Spending Halloween in London? Don’t miss this guide to the spookiest events taking place in the capital.
Do you get a kick out of being completely terror-stricken? Or perhaps you’ve been looking for an excuse to dress up as a zombie? Either way you’re in luck – Halloween in London is going to be a big deal this year.
From Circus-themed brunches to spooky cabaret and some seriously scary immersive theatre, there’s plenty of frightfully good events happening this month.
Halloween in London: The Best Things to Do
Explore the London Dungeon
Throughout October
Canada Water
What better way to get stuck into the Halloween mood than by descending into the depths of London’s gruesome history? There’s one place for it and that’s The London Dungeon.
You’ll be a party to some of the most heinous acts in London’s past from exorcisms to executions, all enlivened at the hands of a team of professional actors to make for one of the creepiest immersive experiences out there.
You’ll get in scrapes with Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, witness first-hand the horror of a witch trial, find out what happened to Guy Fawkes during his ten days of torture, but most of all you’ll discover the true meaning of fear…
Immerse Yourself in Phantom Peak’s Halloween Event
Throughout October
Canada Water
The immersive Phantom Peak experience is about to get a whole lot spookier this Halloween in London, as the Lunar Festival takes over. And paranormal investigators will be roaming the town in search of ghouls.
There’ll also be 13 new and exclusive trails to follow, dotted with ghosts, frightening hosts, and eerie games.
Take Part in Month of the Dead
Throughout October
Multiple Venues
Month of the Dead is an annual festival in London, celebrating the capital’s spookiest secrets.
From discovering medieval mass graves to watching horror movies in churchyards, it’s a no brainer that many of these events are some of the best things to do in London for Halloween.
Undertake Intense Zombie SWAT Training (Just In Case)
Until December
A deadly virus is sweeping the planet (no, not that one) and the Government needs help from you to beat the inevitable wave of zombies. Taking place at the MOD’s Bunker 51 facility, you’ll undergo actual weapon training so that you’re ready to face the zombie horde.
Think you’ve got what it takes? We sure hope so – the population is counting on you.
Boogie Monsters Halloween at BoxPark Croydon
27th October
Boxpark Croydon is once again getting in on the spooky action and, this year, they’re hosting a family-friendly haunted Halloween Party. Don your creepiest gear and get ready to feast, dance, and drink.
Nab a Gourd at the Pumpkin Market in Covent Garden
Throughout October
Covent Garden
What’s Halloween without a pumpkin? Covent Garden’s Halloween Pumpkin Market will be selling over 200 pumpkins, squashes and gourds in a variety of shapes and sizes in the Apple Market.
Head down to also see a stunning autumnal floral display by luxury London florists Maison de Fleurs.
Read More: Gourd-geous Pumpkin Patches in and Near London
Take a Spooky Walking Tour at Leadenhall Market
Weds evenings in October
Bank
The beautiful Leadenhall Market has amassed some pretty spine chilling tales in its 700-year history, as the ‘Burials, Bombs and Fantastic Beasts’ walking tours will reveal.
With stories of witchcraft and murder, talks cover a sinister history that dates back to Roman times. And while you’re there, check out the monstrous giant 6-foot tentacles snaking out of the market’s Victorian windows. Perfectly standard.
Dance the Night Away at Sky Garden
27th October
Monument
Live music, ghostly themed cocktails and a breathtaking view of the London skyline. That’s our kind of evening.
Tickets to the Sky Garden’s London Halloween party cost £55 and include a Halloween cocktail, access to the gardens and party.
Do the Charleston at The Candlelight Club
28th – 29th October
Central London
If you’d rather don a flapper dress than a zombie costume, The Candlelight Club offers one of the most sophisticated Halloween events in London.
Expect 1920s-style dancing, cabaret, live jazz bands with a spooky twist. True to the club’s speakeasy credentials, the party will be held in a secret central London location.
Fright Night Cinema at The Rivoli Ballroom
25th-27th October
Crofton Park
Celebrate Halloween 1950s style at the beautiful Rivoli Ballroom in Crofton Park – one of the last remaining 1950’s intact ballrooms in London. They’ll be screening some Halloween classics including The Shining, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and the original Ghostbusters.
Stay up all Night Watching Horror Films
Throughout October
Leicester Square
October at The Prince Charles Cinema doesn’t just include screenings of Halloween favourites such as Carrie and The Craft. You can watch five horror films back to back, all in one night.
Choose from Horror Movie Marathon or Teen Horror Marathon. You’re going to need a lot of popcorn.
Scare Yourself Senseless at No Escape Halloween
26th – 31st October
Aldgate East, Holloway, Brixton + Oxford St
If being trapped in a room with a creepy clown is your cup of tea, No Escape Halloween is the only way to spend Halloween in London.
We can safely say that the combination of Halloween with escape rooms will be nothing but utterly terrifying. Expect professional scare actors in the creepiest of settings.
Go on a Ghost Tour of Eltham Palace
27th-31st October
Eltham
Eltham Palace and Gardens is one of south-east London’s hidden gems. This Halloween you can do a special evening Ghost Tour of the Art Deco mansion, whilst listening to tales of ghosts, supernatural sightings and horrors from history.
Indulge in Sinister Circus Brunch with Rooftop Views
28th October
Waterloo
Roll up, roll up – there’s a Sinister Circus happening at Bar Elba.
The bar will be transformed for a circus-themed spooktacular, decked out in stripes, clowns, and contortionists roaming free. Enjoy 60 minutes of bottomless booze, a tempting brunch menu and zombie flash mobs, all with a stunning view of the city.
Go on a Terrifying Ghost Walk in The City
Throughout October
City of London
Want to hear more about haunted London? Ghastly Ghosts 2-hour walking tour offers up an evening of ghostly tales and horrible histories whilst exploring this fascinating (and ancient) part of London. The tour starts at the Tower of London and ends at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Raise the Roof at The Mansion’s Private Party
28th October
North-west London
For an unforgettable evening of dressing up and dancing, the London Halloween parties by The Mansion have received rave reviews.
They will be putting on a special event, Halloween Ball at the Mansion at a secret location with a DJ program of pop, mainstream, electro, house, R&B and hip hop.
Dress code? Halloween fancy dress!
Get Dolled Up For a Totes Spooky Huns Halloween
26th – 28th October
Colours Hoxton is getting into the Halloween spirit with not one, not two, but three parties. The first, kicking off on the 26th is part two of the Dork’s Halloween Night Out Disco. Then on the 27th they’ve got what looks to be a movie-themed party with DJ Yoda on the decks.
The celebrations culminate with a Homostash Halloween party – the last Homostash event of the year so you know it’ll be a biggun. Get ready to PAR-TAY!
Take a Ghost Tour of Theatre Royal Drury Lane
13th – 31st October
Covent Garden
Feeling brave? Book onto a guided late-night tour of The Lane theatre, one of the most haunted buildings in the world. You’ll need nerves of steel as you wander through this Grade I building, unearthing hidden secrets, scandals, and tragedies.
This is one of the top London Halloween events, we think. Tours are one hour long and begin at 9:15pm, taking guests across the front and backstage of this iconic London theatre.
Take a Hex and the City Walking Tour
Multiple Dates
Farringdon
Get ready to discover London’s sordid past of dark history and witchcraft on this spooky walking tour. You’ll start the tour at Farringdon Tube Station and explore some of London’s most spooky spots.
Along the way, you’ll get to meet some of the women who were persecuted throughout the ages, including medieval healers and Elizabethan devil-worshippers. They’re back… And they’ve got stories to tell.
Wander Through the Spooky Lauderdale House and Waterlow Park
31st October
Highgate
We hope you’re excited because Lauderdale House’s spooky Halloween walks are returning this October in London. Prepare to explore the creepy house and gardens as the sun sets and the ghouls come out to play.
The witches, demons, and good-humoured spirits of Highgate will take you on an unforgettable adventure.
Catch an Adventure Cinema Halloween Screening
29th – 31st October
Multiple Venues
The UK’s largest touring cinema is hitting up London venues in October for a special season. And it looks set to be one of the best Halloween events London boasts.
Adventure Cinema will transform into a creepy wonderland on a number of country estates and National Trust sites, with screenings including Hocus Pocus, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Ghostbusters.
Check Out London’s Magnificent Seven Cemeteries (If You Dare)
Throughout October
Multiple Locations
After cheap things to do in London this Halloween? Take your own creepy tour of London’s Magnificent Seven Cemeteries: Nunhead Cemetery, Highgate Cemetery, Abney Cemetery and Kensal Green Cemetery, Tower Hamlets Cemetery, West Norwood Cemetery, and Brompton Cemetery.
Get ready to discover the famous residents that have been buried there, and the fascinating histories behind each one (using our guides, of course). The best part? No ticket is required and it’s totally free – happy spooking.
Party Through the Witching Hour at Ministry of Sound’s Halloween Rave
31st October
Ready for a devilishly good rave? Don’t worry, that’s not a ghost going bump in the night, Ministry of Sound is hosting an epic all-night party where house, garage, hip hop, and more will be thumping until 5am.
Oh, and don’t even think about trying to attend without a costume. You’re not too cool for school.
Go Pumpkin Picking
Throughout October
Multiple Venues
If you’re easily spooked, perhaps skip the more hardcore Halloween London events in favour of some wholesome pumpkin picking.
But where to go in the capital? There are so many places… But we happen to know a few of the best spots. Our top picks are Copas Farm, Priory Farm, and, of course, Covent Garden Pumpkin Market.
Read Next: Where to Go Pumpkin Picking in London
Dress Up as One of the Gang at the Stranger Tings Halloween Party
29th October
After the roaring success of the show, it’s no wonder that there’s going to be a banging Stranger Things party in London this Halloween.
The theme? All things strange. The location? 26 Leake Street. The dress code? Whatever costume you fancy. And it’s worth going all out – there are multiple rooms of madness, demi-gorgon dancers and champagne receptions!
It looks set to be one of the best Halloween parties London is hosting in 2023.
Rave it Away at Peckham Levels
28th October
Peckham
Peckham Levels are kicking it off with Come As You Aren’t – a wild costume party that will run late into the night. What to expect? A lot of raving and a lot of fancy dress.
This year Born N Bread are dropping a set of funky house alongside WA Radio and DJ Shifa Ligero.
There are free shots for the first 100 people through the doors and cash prizes for the most creative costume so you better get creative.
Play a Night of Spooky Bingo
20th – 31st October
Shoreditch
No, bingo’s not just for old people. Not when it comes like this at least…
A full-on multi sensory experience that looks more like a night at the Ministry of Sound than anything we associate with the game.
Expect this Halloween edition to be immersive, multi-sensory, and highly dystopian.
It’s bingo that would give your granny a heart attack.
Take a Murder Mystery Cruise Down the Thames
What better way to celebrate a special occasion than by taking a river cruise along the Thames? All of London’s iconic buildings glitter from the riverbank as you tuck into a three-course dinner. Sounds idyllic right?
Well it would be if it wasn’t for one quite major catch: there’s a killer on board. You’ll have to get stuck into a hunt to find out who it is before the murderer gets to you.
Delve into Cocktails and Curiosities at the Last Tuesday Society
Deep inside the brilliantly quirky Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, the Last Tuesday Society’s Absinthe Parlour is a world of alchemy and magic… in other words, the perfect place to have some weird and wonderful Halloween-y libations.
You can also nab a ticket to the event series held in collaboration with Devil’s Botany – with an Absinthe tasting and bitters-making workshop on the 29th or a creepy seance night of storytelling and performance on the 23rd.
Play Crazy Spooky Golf
Throughout October
The City of London, Oxford Circus
One of our favourite crazy golf venues in London, the cheekily named Swingers, is putting on a special spread for Halloween.
They’ve got a trick-or-treat wheel up that golfers can spin to win prizes, and because no round of crazy golf would be complete without a few drinks, they’ve concocted some devilishly good cocktails for the occasion.
Those drinks also come in the form of shots, and are made in collaboration with Cîroc Vodka no less.
Get Scared to Death in the Woods
Friday 13th October
Location TBA
Do you want to scare yourself close to death? We know it doesn’t sound like everybody’s cup of tea but we also know there are some among you who will leap at the opportunity.
If the latter sounds like it might be you then check out this event taking place at a secret location on, wait for it… Friday the 13th!
It’s a horror storytelling session done by the light of lanterns and candles and promises to be super creepy. They’re adamant that no children or people possessed of a feint heart should be in attendance.
They also remind you to dress up warm. You’ll be chilled to the bone by these stories (and the weather).
Get Creative at a Halloween Sip and Paint Event
24th October
Shoreditch
Halloween doesn’t always have to be about dressing up and hitting creepy events or getting blind drunk, if you feel the creative mood coming over you, there are even art classes you can take.
Take this sip and paint session for example. You’ll be given a pre-drawn canvas and a glass of something to sip on, and then spend a couple hours painting to your heart’s content. All the stuff you’ll need is provided so you don’t need to do anything but enjoy yourself.
There’s going to be a DJ pumping out tunes to keep the mood up and a pop quiz at the end of the event should you want to put your knowledge to the test.
Party at Covent Garden’s Latest Nightclub Opening
27th + 28th October
Covent Garden
The latest music venue to open in Covent Garden is popping off. It’s Stereo – a super cool venue that lays on wild nights of live music in a nice, classy setting. They’re switching it up for a spooky Halloween party on both Friday and Saturday nights of the Halloween weekend.
Expect themed cocktails and “spine-tingling beats” running until 3am. The theme is noir, so you’ll want to channel your dark side (read: dress in black)
Celebrate in Style at The Treehouse
27th + 28th October
King’s Cross
If you want to celebrate All Hallows Eve in a bit of style, there’s probably not much of a better place for it than The Treehouse. Ritzy and possessed of some stunning views of London, they’re kicking this Halloween off with a big night out and a brunch to follow.
The Friday Frights party happens of the 27th with Casamigos cocktails, DJs and dancing, then, the next morning from 11am – 3pm they’re running a one-off Halloween Mexican brunch by the folks from their in-house restaurant Madera.
Solve Murders with Mr Fogg
28th October
Mayfair
This Halloween Mr Fogg’s Residence (one of our favourite bars in London, by the way) are throwing another of their wildly popular murder mystery nights.
You’ll have to drink your way through a night of mystery and figure out whodunnit while a cast of actors try to throw you off the scent. Recon you’ve got the smarts to beat them?
Have a Barbie Halloween
26th – 28th October
Covent Garden
Halloween is all about the themes. In that respect, here’s an option that’s about to muddle your brain…
Bunga Bunga, a restaurant known for theming itself on everything Italian from Berlusconi’s pleasure parties to The Godfather, is throwing a Halloween party in the theme of Barbie. How that’s going to look, we’re not sure.
We are, however, excited. You’ll be audience to some wild performances, cocktails galore and metre-long pizzas – yes, you read that correctly.
Chow Down at Halloween Drag Brunch
28th October
The City of London
London loves a good drag brunch – one of the most popular out there is Drake and Morgan’s West End-themed iteration. This Halloween they’re throwing it with a spooky twist.
Expect all the usual sassy queens and outrageous vibes, a little table dancing and a few too many glasses of prosecco on the free flow. On top of that, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the cult classic film, they’ve got a new, one-off segment in honour of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Get a Complimentary Cocktail at this Restaurant
23rd – 30th October
Stratford, Leyton
Bamboo Mat are laying on a special menu of their Peruvian/Japanese fare for Halloween. It’s a four-course affair available only for a week around the spooky season and features dishes like a wild berry ceviche that’ve certainly piqued our interest.
They’ve also knocked up a special cocktail of vodka, lime, cherry, strawberry and grenadine for the occasion. You get one complimentary with the menu, and another one free if you’re dining in your Halloween costume.
Hit a Late-Night Slot at the Saw Experience
21st, 28th + 31st October
The City of London
What could be a more appropriate way to celebrate Halloween than by entering a true nightmare? That nightmare? Becoming the plaything of the sick and twisted Jigsaw…
You can do just that at the Saw Experience, and for Halloween, they’re opening the games up for late-night sessions – a perfect way to give yourselves that Halloween nightmare you must be looking for.
Slots run at 10pm, 10:20pm and 10:40pm on the 21st and 28th and 8:00pm, 8:20pm and 8:40pm on the 31st).
Go Clubbing Mad
28th October
Greenwich
Keep the demons at bay by dancing the night away? Doesn’t sound too bad to us…
If you’re looking for a wild club night to crown your Halloween Weekend they’re throwing a hell of a party (see what we did there?) at Studio 338. Italian DJ and producer Ilario Alicante is the headline act and will be playing a monster four-hour set on a night packed with other class acts, Matthias Tanzmann, Dense & Pika, Clive Henry to name a few.
Things to do in London Halloween 2023: Practical Tips
- Plan ahead. London will be absolutely mental on Halloween weekend (27th-29th) so it’s best to know what you’re going to do beforehand, otherwise you’ll probably end up wandering around and not getting in anywhere.
That means you should book tickets to events as early as possible, and perhaps even try and arrange your route home too.
- Keep an eye on your belongings. Nights like this are perfect for someone who has ambitions on your purse, wallet or phone. That’s especially true if you’re too drunk to notice what’s going on around you.
- Loads of places will be offering shots or prizes for the best costumes. It’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to wear. Need some inspiration. London has heaps of fancy dress shops where you can pick up whole outfits or the bits and bobs to bring your own idea to life.
