Halloween is just around the corner, and while us Londoners don’t take this holiday as seriously as our American counterparts, we definitely dabble in the spook-fest. This means there are still a bunch of fun events to do in the city in the lead up to October 31st. So, whether you’re a ghost-hunting enthusiast, looking for a quirky night out, or maybe just after a sweet treat or two – this list has got you covered.
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(WA = Wheelchair Accessible)
Image Courtesy of Rebel Tours via Facebook
Learn about Jack The Ripper’s forgotten victims
Whitechapel is an area of London which is synonymous with the chilling tale of Jack the Ripper’s gruesome murders. While this narrative has garnered plenty of attention around the world for many years, it’s important to hear the real stories of the brave women whose lives were tragically cut short. This ethical Jack the Ripper tour seeks to shift the focus, amplifying the voices of these forgotten victims and shedding light on their daily struggles in the once-dark Victorian slum of Whitechapel. Head on a journey through the streets and alleys of Aldgate, Whitechapel and Spitalfields, gaining fresh perspectives and hearing all about it from a new, important point of view. The tours can be made entirely step-free; the hosts just ask that anyone with accessibility requests let them know as soon as possible so they can be prepared to give them the best experience.
Jack The Ripper “What About The Women?” Walking Tour | Whitechapel | WA
Image Courtesy of Get Your Guide
Smuggle liquor into a prison-themed bar
Hackney’s Alcatraz Immersive Prison Cocktail Experience is one of London’s most unique things to do this Halloween. From having to smuggle your own liquor past the guards, to getting bespoke cocktails shaken-up just for you by your fellow inmates (aka the bartenders), this highly-rated immersive experience is a good fit for the spookiest night of the year.
Alcatraz Immersive Prison Cocktail Experience | Hackney | WA
Image Courtesy of Get Your Guide
Hear mediaeval tales of suspected witchcraft
Witchcraft, history and magic are a concoction found only in the Witches and History Bankside Walking Tour. Combining mediaeval tales of suspected witchcraft with historic sights like the Clink Prison Museum, the Globe Theatre (and a few famous filming locations from Harry Potter along the way), you’ll be intrigued to hear all about how suspicion and blame transpired in London’s early centuries. To add the cherry on the Halloween cake, you’ll also be led by a knowledgeable, bewitching guide. Just make sure to dress for the elements as October nights can get chilly and this tour is fully outdoors.
Witches and History Bankside Walking Tour | Bankside | WA*
*A wheelchair accessible route can be arranged by request in advance of booking, just let the tour provider know when booking.
Run into some spooky surprises at Kew Gardens
From the same producers that brought you Christmas at Kew, the well-known Kew Gardens team has stepped it up a notch this year by introducing their brand-new Halloween trail. Set among the beautiful Kew Gardens, every corner is peppered with hidden spooky surprises, making it the the perfect place to bring family and friends for a fun, outdoor Halloween. And don’t worry — there will be no shortage of sweet treats either with hot toddies and decadent hot chocolates on offer all night.
Halloween at Kew Gardens | 18th October – 3rd November 2024 | Richmond | WA
Image Courtesy of Warner Bros. Studios
Get a lesson in The Dark Arts at Warner Bros. Studios
For Harry Potter fans, a trip to Warner Bros. Studios is a must in London — and if you happen to be visiting this Halloween, don’t miss The Dark Arts special. With dimmer lights, haunting displays and special Halloween-only features, you’ll get to truly experience what this spooky night feels like as a Hogwarts student. Some of the special effects include stepping into the Great Hall with over 100 pumpkins floating above a scary feast, as well as learning duelling techniques in the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom.
The Dark Arts at Warner Bros. Studios | 13th September – 10th November 2024 | Watford | WA
Image Courtesy of Rivoli Ballroom Cinema
Watch a Halloween movie in a 1950s ballroom
Nothing says Halloween like a good scary movie marathon, which is why the Rivoli Pop-Up Cinema is showing a lineup of Halloween classics including “Hocus Pocus” and “The Shining” this October and early November. Grab your popcorn and settle in for a scream or two in one of London’s only intact 1950s ballrooms. Cool or incredibly spooky? You tell us.
Rivoli Pop-Up Halloween Cinema | Crofton Park | 28th October – 2nd November 2024
Don your best dark Disney costume for a Halloween party in Soho
Little Scarlet Door is one of Soho’s most-loved late night venues with fun cocktails and tunes spread over two-levels. Set up with homely interiors to remind you of being inside a flatshare, it comes as no surprise they’re putting on a Dark Disney Halloween Party to keep in theme. For costumes, think terrifying villains, killer princesses and zombie Mickey Mouse — and don’t skimp out because there’ll be prizes awarded for best-dressed. Forgot to pack an outfit? Don’t worry, they’ll have a fancy dress box to pick from if you’re worried about going over your baggage limit.
Halloween House Party at Little Scarlet Door | Soho | 1st November 2024
Some other great Halloween parties you can attend are:
London’s Biggest Haunted Halloween House Party: Trapeze Bar in Shoreditch are throwing what’s said to be the biggest spookfest, where costumes of all kinds are highly encouraged. If you’re keen, we recommend getting tickets in advance as it’s on for one night only.
Twisted Circus Halloween Boat Party: This three-level party boat will set sail on the Thames for two weekends this October, so you can dance the night away to a mix of new and old school tracks, R&B, House, Bashment, Soca, and horror-themed music as well as see London’s iconic sites from a new perspective.
Image Courtesy of Tower of London
Get a glimpse of the Tower of London’s ghostly residents
In a surprising twist, this historic fortress has jumped on board the Halloween festivities with a bunch of chilling events and activities this scary season. Explore the eerie atmosphere of some of the oldest rooms in London, enjoy spooky installations, and maybe just maybe, catch a glimpse of some ghostly residents. This event is fully family-friendly, too, making it a great way to combine history with the Halloween chills. If that doesn’t sound like your style, you can also book a separate Ceremony of the Keys Tour at the Tower of London which gives you an intimate exploration of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks after it’s officially closed to the public. Kinda spooky, right? You’ll be guided by a Yeoman Warder – one of the tower’s iconic beefeater guards – as you learn about the tower’s intriguing past, from its origins as a royal palace to its dark days as a prison. You’ll even witness the historic Ceremony of the Keys, the formal locking of the Tower which has taken place every single night for over 700 years.
Halloween at the Tower of London | Tower Bridge | 26th October – 3rd November 2024
Image Courtesy of Hampton Court Palace
Roam the spookfest at Hampton Court Palace
Another family-friendly gem for history buffs, Hampton Court Palace is hosting some big Halloween celebrations. With its rich history and dark winding corridors, the palace offers a unique backdrop for spooky storytelling, Halloween talks, ghostly encounters and other fun activities. You’ll also be able to nab a few Halloween treats from the café afterwards.
Halloween at Hampton Court Palace | Richmond | 26th October to 3rd November 2024 | WA
If you’re not just here for Halloween in London, but for the winter season too, check out the below articles:
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