Starting as a mainly US event, Halloween is now a very established seasonal event in the UK as well. Now London has gone all out to make it special. There are any number of events on offer across the city but for any families planning to visit the watchword is ‘Beware!’ Some of these Halloween treats are pretty scary. These are the things to do in London on Halloween.
Things to do in London on Halloween
For anyone who has a macabre bent, though, it is a great chance to scare yourself witless while having a brilliant time. You can do some quite unscary things as well if you are of a nervous disposition – what could be nicer than walking the dog? The Every Dog Matters Halloween Fancy Dress Walk is a nice gentle pursuit, but the fancy dress might be scary – and this includes the dogs!
Where to stay in London?
A London break is always fun but staying over Halloween is going to be amazing in 2013. Practically everywhere in London will be hosting an event of some sort, so choosing a hotel is particularly easy as you will find hundreds to choose from if you book with Hotel Direct. There is no problem with travel either; although the Congestion Charge has to be considered, many hotels have their own parking, either alongside or underneath the hotel. If this is important to you, you can always put that in as a must-have when you make your online search.
If you are planning on going to a Halloween party, leave the car behind – there are plenty of cabs and buses and drink and driving don’t mix. There are some great parties on in London to celebrate Halloween – not all of them have their venues sorted yet, so they may need searching out but they shouldn’t be hard to find – just watch for clubbers heading in one direction all wearing costumes and you should be fine. Your hotel should be able to help you on what is on nearby.
Halloween in London
For a fright at any time, the London Dungeon is always a good bet, but they are really pulling out all the stops for Halloween. You need a strong stomach, but it is loads of fun. Thorpe Park, just outside London but easy to get to from the centre – all you need do is follow the M3. They are putting on some special Fright Nights over the Halloween period and all the usual rides are open as well, so that makes a great family event if some of the party are a little more easily scared than others.
If you want to celebrate Halloween but are just too jumpy for all of the frights and scares, then a lecture at St Bartholomew’s Hospital is just right for you – the subject is a bit gory, but at least you won’t get frightened by people jumping out from behind the furniture dressed as a Mummy! Even the London Zoo is getting in on the act, bringing out their scariest creatures to meet you close up – tarantula, anyone?
What are the things to do in London on Halloween that you can recommend?