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Halloween in London brings together ghost stories, historic crime tales, spooky tours, themed afternoon teas, illuminated trails and full-scale Halloween events. From eerie walks through Whitechapel to Fright Nights and family-friendly attractions, there’s plenty to do throughout October and on 31 October.

Why visit London during Halloween?

London skyline at night with illuminated bridges over the River Thames during a boat tour.
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London’s haunted history

Few cities have as many centuries-old stories of murders, executions, ghosts and unexplained happenings. Halloween is a natural time to hear them on walking and bus tours.

Halloween theme parks

Spend the day on rides before facing Halloween entertainment after dark at Thorpe Park Fright Nights or travelling farther afield for Alton Towers Scarefest.

Spooky sightseeing

See London landmarks from a different angle on a theatrical Ghost Bus Tour, or combine sightseeing with seasonal treats on a Halloween afternoon tea bus.

Family-friendly Halloween fun

Not every Halloween activity is designed to scare. Seasonal trails, themed sightseeing and family attractions offer gentler ways to enjoy the spooky season.

Halloween after dark

London’s historic streets, illuminated landmarks and evening tours create a naturally atmospheric backdrop for Halloween, especially around Whitechapel, Westminster and the City.

Halloween events across October

You do not have to visit on 31 October itself. Seasonal events run throughout October, including Halloween at Kew from 16 October to 1 November 2026.

Top things to do

Take on Thorpe Park Fright Nights

Spend a full day at Thorpe Park during its 25 Years of Fear celebration. Your ticket includes park entry from 10am to 9pm, 25+ rides and attractions, scare zones and live shows. You can also ride major coasters after dark, while Return Guarantee provides a free return visit if most rides are disrupted for more than an hour continuously. Scare attractions are recommended for ages 13+, while The Conjuring 4D Experience is recommended for ages 15+. Fright Nights runs on selected dates from 2 October to 1 November 2026.

Recommended tickets: Thorpe Park Fright Nights Tickets

Performer in skeleton costume at Alton Towers Scarefest with colorful "Land of the Dead" backdrop.

Face the scares at Alton Towers Scarefest

Make a Halloween day trip from London to Alton Towers for 40+ rides and attractions, plus single-use entry to three Thrills Scare Mazes: Altonville Mine Tours: Tiny’s Revenge, COMPOUND and Edge of the Forest. Choose an early or late maze timeslot when booking and stay in the park until 9pm. Scarefest runs on selected dates from 26 September to 1 November 2026.

Recommended tickets: Alton Towers Scarefest 1 Day Pass & Thrills Combi – Early / Late

Investigate Jack the Ripper’s London

Follow an English-speaking Ripperologist through Whitechapel and Spitalfields on a 2.5-hour evening walking tour. Use an interactive detective pack as you visit authentic crime scenes and historical locations while hearing about the victims, their lives and the Victorian East End.

Recommended tickets: London: Interactive Jack the Ripper Night Walking Tour

Ride the Ghost Bus after dark

Board a classic 1960s Routemaster for a 75-minute theatrical tour through London. Professional actors and guides bring stories of murders, executions, ghosts and the Great Fire of 1666 to life, with major landmarks including Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge along the route.

Recommended tickets: Ghost Bus Tour of London

Combine sightseeing with Halloween afternoon tea

Take a panoramic London sightseeing tour aboard a branded PG Tips bus while enjoying freshly prepared afternoon tea and seasonal treats. A live guide shares playful ghost stories and London legends along the route, while adults aged 18+ can enjoy a complimentary glass of Prosecco.

Recommended tickets: London Halloween Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Follow a spooky trail at Kew Gardens

For a family-friendly Halloween evening, head to Kew Gardens for a 1.5km trail featuring eerie woods, illuminated cobwebs, pumpkins, live fire artists and a forgotten fairground. Halloween at Kew runs from 16 October to 1 November 2026, with different daylight, twilight and moonlight sessions.

Recommended tickets: Halloween at Kew

Your perfect Halloween itinerary

Day 1: 31 October — Halloween in central London

Morning

Start your Halloween day around Westminster. See Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey before walking towards St James’s Park and Trafalgar Square. Keep the morning relatively relaxed so there is plenty of time for your evening plans.

Afternoon

Board the London Halloween Afternoon Tea Bus Tour for a sightseeing ride with seasonal treats, hot and cold drinks and Halloween storytelling. The approximately 90-minute tour combines landmarks such as Big Ben, Fleet Street, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London with a themed afternoon tea.

Evening

Head towards Whitechapel for the Interactive Jack the Ripper Night Walking Tour. Meet your Ripperologist at Altab Ali Park and spend approximately 2.5 hours following the case through Whitechapel and Spitalfields, using an interactive detective pack along the way.

Day 2: 1 November — rides, ghosts and seasonal trails

Morning

Start with a relaxed London morning around the City. Visit the Tower of London area or walk along the Thames before heading towards your afternoon activity.

Afternoon

Take the Ghost Bus Tour for a theatrical 75-minute journey through London. The classic Routemaster passes major landmarks while professional actors and guides tell stories of murders, executions, ghosts and the Great Fire of 1666.

Evening

Finish your Halloween weekend at Kew Gardens. Halloween at Kew runs until 1 November 2026, with a 1.5km illuminated trail featuring pumpkins, eerie woods, live fire artists and seasonal installations. Choose a twilight or moonlight session for an evening finale.

Know before you go

  • When to visit: Halloween falls on 31 October 2026, but many seasonal attractions operate across several weeks rather than on Halloween night alone.
  • Weather: October and early November can be cool, wet and windy, so bring a waterproof outer layer and comfortable shoes.
  • Crowds: Halloween weekend and school-half-term dates can be particularly busy. Book dated experiences and theme park tickets in advance where possible.
  • Budget: Prices vary considerably between walking tours, sightseeing experiences and theme park events. Check individual ticket inclusions before booking.
  • Getting around: London’s Tube and rail network make it easy to combine central sightseeing with evening activities. Allow extra travel time when travelling during busy periods.
  • Evening plans: Several Halloween experiences take place after dark, so check the start time and meeting point carefully before setting out.
  • Families: Halloween activities range from gentle storytelling and seasonal sightseeing to intense scare attractions. Check age recommendations before booking.
  • What to wear: Comfortable footwear is especially important for walking tours. Add warm layers and rain protection for outdoor evening activities.
  • Theme park visits: Thorpe Park Fright Nights and Alton Towers Scarefest have specific event dates, age guidance and attraction restrictions, so check the details for your chosen ticket before visiting.
  • Halloween costumes: If you plan to dress up, check individual attraction rules first. Theme park safety restrictions may apply to masks, props and costumes.

Extend your Halloween break into November

Roller coaster at night during Thorpe Park Fright Nights, illuminated with colorful lights.

Halloween does not have to end on 31 October. Keep the spooky atmosphere going into early November with seasonal attractions that continue after Halloween night. Halloween at Kew runs until 1 November, while Thorpe Park Fright Nights also continues through 1 November 2026.

Continue your spooky adventure, visit other fun London attractions.

Frequently asked questions about spending Halloween in London

London has a wide range of Halloween activities, from historic ghost stories and crime tours to theatrical bus rides, seasonal trails and theme park events.