Halloween in London: 12 Best Things to Do in London in October
As an American living in London, I’ve noticed Halloween in London getting bigger and better every year. One thing I really miss about the US is how much people go all out for Halloween. What I mean is the ridiculously decorated houses and the trick-or-treaters knocking on my doorstep.
Now that I’ve lived in London for over 8 years, I’ve seen more homes going all out to decorate, and there are so many fun experiences and events for Halloween across the city. Read on for my guide to everything Halloween and the best things to do in London in October.
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Is London a good place to visit in October?
Actually, I would say October is one of my favorite times to be in London because the leaves start changing red and the weather is mild. It’s a great time to visit before the Christmas crowds arrive. If you want to know how to spend 4 perfect days in London, I have a guide on it!
What are the best things to do in London in October?
Visiting the Halloween-decorated homes in West London neighbourhoods like Holland Park and Notting Hill, going for an autumnal walk in Little Venice, and checking out the storefront displays in Belgravia are some of my favorite things to do in October.
Does London celebrate Halloween?
Yes! Halloween has is becoming more and more popular in London. There are themed events, decorated houses, pumpkin patches, haunted pubs, and Halloween parties all taking place in October.
Things to do in London for Halloween
If you’re looking for the best things to do in London this October, here are my favorite picks as a local.
1. Head to Covent Garden to see their annual Display
Every year, Covent Garden has a Halloween pop-up. It changes yearly, and it’s always so impressive. In 2026, there were glittering skeletons with pumpkins at their side. So cute!
2. Admire Annabel’s Spooky Halloween Display
Annabel’s is a private member’s club and every season they have an elaborate display up. They decorate their facade for spring, Halloween, and Christmas. The Christmas display is usually up the third week of October. In 2026, it’s a pumpkin with a rat. I really love their decorations for Christmas too.
2. Have a Halloween-themed Afternoon Tea
London has the best ever themed afternoon teas, and there are some amazing Halloween-themed afternoon teas. The best ones include 144 on the Hill in Richmond, Roast Borough Market. Halloween at The Gherkin, and Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea on a red vintage bus! Also, Christmas is around the corner and I’ve compiled my favorite festive afternoon teas in a little guide.
3. Explore London’s best-decorated Halloween streets
The best Christmas decorations in London are in Kensington, Holland Park, and Notting Hill.
Best Halloween Decorations in Holland Park:
- Phillimore Gardens
- Upper Phillimore Gardens
- Ilchester Place
- Clarendon Road
Best Halloween Decorations in Notting Hill:
- Elgin Crescent
- Arundel Gardens
- Lansdowne Crescent
4. Visit the Halloween decorations in Belgravia
Belgravia is one of the best streets in London to visit for autumn in London. Cafes and shops deck their facades with a Halloween theme. My favorites include the iconic pink cupcake shop, Peggy Porschen’s. You can also have brunch at Tom Tom, which always has a seasonal display outside their cafe.
5. Walk the Halloween Trail at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is a beautiful Botanical Garden located in Richmond and is easily reachable from Central London. Each year they host a Halloween Trail from October 16th to November 1st.
6. Get a Pumpkin Humble Crumble
Every fall, you can get a pumpkin Humble Crumble, and it’s a must-try if you’re in London around Halloween. This popular local dessert shop is known for its baked crumbles topped with custard, cream, or ice cream. The pumpkin version is a great autumnal treat, especially on a cold London day. They tend to sell out, so be quick and visit the shop early. There are several locations around London.
7. Visit Hampton Court Palace after dark
Hampton Court Palace is a gorgeous palace just outside of London. During the Halloween season, you need to go after dark for a spooky surprise. The historic royal palace has a fascinating history. Plus, there are trails outside the palace full of pumpkins and scarecrows. It’s another kid-friendly activity for Halloween to add to your itinerary this October in London. You can get tickets for the palace here.
8. Go on a ghost tour of London
Go on a ghost tour of London! This might be the scariest thing to do in London for Halloween. There are many tours you can take this season and my favorites can be found on GetYourGuide here.
8. Go Pumpkin picking
If you’re looking for Halloween activities perfect for Children, then head to one of the Pumpkin farms just outside of London. I’ve been to both Hobbledown Heath Pumpkin Patch and Tulley’s Farm, and they are both so much fun. Tulley’s Farm is the largest in all of Europe with over 1.5 million pumpkins! It’s such an easy day trip from London. You will need to buy tickets ahead for both.
9. Jack the Ripper Walk
Jack the Ripper was a serial killer in 1888 murdering at least 5 women. More than 130 years later, his identity is still a mystery. So one of the classic things to do in London for Halloween would be to take a walking tour through the historic streets of Whitechapel. That’s where many of the crimes happened!
10. Watch a Halloween film at a pop-up cinema
Hocus Pocus is playing at London’s outdoor rooftop cinemas hosted by the Rooftop Cinema Club. You can see if King’s Cross Outdoor cinema has anything spooky playing during the Halloween season or do Hocus Pocus Movie Night at The Clapham Grand.
11. Take an Autumnal walk in Little Venice
Not many people know that London has a Little Venice! This canal spans the neighbourhoods of Paddington and Maida Vale. Its canal is lined with colourful houseboats, making you feel like you’re in Italy! It’s one of my favourite non-touristy things to do in London. There’s even a cafe called Laville Restaurant with a view of the canal, and it’s the perfect spot for a tea and to admire the autumnal leaves out the window.
12. Grab a drink at a Halloween Pop-up Bar
In October, there’s a Halloween-themed pop-up bar where you can get cocktails in cute Halloween mugs. The whole bar is covered in Halloween decorations. It’s such a cool spot and only opened in 2026. It’s called the Haunting on Russel Street and it’s located in the heart of Covent Garden.
