30 Spooky London Halloween Events For Kids

11. Take the London Ghost Bus Tour

• When? Every evening
• Where? 8 Northumberland Avenue, London
• Price? From £25

In search of an extraordinary dose of scares and spine-tingling tales during this half term in London? Look no further than the spine-chilling Haunted London Bus Tour, a hair-raising adventure that promises to send shivers down your spine. Step aboard a vintage 1960s Routemaster double-decker bus for a journey into the eerie heart of London, where the city’s most haunted locales await.

As you embark on this chilling 1 hour and 15-minute tour, you’ll find yourself seated on this iconic bus, and seats are available on a first-come-first-served basis, so early arrival is recommended. Your nerve-wracking expedition begins at the starting point, conveniently located at 8 Northumberland Avenue. Each evening, around 19:30, the tour departs, offering you the perfect opportunity to embrace the darkness and delve into the ghostly history of London’s most iconic landmarks.

Prepare to be enthralled and spooked as you hear eerie tales of the Tower of London, witness the spectral mysteries of Westminster Abbey, and uncover the haunting secrets of St Paul’s Cathedral. With every twist and turn of the bus, you’ll find yourself drawn deeper into the supernatural history of this ancient city.

This Haunted London Bus Tour is not for the faint-hearted; it’s a thrilling journey that promises to leave you with lasting memories and perhaps a few goosebumps along the way. So, gather your courage, secure your seat, and prepare for an unforgettable night of ghostly encounters in the heart of London.

12. London Dungeon Bloodcurdling Halloween events

• When? 15 – 31 October 2023
• Where? London Waterloo
• Price? From £29.50

Embark on an unforgettable Halloween adventure at the London Dungeon, where fear takes centre stage in one of London’s most spine-tingling experiences. The London Dungeon masterfully combines a captivating ensemble of theatrical actors, state-of-the-art special effects, meticulously crafted stages, immersive scenes, and thrilling rides. It’s an immersive journey through the darkest corners of London’s history.

However, a word of caution: the live shows featuring notorious figures like Sweeney Todd and Jack the Ripper venture into the realm of truly spine-chilling. These performances might prove a bit too intense for younger children, but they are precisely what teenagers seeking an adrenaline-pumping thrill crave.

For teenagers and those brave enough to face the frights, the London Dungeon promises an unforgettable Halloween experience that delves into the macabre and mysterious chapters of London’s past. So, prepare to be captivated, startled, and thrilled as you journey through this eerie attraction, where history and horror converge for a hauntingly good time.

13. “Wicked” the Musical – Enjoy a Witchy night this Half Term

• When? Tuesday-Saturdan 7:30 PM, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 2:30 PM
• Where? The Apollo Victoria Theatre
• Price? From £25

Prepare for a delightfully eerie Halloween evening in London’s vibrant West End by immersing yourself in the enchanting world of the celebrated musical “Wicked.” While it promises a spooky atmosphere, rest assured it’s not the kind of show that will leave the kids with nightmares. “Wicked” weaves a captivating tale centred around two iconic witches, Elphaba (the infamous Wicked Witch of the West) and Galinda (who later adopts the name Glinda the Good). Their complex relationship unfolds against a backdrop of differing personalities and contrasting worldviews.

This musical extravaganza is recommended for those aged 7 and above, ensuring that older children and adults alike can enjoy its magical storytelling. It’s worth noting that children under 3 years old are not permitted to attend the show, and individuals aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult, with no option to sit separately. So, gather your family and friends for an enchanting Halloween night at “Wicked,” where the magic and mystery of Oz come to life on stage, promising a memorable and spine-tingling experience for all.

This October half-term Halloween is descending on ZSL London Zoo, promising a week of frightful fun – enchanting little monsters with an array of boo-rilliant activities. Little ones can journey through an avenue of ghoulish gourds and hair-raising haystacks to take the perfect Halloween family picture at the Pumpkin Patch, before listening to spooky stories on how nature bites back at Halloween-themed animal talks.

16. Visit the spine-tingling Tower of London

• When? 21-29 October 2023
• Where? Hampton Court Palace
• Price? From £33.60

This October half term, embark on a historical quest at the Tower. With a millennium of history within its walls, can you spot the ghosts of the past this Halloween?

As you explore, you might glimpse a ghostly figure on the stairs or the spectral presence of a Tudor gown swishing by a doorway. Seek out a medieval queen on an ancient throne, a Roman soldier by the London Wall remnants, or the Wizard Earl brewing potions in his apothecary.

In the shadow of the White Tower, a ruined garden hints at a lost palace, its gnarled roots and decaying walls concealing lingering spirits.

This is a family-friendly adventure meant to be spooky, not terrifying. Pick up a trail upon arrival and keep count of the ghosts you encounter during your visit. And remember, while you may see them, they won’t see you…

17. Halloween at Hampton Court Palace

• When? 21-29 October 2023
• Where? Hampton Court Palace
• Price? From £26.30

Experience Halloween 2023 at Hampton Court, Henry VIII’s famously haunted palace. This October, immerse yourself in a spooky transformation with eerie projections and unsettling soundscapes that will send shivers down your spine. While wandering the dimly lit corridors and courtyards, you’ll sense the ghostly presence of infamous spirits lurking nearby. But remember, it’s best to keep your distance from these spectral residents.

In addition to the haunting atmosphere, the palace has been taken over by witches and alchemists. Visit the Gallery of the Damned to witness portraits come to life or join a spine-tingling séance in the Council Chamber, where voices from beyond the grave may echo.

Venture beyond the Haunted Garden to discover intricately carved pumpkins. After your haunting exploration, cosy up for spooky stories and savour Halloween-themed treats at the café. Hampton Court offers a chillingly delightful Halloween experience you won’t forget.

18. Boogie Monsters Haunted Halloween Party

• When? Friday 27 October – Doors open 10.30 am, music from 10.45 am – 11.45 am
• Where? Boxpark Croyden
• Price? From £10

Indulge in some Halloween fun and let the award-winning Boogie Monsters crew enchant you and your little ones at this spooktacular Haunted Halloween family gig!

Step onto the dance floor for a spine-tingling musical ‘monster mash’ featuring a mix of current chart-toppers and classic hits. Our talented musicians will bring these tunes to life with colourful props, bubbles, dance moves, and more!

This live ‘unplugged’ performance captures all the excitement of our pop and rock band in an energetic acoustic ensemble. With professional musicians wielding real instruments, they promise to ignite a lifelong passion for live music in your little monsters.

And don’t forget to dress up in your finest Halloween attire – it’s optional but highly encouraged! Let’s get into the spooky spirit together!

19. Discover the Dark Arts – Warner Bros Studio Tour

• When? 15 September-5 November 2023
• Where? Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Leavesden
• Price? From £12.50

Due to popular demand, Dark Arts is back at the Studio Tour in 2023, transforming iconic Harry Potter sets into a spooky Halloween spectacle. Here’s what you can expect:

HALLOWE’EN AT HOGWARTS
Step into the Great Hall with floating pumpkins, just like in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.”

FOLLOW THE DARK MARK
Hunt for the Dark Mark symbol throughout the tour with your Studio Tour passport.

LEARN WAND COMBAT
Watch Death Eaters in authentic costumes and join an interactive wand combat display led by Paul Harris, the Wand Choreographer from the films

20. The Moonwitch Halloween Event at Tumblesone Hollow

• When? 18-29 October 2023
• Where? Stonor Park
• Price? From £12.50

Looking for a witchy Halloween event this half term? Tumblestone Hollow is inspired by the magical history of Stonor Park, one of Britain’s oldest family-owned stately homes. Nestled in the woods with stunning views of the surrounding Chilterns countryside, it’s a very special place to play. You can even see red kites swooping overhead! There’s no age limit, although the adventure is aimed at kids aged 4-12. Luckily there’s sand and water play for small kids and it’s challenging enough for older kids too. You get a 3-hour play slot, with a coloured wristband to go freely between the toilets eateries and the playground during your time slot.

21. Halloween Half Term Fun at Hever Castle

• When? 21-29 October 2023
• Where? Hever Castle
• Price? From £18

Give your youngsters an unforgettable and spine-tingling experience this half-term by bringing them to the enchanting Hever Castle. As you step onto the castle grounds, you’ll want to dress your little ones in their most ghoulish and creative Halloween outfits, setting the stage for an adventure filled with chills and thrills.

While at Hever Castle, prepare to be immersed in a world of Halloween wonderment. Traditional ghost stories will be whispered, sending shivers down spines, and Halloween decorations will adorn the grounds, creating an atmosphere of eerie enchantment.

To add an extra layer of excitement, families can embark on a scavenger hunt through various garden zones, each with its own thematic twist, including witches, spiders, skeletons, and bats. The goal: discover letters scattered throughout these zones to piece together a mysterious word. Successfully solving the riddle will earn your little ones a small but delightful prize.

But that’s not all. Skilled teachers will be on hand to provide a mix of delights and frights. Don’t be surprised if your children encounter a few playful vampire bites along the way, all in the spirit of Halloween merriment.

And for a unique and protective twist, you can plant garlic bulbs during your visit. This age-old tradition is said to ward off any stray vampires that may be lurking nearby, ensuring a safe and spooktacular time for all.

22. Halloween Half-Term Event at Eltham Palace

• When? 12-20 October 2023
• Where? Eltham Palace and Gardens
• Price? From £16

Prepare to be enchanted as you step into the enchanting world of Eltham Palace in London this Halloween. This bewitching event invites you to dust off your broomsticks and embark on a day of magical adventure. As you enter the historic grounds, you’ll find yourself surrounded by an air of mystique and anticipation. Gather with fellow thrill-seekers and immerse yourself in tales spun by our expert spooky storytellers. These chilling narratives will transport you to realms where the line between the living and the supernatural blurs.

30. Organise a spine-chilling Trick or Treat night in London

• When? 31 October 2023 
• Where? Your local area
• Price? Free

While there’s a wide range of Halloween events for kids in London, nothing beats a good old spookalicious Trick or Treat night out in your local streets! If you’re new to celebrating Halloween in London, we’ve put together a few tips for how to get organised and plan the perfect Trick or Treat night this half-term.

Is Trick or Treating popular in London?

Absolutely! People go trick & treat all over London on Halloween night, so gather your friends, get your costumes on, get a bucket and start knocking!

Where can I go Trick or Treating in London?

The best place to go trick & treating is in your local community! Don’t trust dated advice on the internet saying the best place to go Trick and treating in London is St Johns Wood or specific areas of West London because of all the Americans living there. That might have been true 20 years ago, but these days trick or treat has become a mainstream activity happening across the city in all neighbourhoods.

How do I join a Trick or Treat group in London?

Parents in London usually organise the big Halloween night over informal WhatsApp chat groups and go from house to house in the local community or in their own apartment buildings. If you’re visiting London on Halloween night and want to go trick or treating in the capital, you can of course choose any area. Residential streets in areas such as Richmond and Greenwich should be safe picks.

What’s the best costume for Trick or Treat in London?

Anything goes when it comes to costumes, but if you need some inspiration, check out our list of Top 10 Halloween Costumes. Keep in mind the weather: It’s usually cold end of October in London, so you need either a jacket or a big jumper. Children often get disappointed when they realize their precious costumes will be completely covered by outerwear, so think of ways to combine staying warm and looking scary! 

Trick or Treat etiquette to keep in mind

1. Go to houses that have been decorated

It’s a good idea to only go to houses that have been decorated. Check our post on free Halloween bunting for decoration ideas. For a stress-free evening, you can also pre-plan your spooky escapades and drop in only at the homes of friends or family who expect you. The one knock rule – we know it’s not a written rule, but if someone fails to answer the door after one knock, move on to the next haunted house.

2. Always be polite

If the old neighbour is handing out apples instead of Haribo Supermix, teach little ones to resist rolling their eyes instead of being polite. By the same token, if someone (dares to!) say ‘trick’, plan a respectful trick in good humour – no eggs thrown at windows! Halloween is about having fun, so let’s keep it that way.

3. Don’t be (too) greedy

Nobody likes a greedy witch! It can be tempting to grab all your favourite treats (and who wouldn’t want to make a play for all the jelly beans if given half the chance?) but encourage little ones to take just one item from each house’s Halloween reserve so there is plenty to go around.

4. Show off your Halloween costume!

Dressing up is half the fun. If you’re asked whom you’re dressed as go ahead and say! Even if you’re the 10th Spiderman or Skeleton, they’ve seen that night.

Top 10 most haunted places to visit in London for Halloween

Not into the modern version of Halloween? If you want to experience real thrills and chills in London for Halloween, you might want to visit some of the most haunted places in the city. London has a long and dark history, full of gruesome stories and ghostly sightings. From ancient churches and castles to eerie parks and museums, there are plenty of spooky spots to explore. Here are some of the most haunted places in London that will scare the crap out of you (for real).

1. Westminster Abbey
   Westminster Abbey is one of the most important religious buildings in London, and the coronation and burial place of many British monarchs. But this Gothic church also has a sinister side, as it is home to several ghosts and apparitions. Some of the spirits that haunt Westminster Abbey are John Bradshaw, the judge who sentenced Charles I to death, a Benedictine monk named Father Benedictus, and a mysterious figure that roams the cloisters at night. Some visitors have also reported seeing a marble statue of Daniel Pulteney turning the pages of a book.
2. Tower of London
   The Tower of London is one of the most famous landmarks in London, but also one of the most haunted. This medieval fortress was used as a prison and a place of execution for many centuries and witnessed countless atrocities and murders. Some of the ghosts that haunt the Tower of London are Guy Fawkes, who plotted to blow up the Parliament, Lady Jane Grey, who was beheaded for treason, Henry VI, who was stabbed to death, and Anne Boleyn, who was decapitated by order of her husband Henry VIII. Some people have seen Anne Boleyn walking with her head under her arm or heard her screams echoing in the chapel.
3. Hyde Park
   Hyde Park is a popular green space in London, where people enjoy walking, picnicking, and boating. But behind the peaceful scenery lies a creepy secret: a pet cemetery with more than 300 graves. The cemetery dates back to the 1880s and contains the remains of dogs, cats, birds, and even monkeys. The cemetery is rarely open to the public, but some people have claimed to see ghostly animals roaming around the park, especially near Tyburn, where thousands of people were executed over the centuries.
4. The Parkland Walk
   The Parkland Walk is a scenic route that runs between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace, along an abandoned railway line. The walk is surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife but also has a spooky atmosphere. One of the most frightening sights along the walk is a huge sculpture of a spriggan, a mythical creature that guards hidden treasures. The spriggan lurks under a disused railway arch, and some people have reported feeling its menacing presence or hearing its growls.
5. Bruce Castle Museum
   Bruce Castle Museum is a historic house in Tottenham that dates back to the sixteenth century. The museum displays various exhibits related to local history and art, but also hides some dark secrets. One of the most tragic stories is that of Lady Constantia Lucy, who committed suicide by jumping off the balcony with her child in her arms. Her ghost is said to haunt the museum, especially on November nights, when she can be seen staring out of the window or wandering around the rooms.
6. Old Operating Theatre Museum
   The Old Operating Theatre Museum is one of the most unusual and gruesome museums in London. It is located in the attic of an old church near London Bridge and displays various instruments and artefacts related to surgery and medicine in the nineteenth century. The museum also preserves an original operating theatre where patients were operated on without anaesthesia or antiseptics. The screams and moans of these patients can still be heard in the museum, as well as the footsteps and voices of ghostly surgeons and nurses.
7. Highgate Cemetery
   Highgate Cemetery is one of the most famous cemeteries in London, and also one of the most haunted. The cemetery is divided into two sections: the East Cemetery, where famous people like Karl Marx are buried, and the West Cemetery, which is older and more Gothic. The West Cemetery is only accessible by guided tours and contains some eerie sights like catacombs, Egyptian tombs, and overgrown graves. The cemetery is also haunted by various ghosts, such as a shrouded figure that glides among the tombs, a mad old woman who searches for her children, and a vampire that lurks in the darkness.
8. 50 Berkeley Square
   50 Berkeley Square is a Georgian townhouse in Mayfair that has a reputation for being the most haunted house in London. The house was once occupied by George Canning, a prime minister who died in office, and later by Thomas Myers, a recluse who became obsessed with his lost fiancée. The house is said to be haunted by several ghosts, such as a young woman who threw herself out of the window, a servant girl who was killed by a lover, and a monstrous creature that dwells in the attic. The house is now a bookstore, but the upper floors are off-limits to visitors.
9. The Spaniards Inn
   The Spaniards Inn is a historic pub in Hampstead that dates back to the sixteenth century. The pub is famous for its literary connections, as it was frequented by writers like Charles Dickens, Bram Stoker, and John Keats. The pub is also notorious for its paranormal activity, as it is haunted by several ghosts. Some of the spirits that haunt the Spaniards Inn are Dick Turpin, a highwayman who was hanged for his crimes, a Spanish lady who died of a broken heart, and a phantom coach that drives past the pub at night.
10. Sutton House and Breaker’s Yard
    Sutton House and Breaker’s Yard is a Tudor mansion in Hackney that is now a museum run by the National Trust. The house was built in 1535 by Sir Ralph Sadleir, a courtier of Henry VIII, and has been used as a school, a church, and a squat over the years. The house is haunted by several ghosts, such as the White Lady, who appears in the linenfold panelled room, a howling dog, who warns of impending death, and a woman in blue, who wanders around the garden. The Breaker’s Yard is an outdoor space that features various sculptures and installations made from recycled materials.

Have a fang-tastic Halloween in London!