Halloween in London: The Best Events Across the Capital

Halloween in London is far more than a single night of celebration. The capital’s palaces, parks and attractions all join the fun, so there’s something for everyone. This guide to spooky season in London covers our favourite annual events that take the city by storm every year. We’ve included something to do in every part of the city, so wherever you’re based this year, there’s an event for you to attend.

While we’ve done our best to make sure all the information is up to date, it’s a good idea to check the times and prices every year.

Halloween in Central London and the South Bank

The London Dungeon is the obvious place to start. It’s based at County Hall, beside the Thames, and is the unofficial Home of Halloween in London. Each autumn, the attraction launches a brand-new Halloween show, and it’s included in the price of a standard ticket.

Past shows have featured Jack the Ripper, an 1814 exorcism and Dracula, so the theme changes from one year to the next. That makes it worth a visit every year. The experience mixes live actors with special effects, and it’s designed to unsettle and disturb.

East London: Haunted History

Halloween at the Tower of London turns this famous old fortress into the site of a ghost hunt each October half term. Live performers play the Tower’s spirits, including Anne Boleyn and Sir Walter Raleigh, and a trail leads you around the grounds, including the Haunted Forge, where the ghosts gather at certain times each day. The Tower notes that the event is designed to delight rather than frighten, so it’s a bit of fun for those less enamoured by spookier occasions. The event is included in the price of standard admission, so you don’t need a separate ticket.

If you’d prefer a more chilling evening out, the Tower also runs after-hours ghost tours led by a Yeoman Warder. The tours require a separate ticket and are more suitable for those searching for a scary night out.

South London: A Day of the Dead Celebration

The Horniman Museum and Gardens in Forest Hill take a different approach. It marks 31st October with its Day of the Dead Family Festival rather than a traditional Halloween party.

The festival celebrates the iconic Mexican tradition with live performances, craft workshops and a Mexican market. It runs from 11 am to 4 pm and takes place outdoors in the gardens, so dress for the weather. An Evening Fiesta follows later that same night. Booking is required for the festival, so check the museum’s website for tickets.

Halloween in West and South West London

Halloween at Kew is an after-dark light trail through the Royal Botanic Gardens. It launched in 2024 and has returned every year since. The route is 1.5 kilometres long, with illuminated trees, live performers and a headless horseman along the way. It’s produced by the team behind Christmas at Kew, and it runs from mid-October into the first days of November.

Entry is timed and ticketed separately from general garden admission. Capacity is limited, so book your slot early. Food and drink are available along the trail. Choose your entry gate, date and time carefully, because tickets can’t be exchanged or refunded.

Halloween at Hampton Court Palace builds on Henry VIII’s reputation for haunting. During October half term, the palace adds atmospheric projections, eerie sound effects and daily storytelling sessions. The palace is supposedly one of the most haunted in the UK, and the event is included in the cost of admission.

Halloween in North London

The Halloween Spooky Walks at Lauderdale House in Highgate are a local tradition. Live performers lead small groups through the house and out into Waterlow Park after dark. The house says the walks have been a family favourite for over 20 years. Its team and volunteers design and build every costume, prop and character, and visitors are welcome to dress up. The house describes the mood as Halloween meets pantomime.

The event takes place on Halloween night itself, with walks leaving from 5 pm. Each one lasts under an hour, so you can fit in trick-or-treating beforehand. Parents and carers must closely supervise children throughout.

Planning Your Day Out

Planning a Halloween in London is easier when you understand some of the other things going on at the same time. In London, the October half-term means schoolchildren will likely be attending many of the events we’ve covered earlier in the day. It’s something to consider if you’d rather avoid the kids. It’s also important to know where you can and cannot wear your costumes. Some places, you’ll be fine. Others, less so. For example, the Tower of London will refuse entry to your group if you arrive in full Halloween regalia. We know, spoilsports, but rules are rules.

Finally, make sure to dress for the weather. Britain in late-October is notoriously wet and windy. So, if you’re going in costume, make sure to bring a coat or umbrella.

Have a Spooky Time

Whatever you’re planning to do this Halloween, you’re sure to love the season in London. Pick an event close to home or travel via the superb public transport network, and you’ll have a fantastic time.

Planning on joining us in the capital next year? Explore our range of luxury student accommodation in London today, and see how you can take your university experience to new heights with Prestige Student Living.