As the evenings get darker and winter approaches, it’s time for all issues grotesque, ghoulish and assured to make you scream – and if you happen to’re spending Halloween in London with youngsters, there’s loads of spine-chilling enjoyable.
With Halloween coinciding with October half-term in London, you’ll discover loads of household actions have an added serving to of spookiness all through the week.
But whether or not you’re visiting with teenagers who’re eager to be terrified or youthful youngsters who’re all in regards to the pumpkins, you’ll discover loads of scarily good enjoyable this Halloween in London.
The London Dungeons
Where higher to start out your terrifying journey than a go to to the London Dungeon? This Halloween in London, you’re dared to step into the attic of essentially the most haunted home in England, a location shrouded in thriller, homicide and insanity.
With a string of legends in regards to the numerous lives misplaced right here, the query is… will you emerge unscathed?
Needless to say, this one is best for older youngsters (really helpful for 10+), and it’s properly value prebooking tickets because it does promote out over Halloween. The fearsome enjoyable runs from October 15-31.
The London Bridge Experience & London Tombs
Travel again in time to find over 2,000 years of the world’s darkish and grotesque historical past as a part of The London Bridge Experience. The spooky interactive walk-through journey options reside actors taking part in a few of London’s most notorious characters, together with Jack The Ripper, William Wallace, and lots of extra.
Then, for a really terrifying Halloween expertise in London, you can also make your approach all the way down to the scare maze that’s the London Tombs. Here you’ll have to squeeze your approach by the confined catacombs, making an attempt to flee the zombies, spiders, clowns, bloody butchers, and different creatures of nightmares round each nook.
The London Bridge Experience is for youngsters 4+, whereas the London Tombs is barely appropriate for youngsters 11+ – however be warned, the Tombs have been topped the UK’s scariest attraction for the final 13 years, so the attraction undoubtedly isn’t for the faint-hearted.
There’s additionally a particular Halloween expertise for over 16+ this yr if you happen to’ve acquired older teenagers who’re feeling courageous.
There’s a reduction on tickets for the London Bridge Experience if you happen to ebook by my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Halloween on the Tower of London
There’s one other spooky Halloween expertise to be discovered at one of many capital’s most well-known points of interest, the Tower of London, as you observe within the footsteps of a few of its notorious prisoners.
Halloween on the Tower of London is an exhilarating family-friendly journey by the landmark’s haunted previous, operating from October 22-31.
As you tour the Tower’s most infamous websites reminiscent of Traitors’ Gate and the Bloody Tower, youngsters will come nose to nose with roaming ghosts of characters who spent their closing moments inside the partitions (with the assistance of projectors and eerie sound results).
The ghoulish Halloween Tower Tour is included in common admission. It’s finest to ebook your ticket upfront to ensure entry in the course of the half-term holidays.
There’s a reduction on tickets for the Tower of London if you happen to ebook by my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Halloween at Hampton Court Palace
If one haunted royal residence wasn’t sufficient, head all the way down to Hampton Court Palace for an additional eerie expertise by Historic Royal Palaces.
At Hampton Court Palace, this Halloween households can uncover the numerous darkish secrets and techniques of Henry VIII’s notoriously haunted palace. Kids can meet the palace’s ghosts, see portraits come to life within the Gallery of the Damned, and even take part in a séance to listen to voices from past the grave.
The spooky and academic expertise is appropriate for all ages. But when you’ve got older kids who need extra of a scare, go to the Palace After Dark on October 28 or 29 for a barely extra eerie Halloween expertise.
There’s a reduction on tickets for Hampton Court Palace if you happen to ebook by my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden – the Harry Potter tour
If you need to assure wizards and witches this Halloween, you possibly can all the time head to Hogwarts – or the following neatest thing, at The Making of Harry Potter tour within the Warner Bros studios close to London.
Previous particular Halloween occasions have included A Celebration of Slytherin, trying on the home which turned out extra darkish wizards than another, whereas this yr the main target is on the Dark Arts once more from September 23 to November 6.
Along the way in which, you can too spy a few of the creatures which appeared in the wizarding world, in addition to making an attempt your hand at flying a broomstick: in all probability the closest you may get to magic inside half an hour of the capital!
Harry Potter followers can get a spooky bonus this October too, with snaking 6m tentacles winding out of higher ground home windows at Leadenhall Market – the setting for Diagon Alley within the early movies – plus a Hoxton Street Monster Supplies pop-up, and a Burials, Bombs & Fantastic Beasts strolling tour on October 26.
For extra concepts of days out for Harry Potter followers in London, try these magical ideas too…
Creepy Creatures at Sea Life Aquarium
Venture into Sea Life London Aquarium and also you’ll discover a string of creatures to provide the shivers this Halloween.
As properly because the UK’s greatest assortment of piranhas, this October sees a concentrate on Creepy Creatures with the aquarium’s rainforest ranger serving to share extra about a few of the crawly creatures which reside there – and busting a few of the myths which encompass them.
You can find out about all the things from crocodiles to Chilean rose tarantulas and a colony of leafcutter ants. Runs from October 22-31, included in entry. There a reduction on prebooked tickets (which can also be really helpful throughout half-term).
KidZania London Festival of Fright
For the most effective issues to do over Halloween in London with youthful youngsters, head to KidZania at London Westfield.
This Halloween, the mini-city has been remodeled into an eerie ghost city, with haunted homes and spooky sightings round each nook.
There are additionally all types of enjoyable themed actions for youngsters aged 4-14, together with a Halloween trend present and dance periods the place youngsters can showcase their monstrous strikes. KidZania’s Festival of Fright is going down every day from October 24-30.
There’s a reduction on tickets for KidZania London if you happen to ebook by my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Ghoulish tales on the Cutty Sark
Greenwich’s iconic Cutty Sark is internet hosting a lot of family-friendly occasions to assist maintain youngsters entertained this October half-term – and from October 25-27, you possibly can embark on a Halloween-themed journey with musical storyteller Paul Rubinstein to discover the extra creepy and disgusting tales from the ship’s historical past.
If that isn’t sufficient to present you chills, be careful for an additional immersive choice going down over October half-term too, with the Cutty Sark’s Ice Survival occasion (October 23-27), the place visitors of all ages can uncover how sailors as soon as survived the freezing temperatures of the Antarctic.
Plus older youngsters (12+) can get their hearts racing by climbing the ship’s well-known masts within the thrilling Cutty Sark Rig Climb Experience.
There’s a reduction on tickets for the Cutty Sark if you happen to ebook by my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Jump on the ghost bus
For a ghost tour with a distinction, hop on board London’s Ghost bus tour – it’s household pleasant (though finest for round age 7+), as you cruise on the ‘orrible omnibus’ to the West End, across the metropolis and south of the river.
There are spooky details about a few of London’s finest recognized landmarks, together with the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, with a creepy conductor offering the commentary.
Set overseas the one Necropolis Bus left, the only survivor of a nineteenth century personal funeral bus service – painted midnight black – the remainder had been destroyed in a mysterious hearth. If you don’t have already got shivers down your backbone, you’re positive to by the point you step off…
Thames Thriller Ride
Speed alongside the Thames this Halloween in a hair-raising thrill trip expertise with Thames Rockets.
The Thames Thriller Halloween expertise will first take you to discover essentially the most iconic websites alongside the River Thames whereas a grotesque costumed information tells you a few of London’s creepiest and spookiest tales (family-friendly after all).
Then, when you attain Tower Bridge, the Rocket revs as much as an electrifying 35mph and have you ever twisting and turning previous the London skyline whereas listening to a monster mash-up of enjoyable Halloween hits. That’s one option to get the heartbeat racing this Halloween in London.
The Thames Thriller runs from October 29-31 at various instances all through the three days.
Halloween Family Quest at Eltham Palace and Gardens
English Heritage’s Eltham Palace and Gardens is as soon as once more internet hosting certainly one of their nice household quests this October half-term. This yr, you possibly can be a part of Dennis the Menace, Gnasher, and pals on a spooky Halloween journey.
Running from October 22-30, the household path could have creepy clues that you simply’ll want to unravel and observe across the grounds of the lavish historic home.
Once you’ve accomplished the search, youngsters can meet costumed performers and listen to unusual and supernatural tales from instances previous. Tickets are free for members, in any other case there’s a reduction for reserving upfront.
Halloween at Charlton House & Gardens
Start your personal magical coaching this Halloween at Charlton House and Gardens with Charlton House Explorers: Witches of Greenwich.
Aimed at youngsters aged 5-12, little witches and warlocks will don their best robes, seize a wand to practise magical spells, and even craft their very own potions at this family-friendly occasion.
Along the way in which, you possibly can uncover 400 years of magic and thriller at this historic London manor, recognized for being one of the haunted homes within the metropolis.
Charlton House’s Halloween occasion is going down on October 25 and 26 between 10am and 12:30pm. Tickets price £5 and embody crafts and goodies.
Halloween at Chiswick House & Gardens
Brand new for 2022, Chiswick House is introducing a spooky illuminated path by its sprawling gardens for households to get pleasure from this Halloween.
The Chiswick House Halloween path will characteristic a haunted woodland full of creepy neon cobwebs, ghastly ghouls, big spiders, and extra, plus wonderful hearth artists, flickering pumpkins, and a secret backyard with much more spooky surprises.
Then when you’re completed exploring, cosy up across the bonfire and roast some marshmallows whereas the children get pleasure from a sizzling chocolate and fogeys sip on a warming sizzling toddy.
The Halloween path is open from October 14-31. Entry slots are timed so that you’ll have to ebook tickets upfront.
Syon Park: Halloween Spooktacular Fun
Syon Park in west London is internet hosting its personal spooktacular enjoyable Halloween occasion for households this half-term, that’s not too scary for youthful youngsters.
As properly as a tour of the historic home, the place costumed guides will thrill you with hair-raising tales, you possibly can head out into the backyard to observe the household trails. Don’t overlook to put on your finest costume to affix in on the Halloween enjoyable.
Guided Halloween excursions of Syon House in Brentford are going down from October 26-29, adopted by a self-guided path on October 30.
Ham House, Surrey
Ghostly girls are ten a penny however there aren’t fairly as many historic homes that may boast a ghostly canine as Ham House can.
Add in mysterious chilly spots, ghostly footsteps and a 17th century trying glass which some individuals refuse to stare into for worry of who (or what) would possibly gaze again and its an ideal Halloween day trip in London.
A lady in black has additionally been noticed on the steps of the home, whereas a lovelorn nobleman is assumed to scream right here – you would possibly even odor pipe smoke, the favorite of the Duke of Lauderdale… who has been useless for properly over three centuries.
There are normally nice crafts for youths within the outdated servants’ quarters too. The home is reopening after conservation work on October 21, in time for October half-term and Halloween.
Covent Garden Halloween Pumpkin Market
Nothing screams Halloween in London like a go to to Covent Garden’s now well-known Halloween Pumpkin Market.
Once once more, over 200 pumpkins, squashes, and gourds of all sizes and hues will fill Covent Garden’s iconic central market constructing, surrounded by beautiful autumnal floral shows. Kids will love wandering amongst the pumpkins, on the lookout for the proper one to take residence and carve simply in time for Halloween.
Don’t overlook to deliver the digital camera, because it’s an ideal alternative for some nice household Halloween pictures!
For extra concepts of locations to select pumpkins close to London, try this put up
Halloween Pumpkin Carving at Chelsea Physic Garden
What’s Halloween with no pumpkin? And at Chelsea Physic Garden, you possibly can study all about pumpkin crops earlier than carving your personal to take residence.
Aimed at youngsters aged 6+ (who should be accompanied by an grownup), you’ll get all the things that you must create your personal jack-o-lantern in the course of the periods going down on October 24, 25 and 27.
Tickets embody entry to the Garden, priced £20 for adults, £15 for youngsters, and periods run from 1pm to 3pm, contained in the backyard’s spooky shed.
Horniman Museum and Gardens Halloween Fair
On Saturday twenty ninth October, seize all the household and head all the way down to the Horniman Museum’s annual household Halloween honest.
At the honest, you’ll discover rides, video games, themed arts and crafts workshops, face portray, balloons, and a Halloween path across the gardens. Kids also can get pleasure from mind-boggling close-up magic with Nyko the Magician, spooky science reveals with Einstein’s Entertainers Halloween Science Spectacular, and a Halloween Parade by the Gardens led by a scary skeleton.
And for folks, the honest will even have loads of meals and drinks stalls, in addition to arts and crafts stalls promoting distinctive and sustainable domestically made presents.
Mexico Family Fiesta at Kew Gardens
Halloween isn’t the one huge vacation going down over October half-term in London. You also can head to Kew Gardens to rejoice Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) at their Mexico Family Fiesta.
From October 22 to 31, the Temperate House at Kew Gardens will placed on a complete host of enjoyable household actions themed across the conventional Mexican vacation. You’ll get to get pleasure from vibrant parades, dress-up stations, carnival dance workshops, artwork installations celebrating Mexican tradition, and extra.
Tickets to the Day of the Dead household occasion are included with entry to Kew Gardens.
There’s a reduction on tickets for tickets to Kew Gardens if you happen to ebook by my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Top Trumps Trail at London Zoo
Check out ZSL London Zoo’s Halloween Top Trumps path – a brand new path to maintain youngsters entertained this October half-term.
To participate within the problem, all that you must do is seize a match card while you enter the zoo, then head off to search out the large Halloween Top Trumps playing cards across the enclosures.
Once you’ve discovered a card, select your animal and class and begin the battle. You can compete with the zoo to see in case your animal is the cutest, quickest, longest dwelling, or highest rated.
Plus, don’t overlook to go to the Terrace Restaurant the place youngsters can have a go at designing their very personal animal Top Trumps card.
Discovery Days at Hyde Park: Hair-Raising Halloween
Wrap up heat and head outdoors with the household this half-term for an additional version of Hyde Park’s household discovery days.
The park’s Hair-Raising Halloween Discovery Day shall be full of loads of enjoyable and academic hands-on actions for youthful kids. You can discover the eerie nature path, guess the grotesque contents of the feely containers, take heed to spooky interactive tales, and study in regards to the many bats that decision London’s Royal Parks residence.
Dressing up can also be inspired. The free half-term occasion will run every day from October 25 to 27, between 11am and 3pm.
Charterhouse Museum spooky path
There’s a free household path at Charterhouse Museum and chapel out there between October 25 and 29, aimed toward youngsters aged 5 to 10.
Open from 10.30am to 4.30pm, the exercise sheet is a spookily good option to uncover extra in regards to the constructing – the previous monastery, close to Barbican and Smithfield Market, has additionally been a non-public mansion, a boys’ faculty and an almshouse.
Old Operating Theatre, London
If you’re on the lookout for blood and gore this Halloween, London’s Old Operating Theatre is an eye-opening expertise with a glance again at real medical and surgical practices of way back.
Set within the attic of an 18th century church of the outdated St Thomas’s Hospital, it’s the oldest surviving surgical theatre in Europe and takes you again to the times earlier than anaesthetics.
This Halloween, you can too see the Victorian Operating Theatre Live occasion on October 29, a genuinely chilling have a look at the origins of surgical procedure earlier than anaesthetic and antiseptics. Best with older youngsters.
Spy well-known names in a cemetery
The concept of going for a stroll in a cemetery might sound an odd one, but it surely’s truly a captivating day trip with youngsters in London, particularly if you happen to go to one of many Magnificent Seven, the ring of seven graveyards created principally within the Victorian age and impressed by Pere Lachaise in Paris.
Brompton Cemetery has an uncommon attraction for youthful kids – Beatrix Potter used to reside close by and a few names on the tombstones apparently impressed characters in her tales: maintain an eye fixed out for Peter Rabbett, Jeremiah Fisher, Mr Nutkins, Mr Brock and Mr McGregor as you go to.
You’ll additionally discover Suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, Victorian adventuress Elizabeth Le Blond and pioneering doctor Dr John Snow, plus this cemetery has made numerous appearances in movies, together with Bond film Goldeneye and Sherlock Holmes.
Kensal Green is London’s largest and oldest public cemetery, with big mausoleums in addition to the grave of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, plus tightrope walker Charles Blondin, finest recognized for crossing the Niagara Gorge on a tightrope.
Bunhill Fields is a Nonconformist burial floor which dates again to the 1660s, with the graves of writers, artists, intellectuals and radicals, together with John Bunyan, Daniel Defoe and William Blake.
The best-known of the cemeteries, Highgate, isn’t free (except you’re a grave proprietor), though the entry cost is minimal (from £4.50 for an grownup ticket to the East Cemetery, 50p for youths) and a few of its catacombs are Grade II listed. It’s the ultimate resting place of Karl Marx, George Eliot and poet Christina Rossetti.
Chessington World of Adventures Howl’O’Ween
If you’re completely happy to journey barely outdoors central London, Chessington’s ‘Howl’O’Ween’ Halloween occasion is all the time a great one for households – and tickets embody entry to the complete theme park and zoo entry.
With adventures for little pumpkins and older thrill-seekers, you’ll have to beware the Vile Villagers of Wild Woods (go to at earlier instances for youths aged 5+, after 3pm for 8+), be careful for the mischievous Wild Witches of Adventure Point, who’ve conjured up a solid of curious characters throughout the resort, and luxuriate in rides at the hours of darkness on some dates.
Running from October 15-31, the Creepy Caves are again for a closing yr on the Surrey theme park, together with the fabulously scary hearth and results of Banyan: The Circle of 8 present.
For extra concepts of one of the best issues to do at October half-term in London with youngsters, try my high picks
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Tower of London/Warner Bros Studio Tour/Cutty Sark copyright MummyTravels/Chiswick Halloween picture courtesy Sony Music/all different photos courtesy of Depositphotos