modern odditoriums integrate touch-screen interactives and photo opportunities

Robert Ripley’s original vision

Robert Ripley was a cartoonist who traveled the globe collecting oddities. He believed “the world is filled with unbelievable things” and wanted to share them with the public. His first radio show and later TV series popularised the phrase “Believe It or Not!” (Wikipedia).

Types of exhibits and artifacts

  • Authentic oddities: preserved animal specimens, cultural artifacts, and historical curiosities
  • Interactive zones: optical illusions, puzzles, and hands-on science stations
  • Wax figures and recreations of famous people and events
  • Special rotating exhibits (e.g., dinosaur skeletons, movie props)

“I never saw anything so strange in my life.” — Robert Ripley, reflecting on his first encounter with a two-headed calf

Paraphrased from Ripley’s early columns

The upshot

Ripley’s is not a traditional museum but a curated freak show of real oddities. For visitors seeking authentic weirdness rather than a polished gallery, the experience is unmatched. But families expecting a standard museum may find the disjointed layout jarring.

The implication: Ripley’s delivers on its promise of oddity, but the format divides opinion sharply between enthusiasts and casual visitors.

Is Ripley’s Believe It or Not worth the money?

Ticket prices for Ripley’s vary widely by location. In the UK, a family-of-four ticket for Blackpool can cost around £37 per adult online (Day Out With The Kids). In the US, adult tickets range from $15 to $35 (Tripadvisor). Many visitors rate it 4 out of 5 stars, citing the uniqueness of exhibits (Tripadvisor).

Comparing ticket prices to similar attractions

  • Compared to a standard cinema outing, Ripley’s offers a longer, more interactive experience for a similar cost
  • In London, historical ticket prices were around £11.50 (The World of Kitsch), but the London location is now closed
  • Blackpool attracts families with bundle deals that combine the odditorium with other Pleasure Beach attractions

Value for families vs. solo visitors

Families with children aged 4–12 get the most value because of the interactive zones (Orlando Parenting). Solo adults may find the experience short (about 1–2 hours) and the ticket price high if they are not into oddities.

What critics and visitors say

“Fantastic indoor attraction that the whole family will enjoy.” — Visitor review of Orlando location (What the Redhead Said)

“Some wax figures and screens are showing their age.” — Tripadvisor review of St. Augustine location (Tripadvisor)

The catch

The biggest complaint across all locations is the price-to-duration ratio. Families expecting a full day out may finish in under two hours. Check for combo deals or discount vouchers before buying.

The pattern: value depends heavily on how much you enjoy oddities and whether you can bundle the visit with other attractions.

Is there a Ripley’s Believe It or Not in the UK?

Yes, but with important caveats. The London Odditorium at Piccadilly Circus has been reported as permanently closed according to listings on Tripadvisor (Tripadvisor). The only confirmed operating UK location is in Blackpool, on the Promenade, promoted as “the UK’s only Ripley’s Believe It or Not! site” (Everything Blackpool).

Locations in London and Blackpool

  • London: formerly at 1 Piccadilly Circus, now listed as permanently closed
  • Blackpool: located on the Promenade near the Blackpool Tower, open year-round

What to expect at the UK venues

The Blackpool odditorium is housed in a purpose-built building with three floors of exhibits. It features animatronic dinosaurs, a mirror maze, and a 4D cinema (Day Out With The Kids). Tickets are priced from £37 per adult online.

How to get tickets

Booking online in advance gives discounts. Check the official Blackpool Pleasure Beach website for bundle deals that include the odditorium with other attractions. Groupon and Tesco Clubcard vouchers have historically offered deals for the London location, but those are no longer valid (You Need To Visit).

Why this matters

For UK families, the Blackpool location is the only reliable option. Plan a trip to Blackpool specifically to include Ripley’s, or consider visiting a US location if you are travelling.

The catch: UK visitors have one choice, so the decision hinges on whether Blackpool fits your travel plans.

Is Ripley’s Believe It or Not ok for kids?

Parent guides generally recommend Ripley’s for children aged 4 and up (Orlando Parenting). The interactive zones and hands-on exhibits engage younger visitors, but some displays—like preserved animals and graphic medical oddities—may be too intense for toddlers or sensitive children.

Age recommendations from parent guides

  • 4+: generally fine with supervision; interactive areas are suitable
  • 8+: ideal age group; children can read and understand the exhibits
  • Toddlers: may be bored or frightened by dark exhibits and loud noises

Interactive and hands-on exhibits

Many locations have a “Shock & Awe” section with optical illusions, puzzles, and photo opportunities. The Orlando location is praised as “a great family activity for kids of any age” (Orlando Parenting).

Scary or inappropriate content

Some exhibits include wax figures of decapitated heads, shrunken heads from the Jivaro people, and two-headed animals. One Myrtle Beach reviewer warned “Do not take kids!!!” specifically about the haunted house combo attraction (Tripadvisor). Parents should preview the content online or read reviews before booking.

What this means: Ripley’s works for school-age kids who enjoy interactive exhibits, but parents of toddlers or sensitive children should proceed with caution.

How many Ripley’s locations are there?

The company claims over 100 attractions worldwide across 14 countries (Ripley’s official site). However, one travel listing reports only 30 Ripley museums (London City Break). The discrepancy likely comes from including aquariums, mini-golf, and other Ripley-branded venues in the larger count.

Global footprint of Ripley’s attractions

  • 30+ Odditoriums (core museum format)
  • Ripley’s Aquariums (in the US and Canada)
  • Ripley’s Haunted Adventures, Moving Theaters, and miniature golf courses

List of major cities with Odditoriums

Cities with a full Odditorium include: Orlando (FL), St. Augustine (FL), Myrtle Beach (SC), Gatlinburg (TN), Hollywood (CA), San Antonio (TX), Niagara Falls (Ontario), Sydney (Australia), Blackpool (UK), and Bangkok (Thailand), among others.

Future expansion plans

Ripley’s continues to open new locations, particularly in Asia and the Middle East. The franchise is also experimenting with smaller “micro- Odditoriums” in shopping centres.

Upsides

  • Unique authentic oddities not found elsewhere
  • Interactive areas keep kids engaged
  • Family packages and discounts available
  • Indoor attraction suitable for rainy days

Downsides

  • Can be expensive for the duration
  • Some exhibits are old or worn
  • Not appropriate for toddlers or sensitive children
  • London location permanently closed reduces UK options

The trade-off: Ripley’s offers a one-of-a-kind experience that many families find unforgettable, but the cost per hour is high. For UK families, the Blackpool location is the only game in town, so it’s worth pairing with other Pleasure Beach attractions to stretch the value.

Related reading: **Ripley’s Believe It or Not: Attractions, History & More**

Additional sources

vacationsmadeeasy.com, viator.com

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Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous exhibit at Ripley’s Believe It or Not?

The most famous is arguably the “Two-Headed Calf”, a preserved specimen that has been part of the collection for decades. Other notables include a shrunken head from the Jivaro tribe and a portrait made of toast.

Are Ripley’s attractions wheelchair accessible?

Most Odditoriums are wheelchair accessible, with lifts and wide aisles. Check the specific location’s website before visiting.

How long does it take to go through Ripley’s Believe It or Not?

Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours. The Blackpool location can take up to 2.5 hours if you watch the 4D film and play in the mirror maze.

Does Ripley’s offer annual passes or membership?

Ripley’s does not offer a global annual pass. Some locations have local membership schemes (e.g., Orlando’s annual pass).

Can you take photos inside Ripley’s Believe It or Not?

Yes, photography is allowed in most areas, but flash may be prohibited near delicate artifacts. Always check at the entrance.

What is the best time to visit a Ripley’s attraction to avoid crowds?

Weekday mornings outside of school holidays are quietest. Expect long queues during summer weekends and local half-terms.

Are there any discounts available for students or seniors?

Many locations offer student and senior discounts. Check ticketing pages for promos, also look for coupon codes on deal sites.

Does Ripley’s have any Harry Potter related exhibits?

No permanent Harry Potter exhibit, but some locations have temporary pop-ups related to fantasy films. The Orlando location occasionally features movie props.