London’s spookiest Halloween events for 2022, according to experts

The top 5 family days out in and around London this Halloween

Something evil’s lurkin’ in the dark in the capital city this spooky season

The summer wardrobe has been packed away, waterproofs are out, and the streets are filled with the scent of pumpkin spiced lattes. It’s official: autumn is here, which means spooky season has begun. This year, Halloween falls nicely at the beginning of the school half term and for all those parents seeking kid-friendly fun (although these days parents are easier to scare than kids!), there is a huge range of scare-tastic events to choose from.

Pumpkin picking

The classic orange pumpkin epitomises everything about Halloween. Memories, feuds, artistic skills are all formed from the annual pumpkin carving tradition in family homes up and down the country – but the pumpkin fun doesn’t have to start there.

This year, instead of picking up a pumpkin at the supermarket, why not extend the festivities and head to your local pumpkin patch? While London isn’t necessarily known for its farms, there are plenty of locations nearby: family-run Cammas Hall in Hertfordshire, which offers 40 varieties of pumpkin as well as spooky trails and characters suitable for all ages, and Crockford Bridge Farm are just a couple of perfect options for the whole family.

Naturally, many of the most popular pumpkin patches require booking and dates start to run out into October, so make sure to book ahead!

Halloween at the Tower of London

Even when it’s not Halloween, the Tower of London boasts some pretty spine-tingling vibes – especially when you explore the fortress and its history. On All Hallows Eve, however, things can get really spooky…

The courtyards and corridors of the castle come alive with the ghosts of its past, from infamous criminals who were imprisoned before meeting their end on the scaffold, to the wandering spectre of Ann Boleyn who lost her head here in 1536.

This might sound a bit grisly, but rest assured the event is family-friendly and described as ‘designed to chill your bones rather than churn your stomach’ by Historic Royal Palaces.

The London Dungeon

An essential destination for any fans of the darker side of London’s history, Halloween at the London Dungeon provides some excellent chills and thrills. This year, visitors will be able to step into the attic of 50 Berkley Square, reputedly the most haunted house in London, with many legends around murder, madness, and mystery.

They’ll also be able to enjoy all the regular spooky delights of the Dungeon, learning about London’s dark past from medieval justice to the mystery of Jack the Ripper. Naturally it’s an attraction more suited to older children, and might be a bit intense for younger, or more sensitive children.

Chessington World of Adventures

Howl ‘o’ ween at the Chessington World of Adventures resort is all about providing fun for the whole family, all weekend. There are events and shows aimed at different age groups, from fun potion-crafting and huggable werewolves for the little ones, to terrifying haunted houses and spooky forest trails for older kids with stout hearts.

Kids can also dress up and take part in a fancy-dress competition, while thrill-seekers can ride some of the park’s rollercoasters after dark on select nights.

The event goes on from the 15th to the 30th October, available as part of a day trip or if you want to take a short break with the family.

Ghost Bus Tours

A uniquely spooky way to experience the sights of London, the Ghost Bus Tour offers a different slant on the usual stories. Described as the UK’s only comedy-horror theatre experience on wheels, you can expect plenty of spooky fun on board as you travel around London’s most famous landmarks, including Downing Street, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the Tower of London.

Even for London locals, this is a very different way of seeing the city, and perfect for the Halloween season. Each tour leaves from Northumberland Avenue, and there are family tickets and single parent tickets available.

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