Halloween may still be weeks away, but some of London's most popular spooky attractions are already selling tickets. From terrifying immersive experiences and haunted houses to pumpkin festivals and family-friendly adventures, many of the capital's scariest events are expected to be in high demand.
Whether you're looking for genuine frights, a Halloween date night or a family day out during half term, booking early is often the best way to secure your preferred date. Weekend evenings and the days closest to Halloween tend to be among the first to sell out.
To help you plan ahead, we've rounded up 12 of the best Halloween events taking place in and around London. From the London Dungeon and the Tower of London to one of the city's most haunted mansions, here's what to book now.
The Nightmare Realm at Avery Hill Mansion, Greenwich
This year's most talked-about Halloween experience is making its London debut at the historic Avery Hill Mansion in Greenwich, described as London's "most haunted mansion". Visitors can expect immersive horror tales with live actors, terrifying storylines and a building transformed into a sprawling nightmare world. The Nightmare Realm runs throughout October and is likely to be one of the capital's biggest scare events. Book here.
Halloween at the London Dungeon, South Bank
The London Dungeon is always a spooky experience, but Halloween sees the attraction become even darker. This year's seasonal event features Curse of the Mummy, which tells the chilling story of the infamous "Unlucky Mummy" and the misfortune said to follow those who disturbed it. The Halloween experience is included with admission, and the attraction advises visitors to book ahead. Book here.
Halloween at the Tower of London
The Tower of London hardly needs any help being creepy, given its centuries of executions, imprisonment and ghost stories. During October half term, visitors can explore haunted locations, meet ghostly characters and discover spooky stories hidden within the historic fortress. Despite the thrill and the tower's ominous history, the event is family-friendly rather than terrifying. Book here.
Tulleys Shocktober Fest, West Sussex
Widely regarded as one of Europe's biggest scream parks, Tulleys Shocktober Fest attracts thousands of thrill-seekers every year to Tulley Farm in West Sussex. Expect haunted mazes, scare attractions, live entertainment and horror-themed experiences that are not for the faint-hearted. Book here.
Howl'o'ween at Chessington World of Adventures
Chessington's annual Howl'o'ween celebration returns with family-friendly Halloween fun across the resort. Guests can enjoy spooky shows, themed attractions, trick-or-treat experiences, rides at dusk and Halloween entertainment throughout the park. Book here.
Dark Arts at Warner Bros Studio Tour London
The Harry Potter Studio Tour receives a Halloween makeover each autumn, with floating pumpkins, spooky decorations and Death Eaters appearing throughout the attraction. It's one of the most popular seasonal events for families and film fans alike. Book here.
Halloween at Kew Gardens
Kew's Halloween events combine illuminated trails, live performers and seasonal entertainment across the world-famous gardens. The after-dark experience has become a firm favourite with families looking for something spooky without being too scary. Book here.
Ghost Bus Tour of London
Explore some of London's darkest history aboard the famous black Necrobus. Combining comedy, theatre and horror, the tour takes passengers past some of the capital's most haunted locations while uncovering gruesome tales from the city's past. Book here.
Jack the Ripper Walking Tour, East London
Few stories are as closely associated with London's darker side as that of Jack the Ripper. Halloween is the perfect time to explore Whitechapel's historic streets and hear the chilling stories that continue to fascinate visitors more than a century later. Book here.
Halloween at Hampton Court Palace
The historic royal palace often embraces the Halloween spirit with family trails, ghost stories and seasonal activities. Given Hampton Court's reputation as one of Britain's most haunted buildings, it's a fitting setting for a spooky day out. Book here.
Pumpkin Picking at Crockford Bridge Farm, Surrey
For families seeking a less frightening Halloween activity, pumpkin picking at Crockford Bridge Farm is one of the most popular autumn traditions. Visitors can pick their own pumpkins, take seasonal photographs and enjoy a festive day out in the countryside. Book here for pumpkin picking, and book here for the Pumpkin Festival from October 24 to 31.
Paranormal Activity, Ambassadors Theatre
Described as one of the scariest productions in the UK, Paranormal Activity at the Ambassadors Theatre is terrifying London audiences. It's not the only haunted West End show, with Beetlejuice the Musical and the Haunting of Hill House attracting wide audiences. But critics hail Paranormal Activity for combining suspense, jump scares and psychological horror, making it a great choice for a Halloween night out. Book here.
