Halloween in London 2026 lands on Saturday 31 October, right at the end of October half term. That makes this a full Halloween weekend, with family trails by day, club nights by night, and most events running through to Sunday 1 November.
If you haven’t made plans yet, you’re not too late. We’ve rounded up 25 of the best Halloween events in London for this week, from candlelit ghost walks and pumpkin patches to silent discos among vintage Tube trains. Each pick includes dates, prices and who it suits best, so you can book in minutes.
Why does London do Halloween so well? Few cities can match its raw material. There’s a thousand-year-old fortress with a famous list of executed prisoners, Victorian alleyways tied to one of history’s most notorious murder cases, and a Tudor palace with its own ghost stories. Add a world-class club scene and a calendar of pop-up events, and London’s Halloween offers far more than costume parties.
This guide is written for people planning this week, not next year. Every pick below was checked against organiser and ticketing listings on 26 October 2026. We’ve focused on events still running between now and Sunday 1 November.
Jump to: family-friendly picks · Halloween parties · immersive experiences · ghost tours · low-key nights · events by area · step-by-step planning guide · FAQs
When Is Halloween 2026 in London?
Halloween 2026 falls on Saturday 31 October. In England, October half term runs from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November, so most Halloween events in London 2026 run across the whole week and finish on 1 November.
Here are the key dates to plan around:
- Mon 26 – Fri 30 October: school half term (England and Wales), the busiest week for family-friendly Halloween events
- Thursday 29 October: the first big Halloween club nights begin
- Friday 30 October: pre-Halloween parties and boat parties
- Saturday 31 October: Halloween night, the peak for Halloween parties in London
- Sunday 1 November: the last day for most trails, attractions and pumpkin patches
Takeaway: because Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, demand peaks on the 30th and 31st. Book anything with a timed entry slot as early as you can.
One more date to keep in mind: Bonfire Night falls on Thursday 5 November, just after the Halloween season ends. If you’re visiting London for the half-term week, you can stretch the trip to catch fireworks too. The Tower of London even runs a Gunpowder Plot evening event on 5 November, so history fans can turn one spooky trip into two.
The Best Halloween Events in London 2026 at a Glance
Short on time? These are the top Halloween picks for 2026, sorted by who they suit best.
| Event | Best for | Dates (2026) | Area |
| Halloween at Kew | Families, all ages | 16 Oct – 1 Nov | West London (Richmond) |
| Halloween at the Tower of London | Families with younger kids | 24 Oct – 1 Nov | Central London |
| Curse of the Mummy, London Dungeon | Older kids and teens | October half term | Central London (South Bank) |
| Hobbledown Heath pumpkin patch | Toddlers and young kids | 25 Sep – 1 Nov | West London (Hounslow) |
| London Transport Museum silent disco | Adults (18+) | 31 Oct | Central London (Covent Garden) |
| Ministry of Sound Halloween | Clubbers | 29 Oct | South London |
| The Clapham Grand Halloween Party | Fancy dress party crowd | 31 Oct | South London |
| Ghastly Ghost Tour | Couples and groups | Nightly | Central London |
| Thorpe Park Fright Nights | Thrill-seekers | Until 1 Nov | Surrey (day trip) |
How much does Halloween in London cost?
Starting adult prices from organiser and ticketing listings, checked 26 October 2026; prices change, so confirm before booking
You can celebrate Halloween in London for almost nothing. Halloween at the Tower is included in standard palace admission, and Holland Park’s Playful Park of Peculiar is a free community event. At the other end, premium Halloween ball-style parties cost well over £100.
How we chose these picks: every event on this list is confirmed for 2026, still running this week, and easy to reach by public transport. We’ve aimed for a spread of prices, age groups and scare levels, so whether you’re planning Halloween in London 2026 with toddlers, teenagers or a group of friends, you’ll find several options that fit.
Family-Friendly Halloween Events in London
Halloween 2026 falls during the October half term, so London is packed with family-friendly Halloween activities this week. These seven picks range from gentle and charming to properly scary, so pick by your kids’ bravery level.
1. Halloween at the Tower of London
The Tower of London turns spooky from 24 October to 1 November 2026, open 10:30–16:00 daily. Costumed ghosts of famous former residents, including Anne Boleyn and Sir Walter Raleigh, wander the grounds. Look out for the Haunted Forge, the Enchanted Wishing Well and the Raven’s Observatory.
- Price: included in standard palace admission (members free, no pre-booking)
- Best for: younger children. It’s designed to delight rather than frighten
- Getting there: about five minutes’ walk from Tower Hill station
Why it’s worth it: you get far more than a Halloween trail. The same ticket covers the Crown Jewels, the White Tower and the famous ravens, so a Halloween visit doubles as one of the best history days out in the capital. Arrive close to opening to beat the half-term queues, and give yourself at least three hours to see everything.
2. Halloween at Kew
Halloween at Kew is an after-dark trail through Kew Gardens, with a fire garden, neon cobwebs, witches and giant spiders. It runs 16 October to 1 November 2026, and during half term sessions start from 4pm.
- Price: from £23 per adult and £17 per child (ages 4–15)
- Time needed: the trail is about 1.5km, so allow 1 to 1.5 hours
- Pro tip: the moonlight sessions after 7.30pm are the spookiest, but still suitable for all ages
Kew has three entrance gates, Victoria, Elizabeth and Brentford, and your ticket tells you which one to use. Brentford Gate is only for visitors who’ve bought parking, so double-check before you set off. Seasonal food and drink stalls line the route, from hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows to hot toddies for the grown-ups, so you don’t need to eat before you arrive.
If you can only fit in one Halloween experience this week, this is the one most families rave about. It’s spooky enough to thrill older kids, but bright and theatrical enough that little ones rarely find it too much.
3. Halloween at Hampton Court Palace
Henry VIII’s former home turns into a haunted palace from 24 October to 1 November, with Halloween installations and creepy sound effects. Parental guidance is advised, so it suits slightly older kids better than toddlers.
Hampton Court has a head start on atmosphere. It’s one of England’s most famous royal palaces, and its own ghost legends go back centuries. Pair the Halloween trail with the palace maze and the Tudor kitchens for a full day out. It’s easy to reach by train from London Waterloo, and the journey takes about 35 minutes.
4. Curse of the Mummy at the London Dungeon
This Halloween special is included with London Dungeon admission over half term. Expect live actors, jump scares and rides. It’s one of the scariest Halloween attractions in the city, so save it for brave older kids and teens.
The Dungeon sits in County Hall on the South Bank, right next to the London Eye, so it’s easy to build a full afternoon around it. Shows are performed by live actors in near-darkness, and you’ll be picked on if you stand at the front. As a rough guide, it’s best for kids aged 10 and up who enjoy a jump scare.
5. Shrek’s Adventure! London Halloween
Next door in County Hall, Shrek’s Adventure! London gives its trip to Far Far Away a Halloween twist this half term. It’s more silly than scary, which makes it a good bet for mixed-age groups. Standard adult tickets start at around £21.
The walk-through includes live character shows and a 4D “flying bus” ride, and the Halloween additions give it extra seasonal sparkle. Because it shares a building with the London Dungeon, it’s a smart pick for families with kids of different ages. The older ones can brave the Dungeon while the younger ones head to Far Far Away.
6. Playful Park of Peculiar, Holland Park
A week of free and low-cost Halloween-themed activities in Kensington runs from 24 to 31 October. It all builds to Holland Park becoming the Playful Park of Peculiar on Halloween night, with giant skeleton puppets parading through the crowds.
This is a lovely local alternative to the big ticketed attractions. You won’t need to book weeks ahead, and the parade on Halloween itself gives kids a chance to show off their costumes. Holland Park is a short walk from High Street Kensington and Holland Park stations, so it’s easy to combine with lunch nearby.
7. Pumpkin Picking at Hobbledown Heath
For pumpkin picking without leaving London, Hobbledown Heath in Hounslow runs its pumpkin patch until 1 November 2026, with tickets from £3.75. Further out, Beck Evans Farm in Sidcup opens its pumpkin patch on selected dates until 1 November.
Pumpkin patches are at their best early in the season, so by the final week the biggest pumpkins may be gone. Call ahead or check social media for stock updates, and bring a wheelbarrow-friendly bag or a sturdy box for the journey home. Wellies are a must if it has rained. Pick a pumpkin by the 29th or 30th and you’ll still have time to carve it for Halloween night.
Half-term tips for families
- Book timed slots now. Halloween falls on a Saturday during half term, so this is the busiest Halloween week in years.
- Go early in the week. Monday to Wednesday sessions are quieter than Friday and Saturday.
- Pack layers and torches for evening trails like Kew. Paths get dark and muddy.
- Bring fancy dress. Most family events welcome costumes, and kids love it.
Halloween Parties in London: Club Nights, Balls and Fancy Dress
London’s party scene goes big for Halloween. One listings platform tracked 104 Halloween-tagged parties across the city between 23 and 31 October 2026. Most of the action lands on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October, so these are the Halloween parties in London worth planning around.
8. Ministry of Sound Halloween
One of the biggest club nights of the year kicks off early, on Thursday 29 October, 10pm–5am, at the legendary Elephant & Castle superclub. Costumes are a must and tickets usually sell out.
Because it falls on a Thursday, this is a smart choice if you want a big night out without fighting the Saturday crowds. Elephant & Castle is on the Northern and Bakerloo lines, and the club’s sound system is famous for good reason. Expect long entry queues after 11pm, so arrive early if you’re not on a guest list.
9. The Clapham Grand Halloween Party
The Clapham Grand’s annual blowout on Saturday 31 October is a classic south London Halloween night out. Costumes are essential, and the venue runs other Halloween events across the week, including drag emo karaoke on Friday 30 October.
The Grand is a former Victorian music hall, and its ornate interior makes it one of the most photogenic party venues in London. The crowd goes all-out on costumes, so this is the place to wear the outfit you’ve been planning for weeks. Clapham Junction station is a two-minute walk away, with fast trains back into central London.
10. Club de Fromage Halloween Special, Dingwalls
Camden’s cheesy pop night, Club de Fromage, is known for its Halloween parties. Expect singalong anthems and plenty of fancy dress on 31 October.
This is the night for people who’d rather belt out pop classics than nod along to techno. Dingwalls sits right by Camden Lock, so you can grab street food at Camden Market beforehand and walk straight in. It’s friendly, unpretentious and great for mixed groups who don’t all like the same music.
11. XOYO Halloween
For house and tech house fans, XOYO in Shoreditch hosts its Halloween club night on Saturday 31 October. It’s one of the strongest options in east London.
XOYO is an intimate, serious-about-music club near Old Street station. If you’re the type who cares more about the DJ than the decorations, this is your Halloween. Costumes are welcome, but you won’t feel out of place in black.
12. Halloween Silent Disco at the London Transport Museum
The London Transport Museum in Covent Garden opens after hours on 31 October for an adults-only Halloween silent disco. You can dance among historic trains and vintage buses, switching between three music channels. Tickets start at around £25.
A silent disco is ideal if you want to dance and still be able to talk to your friends. Take your headphones off and the room is almost quiet, which makes it oddly fun. Covent Garden is buzzing on Halloween, too. Arrive early to see the street performers and shop windows before heading in.
13. Halloween Boat Parties on the Thames
Crown Pier on Victoria Embankment runs four Halloween boat parties this season, including the Zombie Pirate Ship. There’s also a Day of the Dead boat party on Friday 30 October, 7:30pm–5am.
Seeing London’s lit-up landmarks from the river is a memorable way to spend the night, and the boat itself becomes the dance floor. Boats leave on time and won’t wait, so arrive at the pier at least 20 minutes early. Bring a warm layer for the deck, because late October on the Thames is chilly.
14. The Mandrake’s Halloween Party
For a glamorous, Halloween ball-style night, the Mandrake hotel in Fitzrovia hosts one of the city’s most famous parties on 31 October, 8:30pm–3am. Tickets start from £150. For something cheaper with a view, the Ritual Halloween rooftop party at Century Club runs 9pm–3am from £41.50.
The Mandrake’s parties are known for their theatrical styling and dramatic dress codes, so treat it like a masquerade rather than a fancy dress night. If you’re planning a special occasion, such as a birthday or a big night out with a partner, this is the most memorable of the parties in London on our list.
Fancy dress tips for Halloween night
- Check the dress code. Venues like the Clapham Grand require costumes, so you may be turned away without one.
- Keep it practical. You’ll be on the Tube and possibly queuing outside, so skip anything that blocks doorways.
- Plan your journey home. Book a cab or check night Tube times before you head out.
Immersive Halloween Experiences and Attractions
If you’d rather step inside a horror story than dance through one, these immersive Halloween picks are for you.
15. Dark Arts at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Hogwarts gets its Halloween decorations, including floating pumpkins in the Great Hall, from 16 September to 8 November 2026. Special after-hours Dark Arts events run on 29–31 October. The studio is in Leavesden, just outside London, so allow travel time.
Even without an after-hours ticket, the standard tour includes the Halloween decorations during this period. It’s a dream for Harry Potter fans of any age. Book a shuttle from Watford Junction, and allow a full half-day for the visit.
16. The Nightmare Realm, Greenwich
This immersive experience drops you into a horror film set, complete with monsters in chains and fake streets. Check the remaining dates before you go.
Immersive horror is one of the fastest-growing corners of London’s Halloween scene. Unlike a haunted trail, you’re part of the action, and actors may touch, chase or separate you. Read the content warnings before you book, and leave this one off the list if anyone in your group panics easily.
17. The London Bridge Experience
Alongside the London Dungeon, the London Bridge Experience is widely ranked as the capital’s scariest attraction. Its actor-led scares make it best for adults and teens.
It sits beneath the real London Bridge and draws on centuries of dark local history, with tunnels and actor-led scenes. It’s a good choice if your group has done the Dungeon before and wants something new.
18. Spooky Theatre: Paranormal Activity and Stranger Things
For scares from your seat, Paranormal Activity at the Ambassadors Theatre runs until 7 November, with tickets from £34. Stranger Things: The First Shadow is another supernatural pick that runs well beyond Halloween.
A horror play is a great option if the weather turns or if you want something with a set start and finish time. West End shows also leave plenty of time for dinner beforehand. Look for day seats or last-minute deals, as some theatres release cheaper tickets close to the date.
19. Macbeth Among the Bookshelves
Theatre company Bard in the Bookshop stages Shakespeare’s Macbeth at Waterstones Gower Street on 31 October and 1 November. It’s an atmospheric, witchy alternative to a night out.
Few plays suit Halloween better than Macbeth, with its witches, ghosts and blood-soaked ambition. Watching it performed among the shelves makes the experience feel intimate and unusual. Audience numbers are small, so book soon if it appeals.
Ghost Tours and Walking Tours Around London
A ghost tour is one of the cheapest ways to experience Halloween in London, and you’ll learn real history along the way.
20. Ghastly Ghost Tour
This walking tour leads you through dark streets and alleyways, telling tales of gruesome crimes. Tickets start at £25, and it runs until 18 December. Tours go ahead in all weather, so check the forecast and dress for it.
A good guide makes all the difference on a ghost walk. Expect a mix of real history, local legend and theatrical storytelling, with stops at churchyards, old pubs and narrow passages you’d never notice in daylight. Wear comfortable shoes, because most tours last around 90 minutes and cover a fair distance on foot.
21. Jack the Ripper Tour with Ripper-Vision
Walk the Victorian streets of Whitechapel, where Jack the Ripper struck, with projected images bringing the scenes to life. It runs every day from £20, making it a great pick for east London.
The Whitechapel murders of 1888 remain one of history’s most famous unsolved cases, and walking the real streets brings the story into sharp focus. Tours tend to be thoughtful rather than gory, often exploring the lives of the victims and the poverty of Victorian east London. Finish with a drink at one of the area’s historic pubs.
22. Murder Mystery River Cruise
For something more indulgent, solve a murder mystery over a three-course dinner on the Thames. The cruise sails on 31 October, with tickets from £109.
This is a strong pick for couples or groups who want a sit-down special Halloween evening rather than a club night. You’ll get dinner, entertainment and some of the best night-time views of the city in one ticket.
Takeaway: ghost walks rarely sell out as fast as club nights or Kew, which makes them a strong last-minute option for Halloween night.
Halloween Films, Quizzes and Low-Key Nights
Not every Halloween celebration needs a 5am finish. These picks suit anyone who wants the Halloween spirit without the crowds.
23. Halloween Film Screenings at Rooftop Cinema Club, Peckham
Rooftop Cinema Club shows spooky screenings all through October, with wireless headphones, drinks and city views. A classic Halloween film under the stars makes an easy date night.
Prefer to stay in? Plenty of London’s independent cinemas run horror double bills and late-night screenings across Halloween weekend. It’s worth checking your nearest one, especially if you’d like to see a classic on the big screen.
24. Bongo’s Bingo Halloween Special
Bongo’s Bingo turns its fast-paced bingo show spooky on 31 October. It’s loud, silly and perfect for groups. If you’d prefer something quieter, many London pubs run a Halloween quiz on the weekend, so check your local.
If you’re hosting at home, a themed quiz is an easy win. Mix questions on horror films, London ghost stories and Halloween traditions, and award prizes for the best costume as well as the highest score. It’s a cheap, crowd-pleasing way to celebrate the spooky season with friends who don’t fancy a night out.
Worth the Trip: Halloween Just Outside London
25. Thorpe Park Fright Nights
Thorpe Park’s Fright Nights is one of the UK’s most popular Halloween events, and it’s worth leaving London for. In 2026 it celebrates 25 Years of Fear, with the new Tenement maze alongside returning favourites. It runs until 1 November 2026.
- Best for: teens and adults who love a scare
- Getting there: about 40 minutes by train from London Waterloo to Staines, then a shuttle bus
- Tip: weekday evenings in half term are less busy than Halloween weekend itself
Fright Nights combines rides in the dark with scare mazes, where actors jump out of the shadows. Lines for the most popular mazes can be long on Halloween weekend, so consider a queue-jump ticket if your budget allows. Check the park’s age guidance for each maze before you go, as some are not suitable for younger teens.
Halloween Events in Central London and Beyond: By Area
London is huge, so it helps to plan your Halloween adventure around one area. Here’s where all 25 picks sit.
Central London
- Halloween at the Tower of London (#1)
- Curse of the Mummy at the London Dungeon (#4)
- Shrek’s Adventure! London (#5)
- London Transport Museum silent disco, Covent Garden (#12)
- Thames boat parties from Crown Pier (#13)
- The Mandrake, Fitzrovia (#14)
- The London Bridge Experience (#17)
- Paranormal Activity, Ambassadors Theatre (#18)
- Macbeth at Waterstones Gower Street (#19)
- Ghastly Ghost Tour (#20)
- Murder Mystery River Cruise (#22)
East London
- XOYO Halloween, Shoreditch (#11)
- Jack the Ripper Tour, Whitechapel (#21)
North London
- Club de Fromage at Dingwalls, Camden (#10)
South London
- Ministry of Sound, Elephant & Castle (#8)
- The Clapham Grand (#9)
- The Nightmare Realm, Greenwich (#16)
- Rooftop Cinema Club, Peckham (#23)
West London
- Halloween at Kew, Richmond (#2)
- Hampton Court Palace (#3)
- Playful Park of Peculiar, Holland Park (#6)
- Hobbledown Heath pumpkin patch, Hounslow (#7)
Just outside London
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Leavesden (#15)
- Thorpe Park Fright Nights, Surrey (#25)
Bongo’s Bingo (#24) runs at several venues, so check the nearest one.
Make a day of it: clustering your plans saves hours on the Tube. A central London itinerary could start at the Tower in the morning, move on to the London Dungeon or Shrek’s Adventure after lunch, and finish with a ghost walk after dark. In the west, Kew and Hampton Court are both on the Richmond side of the city, so families can easily cover one in the afternoon and the other on a separate day.
How to Plan Your Halloween Weekend in London: Step by Step
Follow these six steps to plan a stress-free Halloween weekend in London, even at the last minute.
- Decide who’s coming. Families should focus on daytime and early-evening events. Adults-only groups can target the 30th and 31st for parties in London.
- Pick one anchor event. Choose the thing you’d be most disappointed to miss, such as Kew, a club night or a ghost tour, and book it first.
- Book timed tickets today. Kew, the London Dungeon and most club nights use timed or capped entry. Free events like Halloween at the Tower need no booking, but the Tower still needs a standard admission ticket.
- Group nearby events. Use the by-area list above. For example, pair the London Dungeon with Shrek’s Adventure (same building), or the Tower with a Ghastly Ghost Tour.
- Plan transport home. Saturday is one of the busiest nights of the year. Check night Tube services or pre-book a cab.
- Sort your fancy dress. Many venues require costumes, and family events are more fun in one. Pick something you can travel comfortably in.
Takeaway: the earlier in the week you go, the cheaper and calmer it usually is. Friday and Saturday sell out first.
Planning on a budget? Combine free and low-cost picks. Holland Park’s Playful Park of Peculiar is free, ghost walks start at around £20, and Hobbledown’s pumpkin patch starts under £5. A family of four could fill a whole day of Halloween activities in London for less than the price of one premium party ticket.
What if it rains? London weather in late October is unpredictable, so it pays to have an indoor back-up. Outdoor trails like Kew and pumpkin patches usually go ahead in light rain, but heavy weather can make paths muddy and unpleasant. If the forecast looks grim, switch to indoor picks instead:
- For families: the London Dungeon, Shrek’s Adventure! London or the Warner Bros. Studio Tour
- For adults: a horror play, the London Transport Museum silent disco or a Halloween club night
- For a quiet night: a horror screening at an independent cinema or a pub Halloween quiz
Most ticketed outdoor events don’t refund for bad weather, so check the terms before you book. Some will let you swap to another date if you ask early enough.
Halloween London 2026 FAQs
What day is Halloween 2026 in London?
Halloween 2026 is on Saturday 31 October. It falls at the end of October half term in England, so most Halloween events in London run from 24 October to 1 November 2026.
What are the best Halloween events in London for families?
The top family-friendly Halloween events are Halloween at Kew, Halloween at the Tower of London and Halloween at Hampton Court Palace. Younger children will also love Shrek’s Adventure! London and the Hobbledown Heath pumpkin patch. Save the London Dungeon for brave older kids.
Is Halloween at the Tower of London free?
Halloween at the Tower is included in standard Tower of London admission, so there’s no extra charge. It runs from 24 October to 1 November 2026, 10:30–16:00 daily, and members get in free.
How much are Halloween at Kew tickets?
Halloween at Kew tickets start at £23 for adults and £17 for children aged 4–15, plus a booking fee. Sessions start from 4pm until 1 November, and daytime garden entry costs extra.
Where are the best Halloween parties in London?
The biggest Halloween parties in London for 2026 include Ministry of Sound (29 October), the Clapham Grand (31 October), Club de Fromage at Dingwalls and XOYO. For something different, try the London Transport Museum silent disco or a Thames boat party.
Are there free Halloween activities in London?
Yes. Holland Park’s Playful Park of Peculiar is a free community event running to 31 October. Window-shopping the Halloween displays around Covent Garden and a self-guided walk past the city’s most haunted spots cost nothing too.
Is it too late to book Halloween events in London?
Not at all, but options are narrowing. Ghost tours, theatre shows and some club nights still have tickets. The most popular timed sessions at Kew and the busiest Saturday parties may sell out, so book today and have a back-up plan.
What should I wear for Halloween in London?
Layers. Late-October evenings in London are often cool and damp, so wear a warm coat over your costume and comfortable shoes for walking. For outdoor trails like Kew, bring a torch and waterproof boots.
Is London safe on Halloween night?
London is busy but generally safe on Halloween. Stick with your group, plan your journey home in advance, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas like Covent Garden and the South Bank.
Celebrate the Spooky Season in London
Whether you want pumpkin patches with the kids, a ghost walk through Whitechapel or a costume party that runs until dawn, Halloween London 2026 has something for you. With Halloween on a Saturday this year, the best Halloween events in London will sell out fast. Pick your anchor event, book it today, and build the rest of your weekend around it.
If you only remember three things from this guide, make them these:
- Halloween is Saturday 31 October, and most events end on Sunday 1 November.
- Book timed and capped events today, especially Kew, the London Dungeon and Saturday club nights.
- Plan by area, so you spend your weekend enjoying London rather than travelling across it.
Happy Halloween!
