London transforms into a city of thrills and chills this October half-term, offering an array of Halloween events for families, friends, and adventure seekers alike. From spooky historical tours to creative workshops and haunted trails, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a guide to the best Halloween happenings in London, complete with dates, locations, and what to expect.
1. Halloween at the Tower of London
- Location: Tower of London, EC3N 4AB
- Date: 21st October – 31st October 2024
Discover the darker side of London’s history with a Halloween trail at the Tower of London. Explore the eerie stories of the Tower’s past, including tales of ghosts, famous prisoners, and mysterious disappearances. This immersive experience is perfect for families who enjoy a mix of history and spooky storytelling in one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
2. Halloween at Hampton Court Palace
- Location: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey KT8 9AU
- Date: 21st October – 31st October 2024
Step back in time at Hampton Court Palace’s Halloween Trail. Wander through the haunted halls and hear chilling tales of the ghosts that are said to linger within this historic royal residence. It’s a captivating journey into the palace’s past, suitable for history enthusiasts and families looking for a royal twist on their Halloween experience.
3. Dark Arts Season at the Harry Potter Studios
- Location: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Leavesden WD25 7LR
- Date: 23rd September – 5th November 2024
Immerse yourself in the wizarding world with the Dark Arts Season at the Harry Potter Studios. This special event features spooky additions like floating pumpkins, Death Eater encounters, and a darker atmosphere in the Great Hall. Fans of the series will love seeing their favorite magical sets transformed for Halloween, making it a must-visit for Potterheads of all ages.
4. Hair-Raising Halloween at Hyde Park
- Location: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
- Date: 24th October – 30th October 2024
Head to Hyde Park for a Hair-Raising Halloween experience! With activities like ghost story sessions, nature walks, and pumpkin carving workshops at the Hyde Park Learning Centre, it’s an ideal spot for families looking to combine outdoor fun with Halloween festivities.
5. Holiday To Space: Halloween at Greenwich
- Location: Royal Observatory Greenwich, SE10 9NF
- Date: 21st October – 29th October 2024
Blast off to space this Halloween with Holiday To Space at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. This family-friendly event blends astronomy with spooky fun, offering planetarium shows with a Halloween twist. It’s a unique way to explore the mysteries of the universe while embracing the Halloween spirit.
6. Halloween at Phantom Peak
- Location: Canada Street, London SE16 7PJ
- Date: 20th October – 31st October 2024
Explore the immersive world of Phantom Peak during Halloween, where the interactive adventure park becomes a haunted town filled with mysterious characters and eerie challenges. This event offers a thrilling mix of puzzles, themed games, and a dark storyline, perfect for those seeking a unique and engaging Halloween experience.
7. Family Halloween at Chelsea Physic Garden
- Location: Chelsea Physic Garden, SW3 4HS
- Date: 22nd October – 29th October 2024
Join in on the Halloween activities at Chelsea Physic Garden, where kids can learn about spooky plants, make potions, and take part in creative workshops. The garden’s historic setting provides a beautiful backdrop for a day of family-friendly fun and discovery.
8. Halloween at Biscuiteers’ School of Icing
- Location: Biscuiteers Belgravia, SW1W 9QN
- Date: 21st October – 31st October 2024
Get creative at the Biscuiteers’ School of Icing in Belgravia, where children and adults alike can decorate their own Halloween-themed biscuits. With expert guidance, you’ll learn to ice spooky designs like ghosts, pumpkins, and witches—making it a deliciously fun activity for all ages.
9. Howl’O’Ween at Kingston upon Thames
- Location: Chessington World of Adventures, KT9 2NE
- Date: 13th October – 31st October 2024
Howl’O’Ween at Chessington World of Adventures offers thrilling rides, spooky mazes, and Halloween-themed attractions for all ages. The park is decked out with seasonal decorations, and there’s plenty of family-friendly activities like trick-or-treat trails and meet-and-greet sessions with costumed characters.
10. Paint A Pumpkin Workshop at Chelsea
- Location: Various locations in Chelsea, London
- Date: 23rd October – 29th October 2024
Bring out your artistic side at the Paint A Pumpkin workshop in Chelsea. This creative activity is perfect for kids and families who want to design their own pumpkins, with guidance and plenty of art supplies provided. Take home a personalized pumpkin masterpiece to display on your doorstep!
11. Kew Gardens – Halloween at Kew
- Location: Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AB
- Date: 21st October – 31st October 2024
Stroll through the atmospheric Kew Gardens during their Halloween event, featuring themed trails, pumpkin displays, and spooky storytelling. It’s a relaxing yet immersive way to enjoy the beauty of autumn while embracing the Halloween spirit with the whole family.
12. London Zoo – Halloween Family Fun
- Location: ZSL London Zoo, Regent’s Park NW1 4RY
- Date: 21st October – 31st October 2024
Bring the kids to London Zoo for a Halloween Family Fun event filled with animal-themed activities and a spooky twist. Participate in special talks, visit creepy crawly exhibits, and enjoy themed crafts and games. It’s an educational and entertaining way to celebrate the season with little ones.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities or more thrilling experiences, London has a fantastic line-up of events this October half-term and Halloween. From iconic landmarks like the Tower of London to interactive workshops and spooky outdoor cinema experiences, there's something to suit every taste. So When planning your visit to London for the October half-term and Halloween festivities, book your accommodation with Pass the Keys, which offers a variety of well-equipped properties to suit all types of travellers. From cosy city centre apartments to spacious family homes, you’ll find the ideal spot for your stay. Simply visit the Pass the Keys website: www.passthekeys.com/london