The leaves are turning, the nights are drawing in, let the Autumn festivities begin. As Halloween and Bonfire Night approach, here is our pick of the scariest activities for kids and adults in London and the best of the capital’s firework displays.
Halloween
27 October – Families Go Wild At Halloween, Spitalfields City Farm
Make Halloween decorations, with natural objects at this free spooky handcrafting workshop.
20-31 October – Ascarium at the London Aquarium, County Hall, SE1
Help the Sea Witch unlock her treasure chest, keep your eyes peeled for hidden objects that she needs for her spell but beware of the sharp teeth, tentacles and creepy creatures lurking in the deep.
Until November 29 – Hyper Reality’s Haunted World, Shoreditch
Don a virtual reality headset and enter one of two haunted realms. This surreal, immersive experience will bring horror to within virtual touching distance – are you brave enough? Age advisory 12+.
Until 31 October – London Dungeon’s Scream Fest, County Hall, SE1
Twenty haunting tales, two rides plus a special Jack the Ripper Show which plunges you into complete darkness. Book up in advance for this nerve-jangling, horrifying event as tickets sell out.
31 October – Dark Maze, Crystal Maze Live Piccadilly Circus and Angel
All the regular thrills of the Crystal Maze but with extra scares and frights as the Blood Baron roams the four zones. Not for those who scare easily.
Until 11 November – Copycat at CoLab, Long Lane, SE1
Part murder mystery, part immersive horror show, part escape room, Copycat plunges you into the heart of your favourite horror films as you help to track down a serial killer. Age advisory 16+
Fireworks
2 & 3 November – Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival
Not just a fireworks display but a whole festival with funfair, circus, ice skating, live music, German Bier Fest, street food and much more.
3 November – Blackheath
London’s biggest free fireworks display although donations are encouraged to keep the event free. Festivities kick off at midday when the funfair opens, food stalls and bar open at 5pm with the main event at 8pm.
10 November – Lord Mayor’s Show
It’s been a feature of London’s calendar for more than 800 years with a colourful, daytime parade and then at 5.15pm head down to the river for a spectacular free fireworks display. Victoria Embankment or between Waterloo and Blackfriars Bridges are the best spots.
Whether you head out or celebrate at home, have a spooktacular Halloween and a sparkling Bonfire Night.
