Spine-tingling ghost stories and frightfully debauched parties, here’s our pick of the best Halloween events in London this year.
Halloween’s back and one thing’s for sure – we Londoners sure do love a frightfully good night on the town in support of the supernatural realm. Halloween events in London range from the family-friendly to the hardcore ravey. Dance the night away in full costume under the bright lights, or opt for a tour of the world’s most haunted theatre, led by unique characters who point out all the haunted areas to watch out for. There are also treats… lots of them. Everywhere you turn in London this month you’ll find pumpkin-flavoured goodies and limited-edition puddings – be sure to get those orders in if a house party is more your thing.
1. Theatre Royal’s haunted adventures
There are few better locations for a bewitching bite to eat and a spot of ghost hunting this Halloween than Theatre Royal Drury Lane, regarded as the world’s most haunted theatre. Gather in the foyer for a pre-tour cocktail – guides are actors in their own right, and the duo unearth the building’s secrets and highlight some of its otherworldly inhabitants on these special spooky tours. Keep an eye out for the man in grey, who ominously appears at the back of the auditorium before disappearing into the wall where a skeleton was found during renovations. Elsewhere, listen for the giggles of a little girl playing in the vaults for eternity after a tragic stage accident. Feeling a little on edge? Calm the nerves over tea and a sweet spread – the themed afternoon tea is not to be missed.
Address: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, London WC2B 5JF
Website: thelane.co.uk
Date: Tours are available to book until Tuesday 31 October and priced at £30; Halloween Afternoon Tea is available from Monday 16 – Tuesday 31 October
2. Escape Jigsaw at SAW the Experience
Step inside Jigsaw’s underground lair and solve cryptic puzzles to save one of the iconic monster’s captives. On the adventure, you’ll come across pig-headed creatures, splurts of blood gore, and challenges that’ll have you racking your brains in a fluster. There’s less than a month to try the experience, but Jigsaw won’t leave the capital without a few final scares. In time for Halloween, 70-minute ‘after dark’ slots are available between 10pm and 10.40pm. Alternatively, survive the ordeal on Tuesday 31 October and settle the nerves with a complimentary smokey slip shooter as the party continues past midnight.
Address: SAW: Escape Experience London, 1 America Square, London EC3N 2LS
Website: sawtheexperience.com
Price: After Dark slots are priced from £59 per person
Date: Until 4 November 2023
3. The Thin White Duke’s Halloween party
Soho cocktail bar The Thin White Duke is an immersive world inspired by the legendary Grimm’s tales this Halloween. Burlesque performer Miss Betsy Rose entertains crowds on Friday 27, and Saturday 28 October, while a talented pasty chef is on board to create fairytale treats. Cocktail wizard Dav Eames is behind the bar – sip on themed concoctions like the Snow White and Once Upon a Time…
Address: The Thin White Duke, 22B Great Windmill Street, London W1D 7LD
Website: thethinwhiteduke.london
Date: Friday 27 – Saturday 28 October
4. Party past the witching hour at Studio 338
Stay clear of anything that may go bump in the night – and head to the dancefloor instead. Studio 338’s line-up is an all-night rave-fest; expect a four-hour set by Ilario Alicante, plus DJs including Clive Henry and Matthias Tanzmann on the decks. The party starts at 5pm on Saturday 28 October and ends at 7am on Sunday – how long can you keep those feet moving?
Address: Studio 338, 338 Boord Street, North Greenwich, London, SE10 0PF
Website: studio338.co.uk
Date: Saturday 28 October
5. Go back to the 90s at The Piano Works
Revisit the 90s at the Piano Works this Halloween as musicians work their magic on the keys late into the night. You name it, they’ll play it – audience participation is all part of the fun down here. The Farringdon and West End venues are getting the 90s treatment over the Halloween weekend; expect Clueless characters, vampire slayers and creepy clowns galore.
Address: The Piano Works Farringdon, 113, Corner of, 117 Farringdon Road, Ray Street, London EC1R 3BX; The Piano Works West-End, 47 Whitcomb Street, London WC2H 7DH
Website: pianoworks.bar
Date: Friday 27 – Saturday 28 October
6. Venture into the crypt
Westminster Abbey and Indian restaurant Yaatra have joined forces for a fascinating (and super creepy) Halloween event. Guided by expert Abbey Verger, explore areas of the historic attraction that are normally off-limits to the public, venturing into the heart of the Abbey and down into the chilly crypt. Shake off the lost souls over a ‘dark and sinister’ cocktail back at Yaatra, made with Firestation Whisky, passionfruit, lemon, whisky bitters, and egg white, garnished with a charcoal rim.
Address: Westminster Abbey, Dean’s Yard, London SW1P 3PA; Yaatra, 4 Greycoat Place, London SW1P 1SB
Website: yaatrarestaurant.com
Price: £37 per person
Date: Tuesday 31 October; 2pm
