Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, right at the end of half-term. Here is where to take the kids, from free trails to palaces and theme parks.
Halloween in London 2026: family days out, free trails and spooky castles
Halloween is on Saturday 31 October this year, at the end of October half-term for most London schools. That means a whole week of spooky things to do, and plenty of them are free or included in a normal ticket.
Free
Halloween Happenings, High Street Kensington
A free trail along High Street Kensington from 24 to 31 October. On Halloween itself there is an evening event in Holland Park. No booking needed for the trail.
Included in a normal ticket
Halloween at the Tower of London
From 24 October to 1 November, with Halloween activities included in the standard entry. Tower Hill is the closest station.
Great Pumpkin Party, Eltham Palace
English Heritage runs a pumpkin party at Eltham Palace in south-east London from 24 October to 1 November, 10am to 4pm. It is included in normal admission and free for members.
Hampton Court Palace
Halloween storytelling every day of half-term, 24 October to 1 November, included in palace entry.
London Wetland Centre, Barnes
A nature-themed half-term programme from 24 October to 1 November, included in admission.
Paid and properly spooky
- Halloween at Kew: the evening light trail runs until 1 November. Book a timed slot. We covered it in our half-term guide.
- Curse of the Mummy, London Dungeon: 17 October to 1 November on the South Bank. Better for older children.
- The Nightmare Realm, Avery Hill Park: scare attraction in Greenwich until 1 November, recommended for 13 and over with an adult.
Day trips out of London
- Dark Arts, Warner Bros. Studio Tour: the Harry Potter studio tour has its Halloween makeover until 8 November.
- Brick or Treat, LEGOLAND Windsor: 17 October to 1 November.
- Howl’o’ween, Chessington: selected dates until 1 November.
Want to pick your own? Our list of pumpkin patches near London has dates for each farm, and here is where kids eat free that week.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do for Halloween in London with kids?
The free Halloween Happenings trail on High Street Kensington, the Great Pumpkin Party at Eltham Palace, Halloween storytelling at Hampton Court and Halloween at Kew are all good family picks.
Are there free Halloween events in London?
Yes. The High Street Kensington trail is free, and several palace and museum events are included in a normal ticket.
When is Halloween half term in London?
Most London schools are off from 26 to 30 October, with Halloween on Saturday 31 October.
Sources
- SilverSpoon London: best Halloween events in London with kids 2026
- London for Kidz: the best Halloween events for kids in London 2026
- DesignMyNight: best Halloween events in London 2026
Last checked: 16 October 2026. Times and prices can change, so check each venue before you go. Photo: Envato Elements.
