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Colder weather, shorter days and darker nights can only mean one thing – Halloween is here. Notorious for its fancy dress, pumpkin decorations and horror films, Halloween is a celebration of all things creepy, stemming from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain.
These days, Halloween is a bit of light-hearted fun, where you can go trick or treating, indulge in horror films and dress up in your scariest outfit. And however you decide to celebrate this spooky season, London is the perfect spot for a day or night of ghoulish fun. Read on for our top tips on where to go in London for Halloween, including everything from Halloween nightlife to family friendly activities. In the mood for something spookier? Read our ultimate guide to the UK's top spooky attractions.
Family-friendly Halloween activities
Get the whole family involved this Halloween with a fun day out that’s not going to leave you with nightmares! From trips to the zoo to a delicious, spooky meal, there are so many ways you can celebrate Halloween with the kids.
Covent Garden Halloween events
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Image credit: Shaftesbury Capital
If you’re looking for the top free Halloween events London has to offer to soak up the spooky atmosphere, head to Covent Garden. Each year, the market is transformed with a huge pumpkin display, and there are fun activities for kids like pumpkin carving, face painting and bouncy castles. It’s one of the best ways to celebrate Halloween in London for families, as there’s something everyone can enjoy here!
How to get there: Take the northbound Northern line from London Waterloo to Leicester Square, then walk 8 minutes to Covent Garden. Alternatively, it’s a 19-minute walk across the Thames.
Halloween at Hogwarts
Harry Potter fans won’t want to miss the Dark Arts feature at Warner Bros. Studios in Watford this Autumn. Visitors can see the Great Hall decorated with floating pumpkins as seen in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone to get in the Halloween spirit.
For a spooktacular Hogwarts experience, Death Eaters and Dementors lurk around the studio, but fear not – you can practise casting spells in the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom.
Price: The Dark Arts feature is included with all studio tour tickets booked between September 13 – November 10, 2024. Advance booking is essential, with prices starting at £43 for children (ages 5-15) and £53.50 for adults. Family tickets are also available – find out more on the Warner Bros. Studios tickets page.
Don’t forget to check SWR Rewards for 10% off your visit to Warner Bros. Studios when you book directly with us!
How to get there: Catch a train from Clapham Junction to Watford Junction. From the station, hop on the 318 or 8 bus to the studios – a 20-minute journey.
Photo credit:
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. All characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. WB SHIELD: © & ™ WBEI. Publishing Rights © JKR.
Little Wizard Afternoon Tea at The Wands & Wizard Exploratorium
This interactive tea-brewing experience is perfect for kids, letting their imaginations run wild, but adults will love it too! Upon arrival, select your magic wand and use it to cast spells, unlocking the ingredients to brew your interactive tea. Then, enjoy your creations alongside some tasty wizard-themed treats, including ‘sand-witches’ and desserts.
Price: Tickets for the Little Wizard Afternoon Tea experience (suitable for ages 11+) cost £34.99 per person. For older children (ages 12+) and adults, choose the Arcane Wizard Afternoon Tea experience, which costs £47 per person.
How to get there: Take the northbound Northern line from London Waterloo to Tottenham Court Road, then walk 8 minutes to The Wands & Wizard Exploratorium.
Halloween events in London
Want to discover the best Halloween activities London has to offer? Head to the city’s spookiest attractions to get the full experience, including the Tower of London and the London Dungeon.
Halloween at the Tower of London
Photo credit: Tower of London
Celebrate Halloween at the Tower of London with a family-friendly ghost trail taking place from 26th October – 3rd November 2024. This historic fortress and former prison has a spooky feel about it, so the various Halloween installations and surprises add to the eerie atmosphere.
Price: The Halloween trail is included in your ticket price when visiting between 26th October – 3rd November 2024. Tickets for the Tower of London cost £34.80 for adults (ages 18-64), £17.40 for children (ages 5-15) and £27.50 for concessions (students, seniors and disabled visitors).
How to get there: At London Waterloo, hop on the Waterloo & City line to Bank. Walk 4 minutes to Monument and catch the eastbound Circle or District line to Tower Hill, then it’s a 6-minute walk to the Tower of London.
Halloween at the London Dungeon
Photo credit: London Dungeon
What better time to visit London’s scariest attraction than at Halloween? The London Dungeon’s Halloween experience is extra frightening, with live actors and shows telling spooky tales from the city’s haunted past. Due to the nature of this attraction, it’s best for adults or older children.
Price: Tickets cost £43 for adults and £37 for children (ages 5-15). However, SWR Rewards customers can save 1/3 on tickets to the London Dungeon. Advance booking is essential, especially during Halloween.
How to get there: It’s a 10-minute walk from London Waterloo to the London Dungeon.
Ghost walks and tours
If you love history and horror, join one of the many ghost walks and tours in London this Halloween for a truly thrilling experience.
Jack the Ripper Tour
Retrace the footsteps of one of the UK’s most famous serial killers in this Jack the Ripper walking tour, which takes place on the very streets that he once prowled. Guided by published authors specialising in this notorious serial killer, this ghost walk will take you back to 1888 as you witness evidence from the very spots where Jack the Ripper took his victims’ lives.
Price: Tickets cost £15 per person, and advance booking is required. See the website for more booking information.
How to get there: Take the northbound Northern line from London Waterloo to Embankment, then change for the eastbound District line to Aldgate East. Meet your tour guides outside exit 1 of Aldgate East Underground Station.
Ghosts, Ghouls and Gallows
Looking for spooky evening activities this Halloween? Discover the dark history of London by night on this Ghosts, Ghouls and Gallows walking tour and river cruise. Learn about lesser-known legends and ghostly tales from your knowledgeable tour guide and see a different side of the city once darkness falls.
Price: Tickets cost £26.50 per person for this 2-hour experience.
How to get there: Hop on the northbound Jubilee line from London Waterloo to Green Park, then meet your guide by the Constance Fund statue of Diana outside the south exit of the tube station. Please note: the tour finishes in a different location, near Tower Hill station.
Book your train tickets with SWR this Halloween
Whatever your Halloween plans, travelling by train guarantees a hassle-free experience. We recommend booking in advance to find cheap train tickets. We offer various ticket types, including Sunday Out and Semi-Flex Return tickets, so you can find the best option for your journey. Those travelling in a group can make the most of our GroupSave tickets.
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