Kew Gardens: Royal Botanic Gardens
Take a breath of fresh air in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew Gardens!
From
6 €
HalloweenHalloween in London 2026: Best Events & Things to Do
Halloween in London turns the British capital into an ideal destination for anyone looking for thrills, ghost stories and unusual experiences. Throughout October, historic palaces, theme parks, attractions and iconic venues run special events combining eerie decorations, immersive trails and family-friendly entertainment.
In 2026, the main events are already confirmed, including Dark Arts at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Halloween at Kew, Thorpe Park's Fright Nights, Halloween at the Tower of London, Halloween at Hampton Court Palace and Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Windsor.
Depending on the age of the visitors and how scary you want the experience to be, the programme can range from a family-friendly illuminated trail to much more intense horror mazes. This guide brings together the best things to do for Halloween in London in 2026, with dates, family activities, haunted tours and practical tips for planning your stay.
2026 update: the main Halloween events in London have now announced their 2026 programmes, and bookings are open for many attractions. Some one-off events organised by bars, clubs and independent venues may still be announced closer to 31 October.
Halloween events in London in 2026: dates
Halloween falls on Saturday 31 October 2026, but celebrations begin much earlier. Some attractions launch their seasonal programme in September, and several events continue into early November.
| Event | 2026 dates | Audience | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harry Potter Studio Tour - Dark Arts | 16 September to 8 November 2026 | Families / Harry Potter fans | Themed experience |
| Thorpe Park - Fright Nights | 2-4 and 9-11 October, then 15 October to 1 November 2026 | Teenagers / adults | Theme park / horror |
| LEGOLAND Windsor - Brick or Treat | 10-11 October, then 17 October to 1 November 2026 | Families / children | Theme park |
| Halloween at Kew | 16 October to 1 November 2026 | Families / all ages | Illuminated trail |
| London Dungeon - Curse of the Mummy | 17 October to 1 November 2026 | Teenagers / adults | Immersive experience |
| Halloween at the Tower of London | 24 October to 1 November 2026 | Families | History / Halloween |
| Halloween at Hampton Court Palace | 24 October to 1 November 2026 | Families | Historic palace |
| Halloween at the Museum | 31 October 2026 | Adults - 18+ | Special evening event |
advertisement
Events with timed entry, such as Halloween at Kew or Warner Bros. Studio Tour, can sell out on the most popular dates. Booking early gives you more choice of day and time.
What to do for Halloween in London in 2026?
London offers very different experiences depending on the atmosphere you are looking for. Some focus on decorations and storytelling, while others rely more heavily on actors, special effects and full horror scenes.
Harry Potter Studio Tour - Dark Arts
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter celebrates Halloween with its seasonal Dark Arts event, running from 16 September to 8 November 2026.
The Great Hall is decorated for Halloween with more than one hundred floating pumpkins. During the visit, guests may also encounter Death Eaters and discover several features linked to the darker side of the Harry Potter universe.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour is located outside central London. When booking, check whether your ticket includes studio admission only or also transport from London.
Halloween at Kew
Kew Gardens hosts Halloween at Kew from 16 October to 1 November 2026.
After dark, the gardens are transformed into a Halloween trail filled with light installations, characters and immersive scenes. The 2026 edition sees the return of the Headless Horseman and introduces several new themed areas, including Dracula's Lair, Cursed Tomb, Medieval Dungeon, Forest Ritual and Monster Disco.
The atmosphere changes as the evening goes on. Earlier time slots are better suited to families with young children, while the experience becomes darker and more intense later in the evening.
From 16 to 24 October, the event runs from 6pm to 10pm. From 25 October to 1 November, the first sessions begin at 4pm. Last entry is at 8:30pm.
Halloween at Kew uses timed tickets. For younger children, choose one of the earliest sessions.
Thorpe Park - Fright Nights
For a much more intense evening, Thorpe Park runs its famous Fright Nights on selected dates from 2 October to 1 November 2026.
The event celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026 with horror mazes, scare zones, shows and major rides operating after dark.
New for 2026 is Tenement, a new horror maze, alongside several experiences already familiar to regular Fright Nights visitors.
The scariest experiences are recommended for visitors aged 13 and over. Some mazes or activities may require an additional booking or extra charge on top of park admission.
Fright Nights are much more intense than the family events at Kew, LEGOLAND or the royal palaces. Check the age recommendations for each experience before booking.
London Dungeon - Curse of the Mummy
The London Dungeon is one of the easiest London attractions to associate with Halloween. Actors, immersive sets and special effects bring to life darker episodes from London's past, including the plague, the Great Fire of London and the crimes of Jack the Ripper.
From 17 October to 1 November 2026, the attraction adds Curse of the Mummy, a special seasonal sequence inspired by the legend of the "unlucky mummy" and Victorian fascination with ancient Egypt.
The Halloween experience is included with London Dungeon admission. Entry is timed, and dates during the school holidays can be particularly busy.
Halloween at the Tower of London
The Tower of London already has everything needed for a suitably eerie Halloween setting: a medieval fortress, former prison, famous executions and centuries of ghost stories.
From 24 October to 1 November 2026, Halloween at the Tower of London explores this darker side of the monument through characters, stories and installations spread across the fortress.
The Halloween programme is included with Tower of London admission.
Halloween at Hampton Court Palace
Once home to Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace is associated with several ghost stories and offers a particularly atmospheric setting in autumn.
From 24 October to 1 November 2026, the palace features atmospheric projections, sound effects, ghostly characters and stories inspired by its history.
Outside, an autumn trail with pumpkins and family activities is aimed more at younger visitors. The Halloween event is included with palace admission.
What to do in London for Halloween with children?
Halloween in London does not have to mean haunted houses and intense scares. Several events focus instead on decorations, characters and playful activities designed for families.
LEGOLAND Windsor - Brick or Treat
LEGOLAND Windsor runs Brick or Treat on 10 and 11 October, then from 17 October to 1 November 2026.
Halloween decorations, LEGO Monsters characters, meet-and-greets, shows and seasonal entertainment take over the park during the autumn school holidays. In 2026, the programme includes Lord Vampyre's House Party, Monster Jam and Disco Dragon.
The event is designed to be more fun than frightening and is especially suitable for families with younger children.
Halloween at Kew with young children
Halloween at Kew offers different time slots throughout the evening. The earliest sessions allow families to enjoy the decorations and characters in a gentler atmosphere before the trail becomes darker.
It is a good option for families looking for a real Halloween atmosphere without the intensity of Fright Nights or some of London's horror attractions.
Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace
The Halloween events at the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace are both presented as family activities. They offer a more playful way to discover British history during the October school holidays.
Hampton Court works particularly well with younger children thanks to its outdoor autumn trail. The Tower of London is a better choice for families who want to combine Halloween with one of London's major historic attractions.
Discovery Days in Hyde Park
Discovery Days: Hair Raising Halloween takes place in Hyde Park from 27 to 29 October 2026, from 11am to 3:30pm.
These free family days combine nature activities, creative workshops, bats and Halloween stories at the Hyde Park Learning Centre.
It is one of the most interesting free options during the autumn school holidays, especially if you want to balance paid attractions with simpler family activities.
Entry is free. Check the Royal Parks information before your visit in case registration is required or any details change.
Haunted tours and macabre experiences in London
Seasonal events are only part of the story. With criminal history, old prisons, Victorian cemeteries and centuries of ghost stories, London has plenty of darker experiences available throughout the year.
Ghost Bus Tours
Ghost Bus Tours combine sightseeing, ghost stories and dark humour aboard a double-decker bus transformed into a mobile theatre.
The route passes through several historic districts and offers a way to discover London's darker side without spending the whole evening on foot.
The tour is mainly conducted in English. A good understanding of the language will help you enjoy the stories and performances.
Jack the Ripper walking tour
The streets of Whitechapel remain linked to one of the most famous criminal cases in London's history. A guided tour dedicated to Jack the Ripper places the murders of 1888 in their historical context and explores the main locations and theories connected to the case.
For a stronger atmosphere, choose a tour in the late afternoon or evening. Departure times vary between operators.
The London Bridge Experience
The London Bridge Experience combines history, actors and immersive sets around London Bridge and its past.
The attraction operates throughout the year and is a good choice for visitors looking for something more intense during Halloween. Any seasonal additions should be checked when booking.
The Clink Prison Museum
Located in Southwark, The Clink Prison Museum explores the history of one of London's oldest prisons. Recreated cells, historic objects and exhibits linked to prison life give the museum an atmosphere that works especially well at Halloween.
Highgate Cemetery
Highgate Cemetery is one of London's best-known Victorian cemeteries. Gothic architecture, funerary monuments and dense vegetation give it a particularly atmospheric feel in autumn.
Guided tours provide access to parts of the cemetery and explore the stories of some of the people buried there.
Immersive experiences for a Halloween evening
If you prefer puzzles and interactive experiences to traditional horror attractions, several year-round activities in London work particularly well at Halloween.
The Gunpowder Plot: The Immersive Experience
This theatrical experience explores the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 and the story of Guy Fawkes. Full-scale sets, actors and immersive effects place visitors in early 17th-century England.
Sherlock: The Official Live Game
Sherlock: The Official Live Game turns participants into investigators in an adventure inspired by the television series Sherlock. Puzzles, immersive sets and hidden clues make it a good alternative for visitors who enjoy mystery without wanting a full horror experience.
SAW: Escape Experience
Inspired by the SAW film franchise, this immersive escape experience places participants inside a series of challenges and sets inspired by Jigsaw's world.
The atmosphere is much darker than a standard escape room, making it better suited to thrill-seekers and groups of friends than to young children.
Halloween at the Museum at the Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum hosts Halloween at the Museum on 31 October 2026, from 7pm to midnight.
After normal closing time, visitors can explore the museum in a completely different atmosphere, with music, entertainment, activities and evening access to selected galleries. The 2026 programme includes a silent disco.
Halloween at the Museum is for visitors aged 18 and over. Photo ID may be required at the entrance. This evening event should not be confused with family activities offered by other museums and attractions during the October school holidays.
advertisement
Which shows should you see in London for Halloween?
The West End also has several shows with fantasy, gothic or mysterious themes that work particularly well around Halloween. For more ideas, see our guide to the best shows to see in London for Halloween.
Wicked
Wicked tells the story of the witches of Oz long before the events of The Wizard of Oz. Magic, costumes and spectacular sets make it a natural choice for extending a Halloween day into the evening.
The Phantom of the Opera
With its theatre setting, masked character and gothic atmosphere, The Phantom of the Opera is another strong choice for a Halloween evening.
Prices and availability vary depending on the date, performance time and seat category. Check the tickets available on AllTrippers to compare the options for your evening.
Where should you go in London for Halloween?
London does not have one single neighbourhood devoted to Halloween. The best area depends more on what you want to do once you get there.
South Bank
South Bank is particularly convenient for attractions. The London Dungeon, London Eye and several major central London sights are located in or close to this area.
It is a practical base for a first visit and for combining several activities in the same day.
Soho and the West End
Soho and the West End are better suited to an evening out, with restaurants, theatres, bars and clubs concentrated in an area that is easy to explore on foot.
Special Halloween parties change from year to year. Check the 2026 programme for the venues you are interested in rather than relying on events from previous years.
Camden
Camden is a better fit for visitors looking for an alternative atmosphere, live music and nightlife. Around Camden High Street, bars and music venues may host themed events over Halloween weekend.
Greenwich
With its historic buildings, old streets and maritime heritage, Greenwich is a good choice for visitors looking for a more historical atmosphere rather than a club night.
Notting Hill
Notting Hill is often photographed at this time of year for its autumn façades and occasional private decorations around Portobello Road and Westbourne Grove.
It is still primarily a residential neighbourhood, so decorations are neither guaranteed nor organised as an official attraction.
For a first visit, choose the area according to your plans: South Bank for attractions, Soho for nightlife, Camden for an alternative atmosphere and Greenwich for history.
Halloween in London: walking, bus tour or guided tour?
Unlike London's Christmas lights, Halloween activities are spread across the capital. It is difficult to experience many of them in a single walk.
| Option | Advantages | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | Free and flexible | Soho, South Bank, Whitechapel |
| Ghost Bus | Guided tour and ghost stories | Seeing several places without too much walking |
| Jack the Ripper tour | Historical and specialised | Whitechapel and Victorian London |
| Attractions | Full immersive experience | London Dungeon, Kew, Thorpe Park |
For a first Halloween evening, a simple plan is to book an attraction in the late afternoon and follow it with a haunted tour after dark.
Practical tips for Halloween in London
Book activities in advance
Halloween coincides with the October school holidays in England, which is a busy period for many family attractions.
Timed-entry events such as Dark Arts and Halloween at Kew are the ones where booking ahead is most useful.
When several partners sell the same activity, compare prices and conditions on AllTrippers. If your itinerary includes several attractions, also check whether a sightseeing pass works out cheaper than buying separate tickets.
Getting around during Halloween
The Underground and buses are the easiest ways to travel between activities. For a late evening, check the transport schedule for the day of your visit and plan your journey back before heading out.
The Night Tube operates on selected lines on Friday and Saturday nights, but not across the entire network.
Prepare for the weather
At the end of October, several activities take place partly or entirely outdoors, including Halloween at Kew, Thorpe Park and some walking tours.
A waterproof jacket, warm clothing and comfortable shoes are useful at this time of year.
Can you wear a costume?
Costume rules vary between attractions. Some events encourage dressing up, while others restrict full-face masks, accessories that could be mistaken for weapons or particularly bulky costumes.
Check the venue rules before arriving in an elaborate costume.
Why is Halloween celebrated in London?
Halloween has some of its roots in Celtic traditions linked to Samhain, which marked the transition into the darker part of the year. Over the centuries, these customs became mixed with Christian All Saints' traditions and other British and Irish practices.
The word Halloween comes from All Hallows' Eve, the evening before All Saints' Day. Modern costumes, pumpkins and trick or treat traditions were later strongly influenced by North American culture.
In the UK, Halloween is followed only a few days later by another major autumn tradition: Bonfire Night, or Guy Fawkes Night, celebrated on 5 November to mark the failure of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
If your stay continues beyond Halloween, the fireworks and celebrations of Bonfire Night offer another very British autumn tradition to experience.
FAQ - Halloween in London 2026
- When is Halloween in London in 2026? Halloween falls on Saturday 31 October 2026. Several major events begin in September or early October, and some continue until 8 November.
- What can you do for Halloween in London in 2026? Major experiences include Dark Arts at Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Halloween at Kew, Thorpe Park's Fright Nights, Curse of the Mummy at the London Dungeon, the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace.
- What can you do in London for Halloween with children? Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Windsor, early sessions at Halloween at Kew, Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London and Hyde Park's Discovery Days are among the best family options.
- What is the scariest Halloween activity in London? Thorpe Park's Fright Nights are among the most intense experiences. The London Dungeon and some immersive attractions are also good choices for visitors looking for stronger scares.
- Is Halloween at Kew suitable for children? Yes. The earliest time slots are the best choice for younger children, before the trail becomes darker later in the evening.
- Can you visit Warner Bros. Studio Tour during Halloween? Yes. Dark Arts runs from 16 September to 8 November 2026 and transforms several areas of the Studio Tour for the season.
- Does the Tower of London run a Halloween event? Yes. Halloween at the Tower of London runs from 24 October to 1 November 2026 and is included with standard admission.
- Are there free Halloween activities in London? Yes. Discovery Days: Hair Raising Halloween in Hyde Park is free from 27 to 29 October 2026. Other walks and one-off activities may also be available without a ticket.
- Do you need to book Halloween activities in London in advance? It is strongly recommended for limited-capacity events and popular attractions, particularly during the October school holidays.
Summary
Halloween is a great time to discover a very different side of London. Haunted palaces, immersive attractions, illuminated trails, family events and evening tours make it easy to build a programme that is as gentle or as frightening as you want.
For families with children, LEGOLAND Windsor, Halloween at Kew, Hyde Park, Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London are among the easiest options to include in a trip. For stronger scares, look instead at Thorpe Park's Fright Nights, the London Dungeon or an evening tour focused on ghosts and Jack the Ripper.
Plan Halloween in London with AllTrippers: check the available tickets and experiences and, when several offers are available, compare prices to find the option that best fits your plans.
Sources and useful links
Official sources
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - Dark Arts
- Kew Gardens - Halloween at Kew
- Thorpe Park - Fright Nights
- Historic Royal Palaces - Halloween at the Tower of London
- Historic Royal Palaces - Halloween at Hampton Court Palace
- LEGOLAND Windsor - Brick or Treat
- Natural History Museum - Halloween at the Museum
- London Dungeon - Halloween
Planning your trip? These are the tours and tickets travellers book most.
