Halloween in London
The fright fest of Halloween is upon us, when ghouls, ghosts, witches and warlocks come out to spook the living... and the living dress up like the undead. Fake blood, fancy dress and trick-or-treat are traditional but there's plenty going on in the city if you really want to scare yourself silly.
London Dungeon, London, SE1 2SZ
15th October 2011 - 31st October 2011
Be prepared to feel your blood freeze this Halloween at the London Dungeon unveils its terrifying "Helloween" event in which Stingy Jack walks the darkened dungeon corridors. Damned by the devil and made to walk in darkness for all eternity with his turnip lantern, Stingy Jack will be stalking the dark hellish corridors of the gruesome attraction and could appear at any moment. Visitors who survive Jack's lair may wish they hadn't, as the gates of hell gape open to receive them, with an infamous recording of the Sounds of Hell echoing throughout the Dungeon's mirrored labyrinth. The eerie screams of tortured souls, (discovered by Siberian scientists when they drilled down 14.4 kilometres deep under the Earth's crust) will have guests feeling the flames of hell and screaming for a reprieve from the fiery maze. Besides all the usual twisted experiences there are several rides including Extremis, the drop ride to doom, and Traitor, a boat ride to Hell. And new for this year is Vengeance, the UK's first 5D laser ride, best described as "the ride of your afterlife". If it's horror you're after this Halloween we'd recommend a trip to the world-famous Dungeons - just don't expect a good night's sleep once (if) you get out alive.WIN 2 tickets to the London Dungeon, a night in a 4* hotel, plus your name engraved on a tombstone in the London Dungeon itself. All you have to do is upload a video of you scaring your friends to the London Dungeon You Tube channel.
Note: Vengeance Ride will be unavailable 19th Sept - 13th Oct, due to planned maintenance.
More info: Halloween at the London Dungeon Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube
London Dungeon, London, SE1 2SZ
23rd October 2011 - 31st October 2011
Only the brave will sign up for the London Ghost Festival, a week of frightening events taking place across the city and timed to coincide with the spookiest of all nights, Halloween. These spine tingling events are designed to bring out the ghosts and spirits lurking behind the city's most haunted locations, from late night openings at the London Dungeon to ghost walks around Smithfield Market. There's plenty more spooky goings on during the week-long fright fest like a ghostly boat trip organised by the Canal Museum which passes under the dark Islington Tunnel. To celebrate the most haunted night of all, 31st October, the festival usually culminates in a costumed Halloween Ball. See www.londonparanormal.com for details. Woooah!
More info: London Ghost Festival Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube
Union Chapel, London, N1 2UN
29th October 2010 - 31st October 2010
Head to Union Chapel in Islington for Chills in the Chapel, a three-day fright fest of vintage horror movies. The London leg of the Jameson Cult Film Club gets underway with a Friday night screening of the 1967 British science-fiction Hammer horror favourite Quatermass and the Pit, a chilling tale of simian remains and Martian activity on the London Underground. Saturday night sees a screening of Stuart Rosenburg's The Amityville Horror, which tells the supposed "real-life" experiences of a family who move into a house in New Jersey where a mass murder had been committed the year before (tag line: "For God's sake, gat out!"). Rounding things up on Sunday night is the legendary black-and-white shower-slasher classic Psycho, by Alfred Hitchcock. To make things even more scary, each film will be brought to life with additional chilling imput from actors, props and some shocking surprises, providing viewers with a truly unique and terrifying experience (as if the venue of a disused church wasn't enough in the first place). Once you've had your fear fix, some refreshingly smooth Jameson cocktails will be available for your delectation. Best steer clear of the blood-red concoctions, mind.Tickets are free but must be applied for online at www.jamesoncultfilmclub.com.
More info: Jameson Cult Film Club: Chills in the Chapel Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube
Butcher's Hook & Cleaver, EC1A 9DY
14th October 2011 - 31st October 2011
Take a haunted walk around Spooky Smithfields & Beyond with one of the expert guides from London Paranormal to introduce you to some scary parts of Smithfield Market, London's historic meat market. Flesh - and not just of the animal kind - has been dealt with here for years - Smithfields harbours old execution sites where people would be burned in oil. The area was also a place body snatchers used to frequent, in search of corpses to sell to surgeons at St Bartholomew's Hospital. Look out for ghoulish characters popping up out of nowhere to put the frighteners on you, each has a scary story to tell. Sign up for the Spooky Smithfields walk and meet at the Butcher's Hook & Cleaver - you'll need a pint to steady your nerves.
More info: Spooky Smithfields & Beyond Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube
BFI Southbank, London, SE1 8XT
28th October 2011
Taking a break from his Night of Fear Halloween UK Tour, Alice Cooper visits the BFI Southbank for a Halloween Special: Alice Cooper presents Nightmare movies. During the night he will discuss his passion for the horror movie genre and how film has inspired and informed his career, his songs and his life. Join Alice at his favourite time of year and view the film clips he has chosen to illustrate his talk, including 'the Black Queen' in Barbarella. He also highlights some less well known B-movie favourites as well as contemporary films that show how influential this scary rocker has been. The £13 ticket also gets you into special Halloween screenings on the night. The event celebrates the release of Alice Cooper's new album Welcome 2 My Nightmare and you can also see him perform the following night on 29th October at Alexandra Palace.
More info: Halloween Special: Alice Cooper presents Nightmare movies Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube
Vinopolis, London, SE1 9BU
28th October 2011
Wine enthusiasts can celebrate Halloween in style with a frightening Friday evening package put on by Vinopolis. Spirits will be awakened from 5pm with a ghoulish extravaganza which includes a Bombay Sapphire cocktail, two absinthe tastings, four regular wine tastings, two beers tastings, a serving of Toad-in-the-Hole and a spectacular evening of entertainment. After dinner and drinks, get ready for an evening full of scary surprises and special acts as well as some devlish DJing that will surely have you cutting shapes on the dancefloor. When you and your group arrive, you'll have the chance to be photographed by a Victorian-themed photographer on the special 'black' carpet - you can also take a seat in the haunted black cab after dinner for a photo with the ghostly chaffeur. For more information go to www.vinopolis.co.uk.
More info: Halloween at Vinopolis Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube
The Blood and Tears Walk - Halloween Special
Barbican Tube
31st October 2011
This award-winning horror London tour began over eight years ago and features the most chilling and horrifying aspects of London's history including serial killers (Jack the Ripper and others), grave-robbing, execution sites, conspiracy theories and much more. The walk has been rave-reviewed in the media and by the thousands who come on it each year. Your tour guide, Declan McHugh, is a former professional actor and is writing a book entitled 'Horror London'. The Blook and Tears Walk meets at either 7pm or 9.45pm outside Barbican Tube station, where the guide will have a walk sign.
The Blood and Tears Walk - Halloween Special - Book it
London Canal Museum, London, N1 9RT
29th October 2011 - 30th October 2011
Every year for Halloween the London Canal Museum runs a popular and wickedly spooky boat trip through the Islington Tunnel as passengers climb aboard a narrowboat decked out from bow to stern with Halloween decorations. Run in conjunction with Camden Canals, these boat trips are peppered with surprises as staff dress up as creepy characters and entertain the passengers with gruesome tales. Disappearing into the depths of the 886m-long, pitch black tunnel is enough to give the bravest of voyagers the jitters. Add to this bloodcurdling sound effects and a number of unwelcome jolts throughout the journey and you've got a super spooky hour-long experience. Dazed passengers will emerge the other side on a pretty part of the canal near Upper Street, Islington. But be warned, even though you've made it though the tunnel there's no time to relax - you'll have to brave the perils of the darkened vault once again to make your return journey. The museum itself is also joining in the fun. Ghosts, special lighting effects and heaps of family-orientated Halloween activities are all set to scare visitors senseless. The museum will also open late on these dark, spooky evenings. Adults are not permitted without children, and unsupervised children are not allowed. Booking essential.
More info: Halloween on the Canal Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube
Ham House & Garden, London, TW10 7RS
29th October 2011 - 31st October 2011
Tap tap tap tap. The ghost of the Duchess of Lauderdale still stalks the corridors of Ham House with her silver-tipped cane, over three centuries since her death. Taking place on the night before and on Halloween night itself, join the National Trust guides for this spooky after-dark Halloween Ghost Tour talking you through the mysteries and histories of this grand 17th-century Stuart mansion. Legend has it that the Duchess murdered her first husband so she could marry John Maitland, First Duke of Lauderdale. Keep your eyes peeled for the phantom dog that appears randomly about the estate too. Ghosts aside, the house is an excellent example of Stuart opulence and boasts an important collection of textiles, furniture and paintings. The hour long tour finishes with drinks and canapes in the 17th century Orangery.NB: No stiletto heels allowed in the house. Not suitable for children. Booking essential. Wrap up warm as it can get chilly inside the house and tours include part of the garden.
More info: Ham House Halloween Ghost Tours Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube
Podium Restaurant & Bar, W1K 1BE
17th October 2011 - 31st October 2011
Get into the ghostly spirit with a limited edition Halloween Chocolate Afternoon Tea at the Hilton Park Lane's Podium Restaurant. Available every afternoon for the last fortnight of October, the tea features an array of Halloween-themed delights, including pumpkin cakes, dark chocolate witch hats, blood orange chocolate bats and tea as red as blood. It's not all gimmicky though, with guests being able to tuck into a range of yummy sandwiches, scones and cupcakes. For more information visit www.podiumrestaurant.com.
More info: Halloween Chocolate Afternoon Tea Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube
The Blood and Tears Walk - Halloween Special
Barbican Tube
31st October 2010
This award-winning horror London tour began over eight years ago and features the most chilling and horrifying aspects of London's history including serial killers (Jack the Ripper and others), grave-robbing, execution sites, conspiracy theories and much more. The walk has been rave-reviewed in the media and by the thousands who come on it each year. Your tour guide, Declan McHugh, is a former professional actor and is writing a book entitled 'Horror London'.
The Blood and Tears Halloween Walk - Book it
Strongroom, EC2A 3SQ
29th October 2011
The annual Halloween extravaganza at Shoreditch stalwart Strongroom returns for a Saturday of ghoulish shenanigans. Cirque De Scream! is an eight-hour horror fest going on from the early evening till the early hours with a range of activities, including fancy dress, performance artists, a BBQ and live music. The live bands come in the shape of Le Bete - described as "dark, dingy rock'n'roll" - and F.S.I as well as a host of further acts to be announced. There will also be Timebox DJs playing the best in retro 60's-70's psych, rock, funk and soul. What's more, the entire evening comes with free entry.
More info: Cirque De Scream! Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube
Duke of York's, WC2N 4BG
30th & 31st October 2010
The Duke of York's theatre in the West End is putting on a special one-off midnight performance on Saturday 30th October of its chilling play Ghost Stories - described by one critic as "making the Woman in Black look like Haisrpray". Following a phenomenally successful run at the Lyric Hammersmith, Ghost Stories transferred to the West End in June. Not one for the faint-hearted, Ghost Stories takes the audience on a psychological thriller via a series of short stories strung together by academic presenter, Professor Philip Goodman (played by Andy Nyman, co-creator of Derren Brown's stage and TV shows). Written and directed by Nyman and the League of Gentlemen's Jeremy Dyson, Ghost Stories is billed as a selection of creepy tales that "will bleed off the stage and into your dreams". That's not quite the case - there's enough humour to soften the truly scary stuff - but it certainly gives you plenty of paranormal things to think (and shriek) about. The element of the unknown is a big part of the fear factor so we won't give too much away. All we will say is that this is a play which teasingly questions the existence of ghosts, and gives enough evidence to leave you still guessing - and slightly spooked. You may notice your step quicken on the walk home after dark. Not suitable for anyone aged 16 and below, or those of a nervous disposition.
More info: Ghost Stories Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube
Sea Life London Aquarium, London, SE1 7PB
23rd October 2011 - 31st October 2011
Visitors to the Sea Life London Aquarium - or should we say Aqua-scarium? - over the Halloween period can take part in special Halloween terror-themed tours as they get up close and personal with some scary underwater spirits. A fun "aqua-scarium" quiz trail will get guests tracking fishy residents with Halloweeny names from Blood Shrimps to Bat Fish, Spider Crabs to Pumpkin Seed Fish and there will be spooky face painting and themed drawing activities. And watch out for the Fish Witch who will be prowling the attraction; a scaly, green marine crone she only comes out at around Halloween. The Sea Life experts will also be giving interactive talks every day telling some of the real scare stories of the deep from disappearing coral to endangered species. Plus there's a whole ocean full of fun to discover with thousands of marine creatures from every part of the world, including two extremely rare Cuban Crocodiles, who have recently arrived at the aquarium, and the nerve-testing Shark Walk finale. Check www.sealife.co.uk/london for full details.
More info: Halloween at the London Aquarium Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube
Film Plus, London, NW10 6QW
29th October 2011
Fancy mixing potions in Dr Jekyll's lab, being given a wet shave by Sweeney Todd or - worst of the worst - eating a meat pie from Mrs Miggins' kitchen? You do? Great - then just pop along to the special Halloween party: The Cursed and the Damned at Film Plus for a ghoulish night of freaky fun. From the team behind the summer boutique festival Winterwell, this Halloween "Hallowell" (geddit?) party promises live cabaret performers, interactive theatre and the kind of terrors usually reserved for the London dungeon. Costumed performances by infamous heroes and villains of the past - including the likes of Jack the Ripper, Jekyll and Hyde, Sweeney Todd, Sherlock Holmes and even Miss Haversham - will add to the spooky ambiance, while live burlesque will be sure to wake the dead. Throw in some live music and entertainment from DJs such as Norman Jay, Ellie Shepherd and Chris Wilkie and you should have a night to die for - quite literally. Fancy dress encouraged.
More info: Winterwell Halloween Party: The Cursed and the Damned Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube
Chessington World of Adventures, London, KT9 2NE
21st October 2011 - 31st October 2011
For all your Halloween thrills this autumn, look no further than Halloween Hocus Pocus at Chessington World of Adventures. Cackling witches, wicked goblins, giant pumpkins and all sorts of mischievous characters are waiting for the bravest of young adventurers at this spooky Halloween extravaganza. Courageous visitors can ride hair-raising rollercoasters into the dark night sky and get up close and personal with the Zoo's scary spiders and snakes. If all that sounds like no match for your children, then perhaps the bewitching Hocus Pocus Hall will do the trick - a live 4D attraction with a surprise around most, if not every, corner. The Market Square plays host to a range of trick or treat stables and scary games and if that's not enough excitement for one night, then surely the Black Forest Haunt walk-through route will, where visitors are taken on a fearsome journey into the deep, dark woods. For the spookiest adventure for your children this Halloween, be sure not to miss this brilliantly elaborate evening's entertainment. Visit www.chessington.com for further information.
More info: Halloween Hocus Pocus Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube
Simon Drake's Halloween House of Magic
A secret South London location
27th October 2011
Join the award-winning magician Simon Drake as he takes you on a special Halloween-themed fancy dress tour through his eerie House of Magic. Guests to the secret South London location will enter through the misty Enchanted Garden before being able to roam the house and its fabled Haunted Cellar. There will be fortune telling on the Whispering Chair, a sumptuous Hot Fork Buffet, a fully stocked bar and some quality wandering close-up magicians. But the highlight of the evening will be Simon Drake's mind-blowing Magical Extravaganza, which will keep you perplexed and puzzled until the clock strikes midnight. The lavish house with its ornate Gothic interior and open fireplace is located a mile from the Houses of Parliament in Southwark and its precise location will only be revealed the day before your visit. But don't be scared - this is one of London's best-kept secrets and an intriguing night out. For more information go to www.houseofmagic.co.uk.
Haunted London Pubs
Various Venues
There are numerous drinking dens in the city which lay claim to being haunted. Some of the more convincing ones are backed up with reports of flying objects, beer bottles being knocked from people's hands (nothing to do with the amount of alcohol consumed, of course) and the sounds of chairs rattling. Three of the most popular are The Spaniards Inn in Hampstead, the Grenadier in Belgravia and the Morpeth Arms in Westminster. Each has their own spooky story to tell. The Spaniards - ideal for alcoholic refreshment after a weekend tramp on Hampstead Heath - lays (a possibly far-fetched) claim to sightings of Dick Turpin's ghost and even gets a mention in Bram Stoker's Dracula. A grenadier reportedly still frequents the place where he was killed by his fellow soldiers after cheating at cards. And the ghostly presence of prisoners incarcerated at Millbank can still be felt at the nearby Morpeth Arms, connected to the prison via underground tunnels where escaping convicts are thought to have died. Treat yourself to a triple measure of spirits this Halloween.
Royal Observatory Greenwich, London, SE10 9NF
23rd October 2011 - 31st October 2011
Whether you're after ghost walks, chilling theatre productions or freakish fancy dress - there's something for everyone at Greenwich this Halloween season. The Royal Observatory hosts a live Planetarium show, Halloween Skies, where guests can find out about the myths and superstitions that connect the night sky and Halloween. The Observatory also hosts a special Halloween Sci-Fi Fright Night for families and youngsters and a Creepy Constellations Halloween trail. In Greenwich Market, your little Draculas and goblins can join in special Halloween-themed costume-making workshops from 29 to 31 October. The Queen's House at the National Maritime Museum is holding an all-day Halloween Event for budding little wizards and witches, while the Greenwich Theatre is staging some eerie productions, including The Haunted Bride and Vampirates. If you're up for a spot of Ghost watching then head to the Old Royal Naval College, which is said to have been haunted by an executed sailor from the 18th century. To hear more about this friendly ghost and a whole host of others, then why not join a Halloween Ghost Walk held by The Greenwich Tour Guides Association? For more information about all of these ghoulish events then check www.visitgreenwich.org.uk.
More info: Halloween: The Darker Side of Greenwich Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube
Inn the Park - St James's Park, SW1A2BJ
31st October 2010
Combine a walk around St James's Park with an ideal family foodie day out as Inn the Park hosts a special Halloween-themed suppliers market, showcasing the very best British produce. Activities include pumpkin carving demonstrations, cake decorating classes, face painting, storytelling and fancy dress. Food producers for some of London's best restaurants will set up shop with their tasty wares - everything from Mrs Brigitte Tees wild mushrooms to the best organic meat from Clayton Organic - and you'll even be able to put in an early order for top cuts for Christmas. Once it gets dark, there will be a scary guided walk around the park for the brave - a good chance to light up some of those pumpkins. The Halloween Suppliers market will run from Noon - 3pm only. For details of the scary walk, and the schools pumpkin competition please see www.royalparks.org.uk/events or phone the park office on 0207 930 1793 (opening hours 9am-4pm) to book a place on the walk.
More info: Inn the Park's Halloween Suppliers Market Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube
Union Chapel, London, N1 2UN
29th October 2011 - 30th October 2011
The Jameson Cult Film Club is back in town this Halloween at Union Chapel with two classic cult horrors to get fans in an appropriately frightful state. Two nights, two films and two opportunities to be scared witless - even the most committed fan of the horror genre will be clutching on to the person next to them. On Saturday, catch the terrifying Blair Witch Project as a trio of film-makers head into the woods with handheld cameras for what they anticipate will be a simple journey but soon turns into a blood-curdling nightmare... and it's all captured on film. Then on the Sunday, check out seventies classic Invasion of the Bodysnatchers as a group of people discover the human race is being replaced one by one by clones devoid of emotion. Tickets to both films are free of charge - register online at jamesoncultfilmclub.com and they'll send you and email so you can apply for tickets. If you're successful, you'll also be given two free cocktails and admission to the after-party in the Bar.
More info: Chills in the Chapel Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube
Last Legs Veterinary Clinic Halloween Weekend
Secret East London venue
29th-31st October 2010
To commemorate Halloween, the bogus Last Legs Veterinary Clinic will be opening its doors, as well as its medicine cabinets, to the public. On Friday and Saturday, vets and nurses will be serving cocktails at the bar, DJ-ing their way though a catalogue of Haunted House Music and showing off their scalpel skills in live veterinary displays for the public. Bloodcurdlingly affordable drinks on offer (the first one free) will include Hapsburg Absinthe, Vampire Wines (from a vineyard in Transylvania) and Dog Conjunctivitis Medicine - a colour-changing cocktail. There will also be some gruesomely delicious snacks available, such as Unlucky Rabbit's Feet, Trampled Terrapin Meringues and Bompas & Parr bleeding jellies.
On Halloween Sunday, the clinic will turn down the music but increase the scare with Hapsburg Presents Horror Cinema. And what more terrifying mutant farmyard animal-based horror movie could there be than Black Sheep, the 2007 New Zealand comedy horror? This weekend of interactive Halloween events is brought to you by The Robin Collective, a group of young creatives who previously turned the Future Gallery into an indoor summer picnic, complete with fake grass and Courvoisier cocktails. Dressing up is encouraged for each event - but don't wear cherished clothes because there'll be plenty of animal blood going around. The East London Zone 2 venue will remain secret and released to ticket holders closer to the event.
Voodoo Spell
Trader Vic's, Hilton Park Lane, W1K 1BE
31st October 2010
Head into the depths of the London Hilton on Park Lane for a special Voodoo Spell theme night at Trader Vic's bar and restaurant on the Sunday of Halloween. Guests are encouraged to come in Voodoo Spell-inspired costumes and they will, in turn, be entertained by an array of spooky entertainers and tarot readers while a DJ spins some heart-thumping, spine-tingling tunes. Everyone's first cocktail is free and there are 10 Halloween cocktails served at the Trader Vic's bar throughout October, including the devilish Black Widow, the eerie Voodoo Spell and frightful Black Stripe, which comes served in a skull. For more information visit www.tradervicslondon.com.
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