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Colder weather, shorter days and darker nights can only mean one thing—Halloween is here. Notorious for its fancy dress, pumpkin decorations and horror films, Halloween is a celebration of all things creepy, stemming from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Back then, people used to believe that the dead returned to earth on 31 October, and the day was quite a morbid affair.
These days, Halloween is a bit of light-hearted fun, where you can go trick or treating, indulge in horror films and dress up in your scariest outfit. And however you decide to celebrate this spooky season, London is the perfect spot for a day or night of ghoulish fun. Read on for our top tips on where to go in London for Halloween, including everything from Halloween nightlife to family friendly activities. In the mood for something spookier? Read our ultimate guide to the UK's top spooky attractions.
Family-friendly Halloween activities
Get the whole family involved this Halloween with a fun day out that’s not going to leave you with nightmares! From trips to the zoo to a delicious, spooky meal, there are so many ways you can celebrate Halloween with the kids in tow.
Covent Garden Pumpkin Patch
Since pumpkins are one of the most recognised symbols of Halloween, it’s only right to mark the new season with a trip to a pumpkin patch. Each year, Covent Garden is transformed for Halloween. Offering a huge pumpkin display as well as fun activities like pumpkin carving, face painting and bouncy castles, it’s the perfect place for the whole family to soak in the Halloween spirit, whilst also getting your festive Instagram content!
The nearest station to Covent Garden is London Waterloo, which is 20 minutes’ walk away.
Halloween at Hogwarts
Harry Potter fans young and old won’t want to miss this Halloween adventure! Taking place at the Warner Bros. Studios in Watford, brave guests are invited for a tasty two-course dining experience with the Death Eaters, with dessert being served amongst giant spiders in the set of the Forbidden Forest. This event takes place a little early, from the 6th-8th October, and with limited numbers, so make sure you book your tickets in advance.
Get there by catching a train from Clapham Junction to Watford Junction. From the station, hop on the 318 or 8 bus, ride for around 20 minutes and get off at the studios.
Harry Potter Afternoon Tea, Cutter & Squidge
Although not explicitly Harry Potter themed, this magical afternoon tea takes place in an underground Potion Room and is inspired by the world of wizardry and alchemy. Get cloaked up and descend into the potion class, where you’ll take a seat at a school desk and concoct your very own drinkable and edible potions. Witches and wizards old and young will be enchanted by this unique experience. If you love afternoon tea, then check out our top afternoon teas in London.
From London Waterloo, ride on the Bakerloo line for four minutes to Piccadilly Circus – don’t be late for class!
Ghostly adventures in London
Not for the faint hearted, there are plenty of Halloween activities in London that will leave chills running down your spine! From Halloween ghost walks to London fright nights, prepare for things to get spooky.
Ghost Bus Tours
This haunting yet hilarious horror show will see you and your friends careering down London on a 1960s Routemaster bus. Along the way, you’ll stop off at some of the city’s most famous spooky sights, including the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral, while enjoying a comedy theatre experience inside the bus.
The tour begins near Trafalgar Square, so you’ll need to catch a the Bakerloo Line to Charing Cross from London Waterloo. You can also walk from Waterloo to Trafalgar Square, which will take around 15 minutes.
Jack the Ripper Ghost Walk
Retrace the footsteps of one of the UK’s most famous serial killers in this ghost tour, which takes place on the very streets that Jack the Ripper once prowled. Guided by published authors specialising in this notorious serial killer, the ghost walk will take you back to 1888 as you witness CSI evidence from the very spots that Jack the Ripper took his victim’s lives.
To get there, catch the train to London Waterloo before switching to the tube. Meet your tour guides outside exit 1 of Aldgate East Underground Station.
London Fright Nights
Taking place overnight in a choice of different haunted sites, these tours offer the perfect creepy vibe for Halloween. Choose from old museums, hotels and nuclear bunkers, and prepare for a night of potential spooky sightings and paranormal activity.
Frightfest Movies
If you’re looking for Halloween things to do in London and you’re not afraid of a horror movie or two, then grab your popcorn and head to Frightfest! Previously known as Scarefest, Frightfest takes over Cineworld in Leicester Square, with four days packed full of spooky movies.
Choose from a festival or day pass and prepare to see as many movies as you please—though remember to book your slot for each film online. These movies will have you shaking in your seat!
Halloween Night Life in London
When the sun goes down, it’s time to don your Halloween-themed party outfits and head out to the clubs. And where better to party the night away this Halloween than in London?
El Dia of the Dead, London Cabaret Club
Putting a spooky twist on their usual cabaret show, London Cabaret Club introduces ‘The Day of the Dead’, a Mexican take on Halloween. Taking place at The Bloomsbury Ballroom, this cabaret show promises a night of incredible singing and dancing, as well as delicious Mexican food. Guests are encouraged to dress up, and with a prize awarded to the best dressed individual, it’s time to pull out all the stops!
The nearest station to Bloomsbury Ballroom is London Waterloo, which is just a five-minute walk away.
The Candlelight Club
This 1920s speakeasy will take you back to the roaring 20s, Halloween style. Get dolled up in jazz-age glamour and dance the night away in this secret location, which is only revealed two days prior to the event! Expect quality live music, delicious drinks and of course, some of the best Halloween costumes in London.
From creepy ghost walks to thrilling nights out, there’s so much to do in London this Halloween. If you’re getting here by public transport, keep your journey stress-free by booking in advance. Take a look at our ticket types to find the best one for your journey, and those travelling in a group can make the most of our GroupSave train tickets.
