London is a city steeped in history, and with that comes an air of mystery, making it the perfect destination for an unforgettable Halloween. From haunted tours of historic sites to thrilling Halloween-themed events, London offers something for every ghost hunter and thrill-seeker. Get ready for the spookiest day of the year. The festivities on and around 31st October are getting bigger and bigger, and this year, London has plenty going on for kids and adults alike.
Spooky Ideas for a Hauntingly Good Time for Halloween in London
The Ghost Bus Tour
Find out all about London’s gruesome past on the theatrical Ghost Bus Tour. Enter the haunted 1960s Routemaster bus that’s been transformed into a gothic, black double-decker for this ghostly adventure. Hear the stories of the demon barber of Fleet Street, the famous tombs of Westminster Abbey, and the tortures and executions that took place at the Tower of London – to name a few. It’s part sightseeing, part ghost tour, and a whole lot of fun.
Take a Haunted Pub Crawl Across London
London’s pub scene is one of the best in the world, but did you know many of its oldest establishments are haunted? Combine your love of history, supernatural tales, and craft beer with a haunted pub crawl through London’s most interesting watering holes. Start your journey at The Ten Bells, a pub associated with the notorious Jack the Ripper murders. From there, you can head to other famously haunted pubs like The Grenadier, where a soldier’s ghost is said to lurk, or The Viaduct Tavern, built over the remains of a former prison.
Or if you would like to go on an actual pub crawl, consider the Tastes, Tales & Traditional Ales: Food Tour of London’s Historic Pubs. From a tiny, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it bar to a stunningly opulent locale, the four watering holes on this tour have witnessed centuries of history. They boast connections to household names like Charles Dickens and Mark Twain, and along the way, you’ll discover the best British pub fare in the city.
Jack the Ripper Walking Tour
No Halloween in London would be complete without diving into the mystery of one of the world’s most notorious serial killers. The Jack the Ripper Tour is legendary, offering a chance to explore the winding streets of Whitechapel where the infamous murders took place. Led by expert guides, you’ll visit the locations where Jack the Ripper’s victims were discovered, hear detailed accounts of the crimes, and learn about the investigation that captured the world’s attention. The tour also features “Ripper-Vision,” which incorporates holograms and theatrical storytelling, making it a truly immersive experience.
Visit the London Dungeon
The London Dungeon is one of the city’s most popular Halloween attractions. This interactive experience brings to life some of London’s darkest tales and most terrifying characters, from Sweeney Todd to the Plague Doctor.
During Halloween, the London Dungeon ramps up the scares with special shows, live actors, and themed experiences that are guaranteed to get your heart racing. This year’s theme is London’s Sinister Séance, running from 18th October – 4th November 2024.
Trick or Treat: Other Halloween Fun in London
London Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise
In the spirit of Halloween, step into the heart of a thrilling mystery aboard City Cruises’ London Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise on the River Thames, where you become an integral part of an interactive and immersive whodunnit experience. Talented actors and performers ensure an immersive experience, seamlessly integrating clues and surprises into the unfolding drama. Guests can unleash their inner detectives, interrogate characters, and piece together the puzzle to catch the killer. It’s a night of laughter, suspense, and camaraderie, offering a unique and entertaining adventure along London’s
iconic waterway. Different themes include:
- Death and the Maiden Voyage
- James Bond 007 No Time To Dine
- Murder at The Manor
VIP Tower of London: After Hours Tour & Ceremony of the Keys
Prepare for a “spooky” adventure with our Tower of London private after-hours tour. As the sun sets and tourists depart, the Tower of London transforms into a hauntingly silent realm. Walk alongside your guide, a resident Yeoman Warder, who will unveil the ancient Ceremony of Keys, a chilling tradition upheld for over 700 years. This exclusive after-dark experience is truly unforgettable. Enter through the ominous Traitor’s Gate, where the macabre history of this place will send shivers down your spine. Hear tales of doomed prisoners marching to the Execution Block and feel the eerie presence that lingers. Your journey through time reveals secrets like exotic animals roaming these walls, the enigma of the Crown Jewels, and the tragic fate of Anne Boleyn. Finally, witness the Ceremony of Keys, one of the world’s oldest military rituals.
See You on the Other Side This Halloween in London
Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s ghostly past, party the night away, or enjoy a quieter, more reflective experience, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate Halloween in the British capital. So, grab your costume, gather your courage, and prepare for a Halloween in London you’ll never forget!