A Guide to Halloween 2016 in London

From spooky twists on classic attractions to quirky pop-up events, here’s your guide to the best things to do for Halloween 2016 in London.

One of my favourite things about London is the fact there is always something going on. There’s always something quirky or different or something seasonal.

Although Christmas is my favourite season in London, I believe the capital always offers a lot for Halloween too. With less than a month to go, here are some ways to spend Halloween in London this October.

And don’t worry, I’ll also be putting together a post about Halloween events taking place OUTSIDE of London too!

THE CLASSICS

These attractions and suggestions may be on your ‘must-do’ list every year for Halloween in London, but I bet you some of these you might have forgotten about. Plus, classic attractions have years of scaring up their sleeves…

THE LONDON DUNGEON

The London Dungeon is a classic and one that can be both scary and family-friendly at the same time. The part attraction/part show/part walk-through mixes live actors, special effects and rides to educate audiences about London’s gruesome past, such as the Black Death and Sweeney Todd. Although the shows are often humorous as well as jumpy, this attraction is unique. Because you do end up learning a lot about London, too. I have been to the London Dungeon plenty of times over the years now and have yet to grow bored of it. Each visit is different, and they’re always adding something new to the tour. This October, the dungeon will offer The Witch Hunt. This event sees a witch hunter’s den being added to the attraction and encourages you to help with a witch hunt investigation.

THE LONDON BRIDGE EXPERIENCE & TOMBS

I always thought The London Bridge Experience & Tombs was like the London Dungeons – just kind of the more darker. This is perhaps why I’ve been too scared to actually visit this attraction! Scare attractions consisting of staff trying to scare audiences are so popular these days. But this is the only one I know of in London. From what I’ve seen, it has genuinely really impressive sets too, so it’s more of an attraction than just a scary walkthrough. This Halloween sees the attraction’s annual Phobophobia month return, this time with the theme The Ventriloquist Nightmare. The Halloween events are generally presumed to be a lot scarier (if that’s even possible) and for adults only. It runs in the evening, although those a bit more cautious can still attend the daytime shows which are a tad more family-friendly.

THE TOWER OF LONDON

It may not be a scare attraction as such – but it sure is a classic. The Tower of London is steeped in history. There are numerous ghostly stories that surround the old walls, meaning it’s likely to be one of the most haunted buildings in London. It’s said that Arbella Stuart – cousin of James I – haunts The Queen’s House. There are also rumours of a phantom bear! Plus, it’s one of those historic buildings everyone should visit at least once during a visit to London.

WALKS, TALKS & TOURS

Travel around London in style on one of these tours. If you like your scares in multiples, then a tour may be your best bet – explore the city of London whilst getting into the Halloween spirit at the same time with one of these walks, talks or tours.

JACK THE RIPPER WALK

I’ve blogged about this previously and can 100% recommend this for Halloween. Rather than a walking tour based on scares, this is based on facts. And the gruesome story of Jack The Ripper. During the tour, you can visit many of the locations associated with the murders. You’ll learn more facts that you probably didn’t already know (making the walk educational, too). And you’ll also leave feeling a tad disturbed. Trust me, I always knew Jack The Ripper was messed up, but I learned many more disturbing facts after this two-hour tour. It’s the perfect start to a spooky evening in London too. The tours start at 7pm in the central location of Whitechapel. It’s great for heading on afterwards for a late dinner, a Halloween party or more scares. You stop plenty of times too, so it’s not exhausting, and the guides are friendly and charismatic.

THE GHOST BUS TOUR

I love this quirky bus tour. Even though the last time I took a ride was years ago, I still think it’s one of the most oddball things to do in London. You pile onto an all-black bus which looks just like a classic funeral hearse. Inside is decked all classic with red seating and little lamps. The tour takes you around London to hear classic ghost stories and facts about London’s darker history. But the characters on board are there to keep you entertained…and keep you on the edge of your seat, too. They really put so much effort into the little details of the tour! The tour runs pretty much every evening and leaves from Trafalgar Square. It’s just over an hour long.

GOTHIC MIDTOWN

On selected dates throughout October, Gothic Midtown will be running scare walks throughout Bloomsbury, Holborn and St. Giles. Plus they have a Victorian gothic pop-up bar in the old Central St Martins building. The spooky walks will be led by medium Derek Acorah (!) with frights along the way. Whereas the pop-up bar, which recommends a Victorian Gothic Chic dress code, will offer tarot readers and ghostly fun. You can buy tickets to one or the other or both. If you book both, it includes a complimentary cocktail in the bar and some warm booze on your walk. It sounds like a boozy scary ghost walk, with an awesome party at the end to celebrate surviving! 

Read more: Halloween at Gothic Midtown

THE QUIRKY

Almost anything can be quirky and different at Halloween – the holiday itself has its own darker side – but here’s my pick of things that I haven’t quite seen before in London.

HALLOWEEN AFTERNOON TEA @ THE MILESTONE HOTEL

Afternoon tea is getting the real quirk factor lately. So I’m surprised it’s taken this long for a hotel to start offering Halloween afternoon tea! The Milestone Hotel has added a dark twist to its classic afternoon tea with a mixture of Halloween-inspired treats. This includes wickedly witchy cupcakes, spider’s web vanilla cheesecake and orange and chocolate macaroons. You can book this between the 25th and the 31st.

LADY CHASTITY’S RESERVE

An escape room is always fun and is great for groups of friends. I’m not the smartest person in the world, but I have tried previews of escape rooms before and always have fun. But why not try one with a Halloween twist? Handmade histories run escape rooms over London and, for Halloween, they’ve introduced Lady Chastity’s Reserve. The hour-long game is said to be similar to The Crystal Maze. It requires wit and puzzle-solving to win a bottle of Chastity’s fabled bottle of aphrodisiac wine. It takes place inside the secret rooms of premium London pubs such as The People’s Park Tavern and The Four Thieves Pub.

SPARKLING PUMPKIN CARVING @ DRINK SHOP DO

For something a bit more laid back, why not try pumpkin carving with the offbeat Drink Shop Do? Located in Kings Cross, Drink Shop Do is a kind of club/craft/events venue which regularly holds crafty fun events and club nights. It’s kind of like crafts but for grown-ups! Sparkling pumpkin carving takes place throughout the month, and tickets include a glass of champagne and background noise of Halloween tunes. Sticking with the Halloween spirit, they’ll also be hosting one of their regular dance classes throughout the month, this time to Michael Jackson’s Thriller and a Stranger Things Halloween bash on the 19th.

FREAKSHOW’S HALLOWEEN CLUBARET @ THE VAULTS

I’ve deliberately left Halloween parties off this list otherwise we’ll be here forever – and most aren’t that original – but you know anything held at my fave, The Vaults, is going to be anything BUT just a party. First of all, The Vaults are found underground and entry is via a graffitied tunnel. If you’re going to go to any Halloween party or club night this October, Halloween Clubaret is the only one worth choosing. You can expect theatre as well as dancing, and, guided by The Plaque Doctor, you can survive The Emergency Room, dine at Baphomet’s Banquet of Blasphemy or witness more unusual performances such as, er, Lady Gaga giving birth to a monster. Tickets are pricey with the cheapest early bird tickets going for £45, but if you’re going to go all out and want to attend a party like no other, I’d say the price is worth it. Halloween Clubaret takes place on the 28th and the 29th.

HALLOWEEN FILM SCREENINGS @ THE RIVOLI BALLROOM 

I had to include at least one or two film screenings! On the 27th and the 28th, the Rivoli Ballroom will be playing host to two classic Halloween film screenings – Halloween and The Shining with a pop-up cinema night. Popcorn, hot dogs and ice cream will be served, and the ballroom itself is beyond beautiful. If you choose The Shining showing, guaranteed you’ll almost feel like you’re in the film yourself with the surroundings.

THE GLAM CLAM’S ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW HALLOWEEN DINING EXPERIENCE

I also have to throw in a dining experience here. You can dance ‘n’ dine with this experience hosted by pop-up favourites, The Glam Clam. You’ll be invited into Hackney’s Old Tram Depot (a venue that rivals the castle from the film by all means) for a three-course menu inspired by the film, a screening of the film, performances, a free cocktail for those in costume and, of course, an after party with additional entertainment. You’ll feel just like you’re in the movie and it takes place on the 27th. 

What are you doing for Halloween this year?  Is there anything I’ve missed off this list? Let me know!