When Halloween creeps up, London transforms into a city of thrills and chills, offering spooky delights for all ages. Here are some fun, eerie, and downright creepy things to do on Halloween in the capital:
1. Ghost Tours
Explore the darker side of London’s history with a ghost tour. Whether it’s the Jack the Ripper walk through Whitechapel’s alleys or the haunted hotspots of London Bridge, these tours will give you goosebumps. Expect eerie tales of the city’s notorious past, from plagues to unsolved murders.
Top Picks:
- The London Ghost Bus Tour: A creepy ride through the city, complete with an onboard guide sharing spooky tales.
- Ghost Walk of London: Learn about the haunted pubs and spirits lingering in London’s historic streets.
2. The London Dungeon
One of the most famous attractions for Halloween, the London Dungeon pulls out all the stops. With live actors, jump scares, and spine-chilling historical stories, this immersive experience delves into London’s darkest moments—plague, fires, torture chambers, and even a nod to Sweeney Todd.
Halloween Bonus: They often have special Halloween-themed shows and experiences during October.
3. Horror Movie Marathons
For film buffs, London cinemas go all out for Halloween with horror movie marathons. Venues like the Prince Charles Cinema and the Electric Cinema feature back-to-back screenings of horror classics—from spine-chilling slashers to supernatural thrillers.
Top Picks:
- Halloween All-Nighter at the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square.
- Rooftop Film Club offers screenings of spooky films under the stars.
4. Visit Highgate Cemetery
One of London’s most atmospheric and eerie spots, Highgate Cemetery is where some of the city’s most famous residents are laid to rest—including Karl Marx and George Eliot. Explore the winding pathways among the Gothic tombstones and mausoleums—if you’re brave enough!
Fun Fact: Highgate is often said to be haunted, with several ghost sightings reported over the years.
5. Halloween Pub Crawls
London’s pub scene is famous, and for Halloween, you can take part in themed pub crawls. Enjoy ghost stories, spooky costumes, and plenty of festive drinks as you hop from one haunted pub to another. Some pub crawls include costume competitions and eerie performances.
Top Tip: Check out the Halloween Boat Party for a spooky party on the Thames!
6. Escape Rooms
Feeling brave? Try a Halloween-themed escape room for a mind-bending, fear-filled adventure. London has some of the best, with haunted houses, insane asylums, or zombie apocalypses that force you to solve puzzles and escape the terror.
Top Picks:
- No Escape London: A horror-themed escape room with different scenarios, including creepy hospitals and prisons.
- Breakin’ Escape Rooms: Step into a world of terror and see if you can escape in time!
7. Afternoon Tease—Spooky Afternoon Tea
For something a bit more low-key but still festive, try a Halloween-themed afternoon tea at one of London’s famous tea spots. The Ampersand Hotel and The Sanderson often host “spooky tea” events, featuring black cupcakes, pumpkin tarts, and ghost-shaped macaroons.
8. Take a Walk through Epping Forest
For a more natural scare, head to Epping Forest, one of the city’s ancient woodlands, rumored to be haunted. As the sun sets, it’s easy to imagine yourself in a ghost story with the rustling leaves and mist rising from the ground. Plus, it’s the perfect place for a scenic autumn walk before dusk takes over.
9. Costume Parties
Get dressed up and hit the town! Many of London’s bars, clubs, and venues host elaborate Halloween costume parties. From Soho to Shoreditch, you’ll find themed events with prizes for the best-dressed ghouls and goblins.
Top Spots:
- Ballie Ballerson hosts a wild Halloween ball pit party.
- The Mansion London throws one of the city’s most extravagant Halloween bashes, with live music, DJ sets, and immersive entertainment.
10. Visit the Haunted Tower of London
The Tower of London has a dark and bloody history, and many believe its walls are haunted by the ghosts of executed prisoners like Anne Boleyn. This UNESCO World Heritage site is not only a fantastic piece of history but also offers night-time ghost tours that are particularly spine-chilling during Halloween season.
Final Thoughts
London knows how to do Halloween in style, blending its rich, macabre history with fun, modern celebrations. Whether you’re looking for a terrifying adventure or just a few festive drinks with friends, there’s no shortage of ways to get into the spooky spirit in the capital. So, grab your costume, round up your bravest friends, and experience the city like never before!