Find out what fairs, club nights, film screenings, late-night museum openings and other Halloween activities are on in October and November, including half-term fun.

Get ready for the scariest season of the year! As well as Halloween, there has been a rise in popularity of Day of the Dead festivities from Mexico.

This year, Halloween comes after the half-term holidays, so plenty of London attractions are kick-starting their spooky events early. If you’re a parent, there’s plenty of Halloween events on during the daytime and early evening.

Here’s Metro Girl’s guide to the best daytime and nighttime – for both children or adults – Halloween and Day of the Dead activities on in the capital this October and early November.

For a guide to what else is on in London in November, click here.

Daytime jitters

• 27 September – 10 November : Dark Arts @ Warner Bros Studio Tour

Dark Arts returns to the Harry Potter experience for the Halloween season. The Great Hall is full of 100 floating pumpkins, while the table features a Halloween feast on red apples, pumpkins and cauldrons of lollipops. Watch a live duel between the Death Eaters. Tickets: Adults £45, Children £37. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7LR. Nearest station: Watford (then a shuttle bus to studios). For more information, visit the Warner Bros Studio Tour website.

• 1 – 31 October : The Home of Halloween @ London Dungeon

One of London’s most ghoulish destinations offers a Halloween experience. Meet some of London’s most notorious characters such as Jack the Ripper, Sweeney Todd, The Plague Doctor and The Torturer, watch an exclusive Halloween show and enjoy the rides. Tickets: Adults £30, Children £24. London Dungeon, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB. Nearest station: Waterloo or Embankment. For more information and booking, visit the London Dungeon website.

• 19 – 27 October : Halloween @ London Zoo

A week of fiendish fun at London Zoo, featuring Grim Keeper tours, creepy crafts, spooky animals and more. Open 10am-5pm. Activities are free with entry to zoo. Entrance tickets: Adults £27.00, Child £17.55 (cheaper online). London Zoo, Regent’s Park, Marylebone, NW1 4RY. Nearest station: Regent’s Park or Camden Town. For booking, visit the ZSL website.

• 19 – 27 October : Spooky Cats @ the London Museum of Water & Steam

Listen to a cat story every weekday at 11am, make your own cat craft, explore our Splash Cat trail, find the Museum’s hidden cats. Children in cat costumes enter for free. Tickets: Adults £12.50, Children £5.50. London Museum of Water & Steam, Kew Bridge Road, Brentford, TW8 0EF. Nearest station: Kew Bridge. For more information, visit the London Museum of Water & Steam website.

• 19 – 27 October : Halloween @ Battersea Power Station

A host of Halloween family activities are taking place over the half-term holidays, including Halloween scavenger hunt, eerie ear-making workship, pumpkin carving, Wicked Witches and Wizard Worshop. Dates and times vary for each activity. Free. Battersea Power Station, 188 Kirtling Street, Nine Elms, SW8 5BN. Nearest station: Battersea Park or Queenstown Road Battersea. For more information, visit the Battersea Power Station website.

• 19 October – 3 November : Ascarium @ London Aquarium

A Halloween experience at Sea Life London with the Sea Witch asking visitors to help unlock her treasure chest. Tickets start from £21 (online), £26 (on the day). Sea Life London Aquarium, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank, SE1 7PB. Nearest station: Waterloo. For more information, visit the Sea Life website.

• 19 – 23 October : Pumpkin Carving @ Morden Hall Park

Carve your own pumpkin at the National Trust grounds and property of Morden Hall Park. Children must be supervised by an adult. 11am-4pm. Small pumpkin £4, medium pumpkin £5. Stableyard, Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road, Morden, SM4 5JD. Nearest station: Morden or Phipps Bridge (Tramlink). For more information and opening times, visit the National Trust website. For Metro Girl’s blog post about Morden Hall Park, click here.

• 21 October – 3 November : No Tricks Just Treats – Halloween @ London Designer Outlet

A host of events and activities will be taking place over half-term and Halloween, including complimentary face-painting, ghoulish actors, film screenings @ Cineworld, and a replica of the Ghostbusters Cadillac (1-3 Nov) to pose alongside for photos. Times vary. London Designer Outlet, Wembley Park Boulevard, Wembley, HA9 0FD. Nearest station: Wembley Stadium. For more information, visit the London Designer Outlet website.

• 22 October : Family Day: Halloween @ Benjamin Franklin House

A spooky family day with spooky 18th century stories told by Polly Hewson and gruesome games and crafts for 5-11 year olds. 4pm-5.30pm. Free, but advanced booking recommend. Benjamin Franklin House, 36 Craven Street, Westminster, WC2N 5NG. Nearest stations: Charing Cross or Embankment. For more information, visit the Benjamin Franklin House website.

• 23 – 31 October : Spooky Storytime @ London Eye

Families will love the Halloween experience on the London Eye. Enjoy fast-track entry and step into a capsule for a 30-minute rotation while listening to spooky stories and leave with a Hotel Chocolat goodie bag. Tickets: £35 (adult and child combi). London Eye, Jubilee Gardens, South Bank, SE1 7PB. Nearest station: Waterloo, Westminster or Embankment. For tickets, visit the London Eye website.

• 24 October – 1 November : Spooktacular Kids Tour

Let your children see the sights of a capital with a 45 minute bus tour of the capital with live guided commentary for chidren. Departs at 4pm. Tickets: Adults £15, Children (5-15) £8. For more information and departure points, visit the Original Tour website.

• 26 – 27 October : Horniman Halloween Fair

A Halloween fair for the whole family, featuring creepy crawlies, Halloween trail, spooky storytelling, arts and crafts stalls, and food stalls. 10.30am-4.30pm. Free. Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ. Nearest station: Forest Hill. For more information, visit the Horniman Museum website.

• 26 October – 3 November : Halloween @ Ham House

Scare yourself silly on a family ghost tour of the 17th century house, which is said to have 15 different ghosts. Ages 7+. Tours from 6pm. Tickets: Adults £15, Children £15. Ham House & Gardens, Ham Street, Ham, TW10 7RS. Nearest station: Richmond Station. For more information, visit the National Trust website.

• 28 October – 3 November : Halloween @ Backyard Cinema

Travel through the Winter Night Garden to watch one of your favourite Halloween films at Backyard Cinema’s new permanent home in Wandsworth. Films include Beetlejuice, Scream, Shaun of the Dead, Hocus Pocus, Casper, The Witches and more. Matinees and evening screenings. Full bar and street food stalls available. Tickets: Adults £18.99, Children £9.50. Capital Studios, 13 Wandsworth Plain, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET. Nearest station: Wandsworth Town. For booking, visit the Backyard Cinema website.

Things that go bump in the night

• 26 September – 10 November : Journey to the Underworld

An immersive, theatrical dining experience on a luxury train carriage on a journey to the Underworld. Featuring a four-course meal and interactions with characters. Time slots vary. Tickets: £57-£60. Pedley Street Station, Arch 63, Pedley Street, Bethnal Green, E1 5BW. Nearest station: Bethnal Green. For more information and tickets, visit the Funincular Productions website.

Switch up your Halloween routine and mark Day of the Dead

• 8 October – 2 November : London Horror Festival

Festival of live horror performance including cabaret, film screenings, Zombie weekends, midnight performances and a short horror play competition. Ticket prices vary. Most events take place at the Old Red Lion Theatre, 418 St John Street, Islington, EC1V 4NJ. Nearest station: Angel; or Pleasance, Carpenters Mews, North Road, Islington, N7 9EF. Nearest station: Caledonian Road. For more information, visit the London Horror Festival website.

• 18 October : Halloween Late @ London Dungeon

After-hours fun for adults-only, featuring a darker experience and drinks. Over 18s only. Arrival from 7pm-9pm. Tickets: £29. London Dungeon, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB. Nearest station: Waterloo or Embankment. For more information and booking, visit the London Dungeon website. For Metro Girl’s review of the London Dungeon, click here.

• 19 October : Festival of the Dead

Mexican-style festival comes to Limehouse. Expect full pageantry, giant skull processions, acrobats, dancers, decorative art, amazing costumes, confetti, CO2, light shows, live music and DJs. 9pm-2am. Tickets: £29.59. Troxy, 490 Commercial Road, Limehouse, E1 0HX. Nearest station: Limehouse. For more information, visit the Troxy website.

• 24 – 26 October : Oktoberfest London – Halloween Special

A special spooky edition of the popular German beer festival. Opening hours vary. General admission starts from free to £60 (depending on day and package). Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information, visit the Oktoberfest London website.

• 24 October – 2 November : Fright Night by the London Bar Bus

Enjoy a bus tour of London with drinks, dark tales and dressing up. Over 18s only. 90 minute tour. Bus departs at 6.30pm. Tickets: £15 (not including drinks packages). Bus departs from Charles II Street, St James, SW1Y. Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus or Charing Cross. For tickets, visit the Original Tour.com website.

• 26 October : Halloween Ball at The Mansion

Spectacular Halloween extravaganza over three floors, including three dancefloors, 1 art room, 2 lounges, fire shows, cage dancers, DJs, percussionists, saxophonists, clairvoyant, make-up artists and more. Fancy dress mandatory (win a flight to NYC for the best costume). 9pm-4am. Tickets start from £36. At a secret north-west London location revealed 48 hours before event. For more information, visit The Mansion website.

• 26 October : The Candlelight Club’s Halloween Ball

Celebrate Halloween 1920s style at the roaming vintage nightclub. In the ballroom, Champagne Charlie will be hosting, live music from swing band the Bubbly Boys, Gatsby Girls dancers, vintage DJ the Bees’ Knees, dinner and drinking. Meanwhile, the Cabaret Lounge will feature two cabaret shows, burlesque, comedy and more. 1920s dress mandatory with an optional Halloween flair. 7pm-12am. Tickets start from £30. At a secret London location. For tickets, visit The Candlelight Club website. For Metro Girl’s review of the Candlelight Club click here.

• 28 – 31 October : Fright Night Cinema @ Rivoli Ballroom

Watch classic horror films in an original 1950s ballroom. Movies include A Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween (1978), The Rocky Horror Show, and The Shining. 8pm. Tickets: £10. Rivoli Ballroom, 350 Brockley Road, Crofton Park, SE4 2BY. Nearest station: Crofton Park. For more information, visit the Rivoli Ballroom’s Facebook page.

• 30 October : Twilight Tour @ Strawberry Hill House

Enjoy an after-hours tour of the Gothic mansion and a glass of fizz. 6.30pm for drinks reception, tour starts at 7pm. Tickets: £26. Strawberry Hill House, 268 Waldegrave Road, Twickenham, TW1 4ST. Nearest station: Strawberry Hill. For more information, visit the Strawberry Hill website. For Metro Girl’s review of Strawberry Hill House click here.

• 30 October : Halloween Late @ Science Museum

Halloween Spooktacular late-night opening of the Science Museum, featuring talks, workshops, live music, silent disco, bar and more. Over 18s only. 6.45pm-10pm. Free admission (ticket required). Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD. Nearest station: South Kensington. For more information, visit the Science Museum website.

• 31 October : Halloween Night Safari @ London Wetland Centre

Search for wildlife that comes out at night. Ages 8 and over. 4pm-7pm. Tickets: £25.50 per child (must be accompanied by an adult, free of charge). London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT. Nearest station: Barnes and Barnes Bridge. For more information, visit the WWT website.

• 31 October : London Halloween 5k and 10k

Run 5k or 10k on a spooky run around the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. 7pm-8.30pm. Tickets: £24. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 3 Thornton Street, Stratford, E20 2ST. Nearest station: Stratford. For more information, visit the Run Through website.

• 31 October : Temple Cinema – Psycho @ Andaz

Watch classic horror film Psycho in a former Greek Masonic temple. From 7.30pm. Tickets: £15-£40. Andaz Hotel, 40 Liverpool Street, City of London, EC2M 7QN. Nearest station: Liverpool Street. For more information, visit DesignMyNight.

• 31 October : Trapped In Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland-meets-Halloween at this haunted fairytale experience. Including Mad Hatter cocktail reception, confetti shower, photo area, midnight doughnut giveaway, DJs, fortune teller, pizza, and more. Over 18s only. Fancy dress expected. 9pm-4am. Tickets: £13-£25. Indigo, O2, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0AX. Nearest station: North Greenwich. For tickets, visit the Lost In Wonderland website.

• 31 October : Halloween @ Discount Suit Company

Subterranean bar Discount Suit Company is teaming up with London Walks for a Jack the Ripper tour and cocktail experience. Enjoy a drink on arrival before exploring the back streets of Whitechapel and Spitalfields. From 5.45pm. Tickets: £20 (inc 2 cocktails). Discount Suit Company, 29a Wentworth Street, Spitalfields, E1 7TB. Nearest station: Liverpool Street. For tickets, visit the Umbrella London website.

• 31 October and 2 November : Voodoo-themed Halloween Extravaganza @ COYA

The Mayfair and Angel Court branches of COYA are hosting voodoo-themed parties and brunches to celebrate Halloween. Expect DJs, live musicians, Halloween cocktails, delicious food and bottomless drink packages. Timings: 31 Oct events at both venues from 9pm until late. 2 Nov brunch from 12.30pm. Tickets: Angel Court: £75pp. Mayfair £80pp. COYA Angel Court: Unit 1C, 31-33 Throgmorton Street, EC2N 2AT, nearest station: Bank, and COYA Mayfair: 118 Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1J 7NW. Nearest station: Marble Arch. For more information, visit the COYA website.

• 31 October : Mrs Fogg’s Haunted Ship

Enjoy a spooky evening of cocktails, music and face-painting with Mrs Fogg and Rémy Martin 1738 Cognac. From 6.01pm. Mrs Fogg’s, 37 Broadgate Circle, EC2M 2QS. Nearest station: Liverpool Street. For more information, visit the Mr Fogg’s website.

• 31 October – 1 November : Film & Fizz – It: Chapter Two

A Halloween screening of new release It: Chapter Two in a private screening room with a glass of champagne and three-course meal at Indigo. From 6.30pm. £55pp. One Aldwych Hotel, 1 Aldwych, WC2B 4BZ. Nearest station: Charing Cross or Temple. For more information, visit the One Aldwych website.

• 31 October – 1 November : Gothic Stories for Grown-Ups @ Strawberry Hill House

Be greeted at the gates of Strawberry Hill House by Walpole’s valet Philip Columb for a glass of fizz, before being taking on a Gothic tour on the building. Times slot start between 6.30pm-9.30pm. Tickets: £18. Strawberry Hill House, 268 Waldegrave Road, Twickenham, TW1 4ST. Nearest station: Strawberry Hill. For more information, visit the Strawberry Hill website.

• 31 October – 2 November : Wandsworth Common Halloween Beer & Cider Festival

Three-day festival featuring beer, cider and wine. 1pm-11pm. Free entry. Le Gothique Restaurant & Bar, Royal Victoria Patriotic Building, John Archer Way, Windmill Road, Wandsworth, SW18 3SX. Nearest station: Wandsworth Common or Wandsworth Town. To request your free ticket, visit the festival’s Eventbrite page.

• 31 October – 2 November : The Halloween Raveyard

A spooky rave in the tunnels underneath Waterloo station. Expect bizarre bands, devilish DJs, cabaret, ‘funerals’, zombie dance halls and more. Over 18s only. Tickets: £8-£20. The Vaults, Leake Street, Waterloo, SE1 7NN. Nearest station: Waterloo or Lambeth North. For tickets and more information, visit the Vaults website.

• 31 October – 2 November : Museums At Night – Craven Street Bones @ Benjamin Franklin House

Late opening of the Benjamin Franklin House museum and discover how human bones of 10 people were found under the basement floor in 1997. 6.30pm-9.30pm. Tickets: £10 (drink included). Benjamin Franklin House, 36 Craven Street, Westminster, WC2N 5NG. Nearest stations: Charing Cross or Embankment. For more information, visit the Benjamin Franklin House website.

• 1 November : The First Ghosts: a spooky evening with Irving Finkel and Janina Ramirez

Author Irving Finkel and historian Janina Ramirez discuss our relationships with ghosts and the evidence. 6.30pm-8pm. Tickets: £12. BP Lecture Theatre, British Museum, Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, WC1B 3DG. Nearest station: Tottenham Court Road or Russell Square. For tickets, visit the British Museum website.

Dark Circus Party returns for a Day of the Dead themed spectacular
© Bourne & Hollingsworth

• 1 November : Friday Late @ Handel & Hendrix in London

Late-night opening of the former London homes of Jimi Hendrix and George Frederic Handel, featuring live music, performance, DJs, and interactive activities, such as life drawing, film projections, tarot reading, face-painting and pop-up bar. 7pm-10pm. Tickets: £20. Handel & Hendrix 25 Brook Street, Mayfair, W1K 4HB. Nearest station: Oxford Circus or Bond Street. For more information, visit the Handel & Hendrix in London website.

• 1 November : Ultimate Power – Bat Out Of Helloween

Communal karaoke to power ballads at a special Halloween edition. 9pm-3am. Tickets: £14.30. The O2 Forum, 9-17 Highgate Road, Kentish Town, NW5 1JY. Nearest station: Kentish Town. For tickets, visit the Ultimate Power website.

• 1 November : Day of the Dead @ Oblix

Celebrate Day of the Dead with stunning views of the capital from Oblix at The Shard. Featuring cocktails from Casamigos, live entertainers and performers, make-up artist and DJs. Fancy dress encouraged. 11pm-3am. Tickets: £25. Oblix, Level 32, The Shard, St Thomas Street, London Bridge, SE1 9RY. Nearest station: London Bridge. For tickets, visit the Oblix website.

• 2 November : The Dark Circus Party – Day of the Dead

The fabulous freaky Dark Circus Party returns for a special Halloween edition. Featuring circus shows, fire-breathers, stilt walkers, burlesque dancers, acrobatics, music, sideshow, Bourne & Hollingsworth cocktails and more. 9pm-3am. Tickets from £35. EartH (Evolutionary Arts Hackney), 11-17 Stoke Newington Road, Dalston, N16 8BH. Nearest stations: Dalston Kingsland or Dalston Junction. For tickets, visit the Dark Circus party website.

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