The ultimate guide to Halloween in London

What lurks in the shadows of London’s petrifying past? From family fun to terrifying tours and historic houses, we reveal the creepiest ways to celebrate Halloween in London in 2024.

Historic Houses

Hampton Court Palace, Richmond

It’s said that the ghost of Catherine Howard, Henry VIII’s fifth wife, can be heard running down the Haunted Gallery of Hampton Court Palace, screaming. She was executed for alleged adultery at the Tower of London. Get in on the spooky action with Halloween at Hampton Court Palace (26 Oct-3 Nov) as you creep your way down winding corridors and through dark courtyards (enhanced by atmospheric projections, scary sound effects and infamous ghosts). Then listen to thrilling ghost stories in the King’s Guard Chamber and William III’s Apartments, relayed by performative storytellers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Ham House & Garden, Richmond

The 17th-century Ham House in Richmond is said to be one of the most haunted in England. Elizabeth Murray, Duchess of Lauderdale, was a social climber who allegedly murdered the wife of the 1st Earl of Lauderdale to advance up the ladder. Ultimately, she became poor, ill and confined to the single ground-floor apartment at Ham House. It’s here that people say they can feel her presence… can you?

Tower of London, Tower Hamlets

The Tower of London has a colourful history. Founded as a fortress for William The Conquerer in 1066, it has since served as home to the Crown Jewels, a prison and a royal residence, among others. Many grim tales of torture, murder and execution have been reported in the history books. The ghosts of Anne Boleyn, Henry VI, Lady Jane Grey and the Princes in the Tower have had reported sightings. Try to spot them for yourself at Halloween at the Tower of London (26 Oct-3 Nov). Hear the stories of the famous people who spent their final days here and explore notorious sites such as Traitors’ Gate, the Scaffold Site and the Bloody Tower.

Queen’s House, Greenwich

Built in the early 17th century, Queen’s House is a former royal residence near Greenwich Palace and is now central to the Old Royal Naval College. In 1966 a retired Canadian Reverend visited the house with his wife and took a photograph of the famous Tulip Staircase. When they developed it later, they were astounded to see a shrouded figure ascending the stairs. Later, in 2002, a staff member witnessed a figure gliding across the balcony and then passing through the wall.

Pubs

The Spaniards Inn

The Spaniards Inn, on the edge of Hampstead Heath, is oozing with history. Built in 1585 as a tollgate on the Finchley boundary, it is rumoured to be the birthplace of highwayman Dick Turpin. Turpin’s ghost is said to haunt the upstairs room. Many customers have had their sleeves tugged by Black Dick, a moneylender who was run over by a coach on the road outside. Why not see if it happens to you?

The Rising Sun, Smithfield

Located next to Bartholomew’s Hospital, The Rising Sun was allegedly where body snatchers would drug and kill pub-goers. They would then sell their bodies to the hospital for medical research. And ever since, there have been rumours of supernatural happenings there, including barmaids claiming that a spirit would sit on the end of their bed and pull off the duvet. Jeepers!

The Ten Bells, Spitalfields

Said to be one of the most haunted pubs in London, The Ten Bells in Spitalfields has barely changed since it opened in 1752. Jack the Ripper, the infamous serial killer, is believed to have waited for his victims at this pub. Two of their bodies were found near the building, including Annie Chapman’s, whose ghost is believed to haunt the premises. Can you spot moving objects and the spirit of a Victorian-dressed man? These phenomena and more have been reported over the years. From 31 Oct-2 Nov, come dressed as your favourite scary movie and you will get a free shot. Expect DJs, games and scary-themed cocktails!

Immersive Experiences

Backyard Cinema

The Gunpowder Plot, The Immersive Experience

The Gunpowder Plot plunges you into the world of Guy Fawkes in early 17th-century London, through atmospheric sets, live theatre and digital technology VR. It takes place in Tower Vaults, beneath the Tower of London, where much of the prelude to the Gunpowder Plot actually happened. Your undercover mission will be to reveal the mysterious figures behind history’s most infamous plot, avoiding traitors as you go.

Jeff Waynes’ The War of the Worlds: The Immersive Experience

Based on the famous movie starring Tom Cruise, War of the Worlds: The Immersive Experience at 56 Leadenhall Street, brings a Martian invasion in London to life, through VR, live action, holograms and multi-sensory effects, all to Jeff Wayne’s iconic score. Expect terrifying 300-foot fighting Martians attacking Parliament and Big Ben, fly to Mars in a hot air balloon, and much more.

London Bridge Experience

London Dungeon

An electrifying experience in its own right, a trip to the London Dungeon is a must this Halloween, and, included in your entry ticket, the new Séance show marks 50 years of the popular attraction. London Dungeon’s own medium invites guests to gather around an Ouija board and summon Mary Ann Cotton, the notorious 19th-century murderer. Expect blood-curdling screams and mysterious levitation (18 Oct-3 Nov).

 

Ghostly encounters

Old Operating Theatre and Herb Garrett

Thankfully, one can only imagine the horrors of undergoing major surgery without an anaesthetic or antiseptic. The Old Operating Theatre Museum & Herb Garret is housed in the attic of the early eighteenth-century church of the old St Thomas’ Hospital. It is the oldest surviving surgical theatre in Europe where female-only surgeries were performed from 1822 to an audience of students. There have been several ghostly sightings in the museum, from a wailing woman in black to a luminous lady in white.

Highgate Cemetary

If you’re on a spirit-spotting mission, there aren’t many places more suitable than Highgate Cemetery. Opened in 1839 it soon became a fashionable place for Victorian burials. There are approximately 170,000 people buried here, across 37 acres of land. Several apparitions have been reported drifting around the cemetery. Look out for the figure shrouded in black with red eyes.

The British Museum, Holborn

The British Museum in Holborn houses 6,000 human remains, including Egyptian mummies and human skulls, and many ancient relics. These artefacts span a staggering 2 million years of human history. Many paranormal incidents have been reported over the years. These include sudden temperature drops, strange noises and blue orbs of light zipping around near the Nereid Monument.

Terrifying tours

Dark Arts at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London (to 10 Nov)

Experience the weird and wonderful world of Harry Potter as if you are a student at Halloween with the Dark Arts tour. Expect an ominous procession of Death Eaters and creepy Dementors floating in the Forbidden Forest. And see if you can spot Boggart the clown next to the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom. Also returning this year will be the mesmerising 100 floating pumpkins in the Great Hall.

Jack the Ripper Tour

Britain’s most notorious serial killer, Jack the Ripper, targeted women working as prostitutes in the Whitechapel district of London in 1888 in the most horrific way. The acclaimed Jack the Ripper Tour (selected nights at 7pm) takes you on a journey through the dark, cobbled alleyways of the 19^th-century East-End. Led by expert guides, you’ll uncover every twist and turn of this enthralling case. What’s more, East-London cocktail bar, Discount Suit Company, has partnered with the award-winning London’s Walks for a Halloween edition of this tour, with speciality Halloween cocktails on 31st October. More info and tickets here.

Family-Friendly Fun

Hamleys Halloween Bus Tour (to 31 Oct)

Perfect for families, the Hamleys Halloween Bus Tour promises a fun-filled adventure across London. Indulge in a delightful Halloween-themed afternoon tea from Briget’s Bakery on-board the creepily decorated bus as you are treated to ‘spook-tacular’ entertainment from a Hamleys Halloween actor. Indulge in pumpkin tarts, spooky cupcakes, scones and sandwiches at this fun interactive event. You’ll get to see many of London’s major landmarks, including The London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and more. Suitable for children aged 4 and above. Visit the website for further information.

Halloween at Kew (18 Oct-3 Nov)

Prepare to be freaked and mesmerised at the same time for the brand new spooky light show, Halloween at Kew. Discover the historic world-famous Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in a whole new light, literally. There will be ghoulish installations, fire performers and actors who ‘haunt’ the garden. Choose from three timeslots (6pm, 7pm or 8pm), all with a different scare factor, on this fun family evening out.

Legoland’s Brick or Treat (to 3 Nov)

Kids will go wild for LEGOLAND Windsor Resort’s Brick or Treat fun-filled extravaganza, transformed for the spooky season. Brace yourselves for Monster Street, peppered with ghoulish LEGO® Monsters. At Lord Vampyre’s Disco, kids can have a boogie at Miniland stage with interactive shows and meet beloved Halloween LEGO characters like Skeleton Guy and Tiger Woman. Finally, enjoy a spooky ride with Lord Vampyre at Haunted House Monster Party Ride. Tickets start from £29 per person, with kids under 90cm free.

Shrek’s Adventure London (28 Oct)

To celebrate Halloween, Shrek’s Adventure! London offers free entry when guests come dressed as Princess Fiona or Shrek himself. Then, embark on a fun journey through Far Far Away: Expect 9 fairytale-themed live shows, with actors, special effects, storytelling and Dreamworks animation bringing them to life. Note, this is only offered to the first 20 guests who are dressed as impressively as possible.

Trick or (Tr)Eat

OBLIX at The Shard Halloween Night Brunch (31 Oct)

Halloween is taken to new heights (literally) at Oblix at The Shard with its Day of the Dead-themed Halloween Night Brunch. From 8pm-midnight, there will be music and entertainment, including a bespoke cocktail menu and takeover from Mexico City’s Licoreria Limantour. The food will feature Oblix’s signature dishes and Mexican-inspired additions. Tickets start at £46 per person and can be paired with unlimited drinks packages.

Bocconcino (31 Oct-2 Nov)

Italian restaurant group Bocconcino is hosting a collection of Halloween events to get you in a malevolent mood. On 31 October at the Mayfair branch, Venetian Shadows promises an evening of food, live music and entertainment. Striking decor and a decadent menu with either free-flowing champagne (£95pp) or bottomless cocktails (£85pp) sets the tone. Just don’t forget your Venetian mask!

Bocconcino Soho will host The Spirits of Soho – a weekend of Halloween fun. On Friday 1st November guests can enjoy a range of Italian dishes, from luxurious pastas to meats from the Josper grill. A master illusionist will be on hand to entertain you, as well as a live DJ playing sultry Halloween-inspired tunes. Then on Saturday 2 November, also at Soho, it’s the Haunted Bottomless Brunch, offering spooky-themed dishes, bottomless cocktails (£69pp) and live music. Fun, fun, fun!

Please like, share and comment below and see if we have anything else to inspire your next visit to London.