The summer holidays and bank holidays may feel like a distant memory but it’s still hard to believe that the October half term school holidays are just around the corner.
If you plan to spend the October half term in London, however, then you are in for a treat! There are lots of ghoulish goings-on, fun activities for the whole family, exciting family-friendly exhibitions and much more.
This year, the October half term dates for most schools run from Monday October 27 to Friday, October 31, 2025. Private school term dates vary with some schools enjoying a two week half term starting from Monday October 20.
If you’ve got half term sorted but are going to be in the capital in December then here’s what you can expect if you are spending your Christmas holiday in London with the kids.
Our highlights for the October half term in London 2025
- Expect spine tingling thrills when you walk Kew’s spooky new Halloween trail.
- Are you brave enough to face death eaters and dementors? You have the chance this October half term at the Harry Potter Studios.
- Pick your perfect pumpkin at the London Pumpkin Patch and then go trick-or-treating
- Help out a reporter at Flight, Camera, Action! at the Tower of London
- Celebrate the Festival of Light at Trafalgar Square for their annual Diwali celebrations
- Watch 40 elite sumo wrestlers battle it out at the Royal Albert Hall during the Grand Tournament
- Take part in Day of the Dead celebrations – and eat delicious Mexican street food – at the Horiman Museum
Halloween Fun in London 2025
Get spooked at one of the many ghoulishly good Halloween events taking place across London this moth.
Halloween at Kew
Traditionally known for their Christmas lights, Kew Gardens have a devilishly good Halloween trail.
Wander through the illuminated haunted woods filled with giant neon cobwebs, enormous spiders, wicked witches and ghastly ghouls and then treat yourself to a hot chocolate at the end.
Halloween at Kew runs from 17 October – 2 November. The trail is open from 6pm to 10pm from 17 October to 25 October and from 4pm to 10pm from 26 October.
Tickets cost £22 for non members (off peak £18.50).
Halloween at Kenwood House
A brand new illuminated trail is taking place this Halloween at Kenwood House. Running from 17 October through to 2 November, the trail is the perfect activity for the October half term in London – and beyond.
Watch out for the Headless Horseman who rides across the path, a cackling witch toiling over a bubbling cauldron, a glowing spider tunnel and a spellbinding fire show.
Tickets for Halloween at Kenwood House cost from £14 to £18 and are available to purchase here.
Discover the Dark Arts at WB Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter
Discover the Dark Arts this autumn at the Harry Potter Studios.
Keep an eye out for the Dark Mark as you explore the studios, beware of the Dementors floating high above the Forbidden Forest and practice your spell-casting skills when you meet the Death Eaters in your Defence Against the Dark Arts class.
**Note that there are two processions of Death Eaters throughout the Studio Tour, it is possible to bypass the areas where the processions take place, simply speak to a team member.
Our favourite at this time of year is always the Great Hall with its 100 floating pumpkins and tables laden with piles of sweets and cakes.
Discover the Dark Arts takes place from 12 September – 9 November 2025.
Raver Tots Halloween Party
Taking place on the final weekend of half term at the Ministry of Sound, this is the time to put on your fancy dress and dance to the best in House, Garage, Drum and Bass and Old Skool Club Classics. Expect bubbles, confetti blasts, enormous balloons, face painting, and a licensed bar alongside some of the biggest names in dance music.
There are two Raver Tots time slots, both on Sunday 2 November, at 3.30pm and 6pm. Book your tickets in advance.
We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt™ Halloween Adventure at Osterley Park & House
Based on the bestselling children’s books, this Halloween, the bunnies are setting off on an adventure to find the ghosts hidden around Osterley and they need you to help them!
Pick your bunny name, play Halloween hoopla, race your broomstick, and watch out for the warty toads as you cross the stepping stones, before joining the celebration party and collecting your prize/sticker.
This trail is ideal for preschoolers and young children and is free with normal admission.
We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt takes place from Saturday 11 October to Sunday 2 November from 10am to 5pm.
Dracula at the London Dungeons
Journey back to 1886 at the London Dungeons this Halloween when Jack the Ripper is carving terror into the East End and the foggy London streets are filled with paranoia and…. a distraught Count in search of his next victim. Are you brave enough to face him?
Dracula will be in residence at the London Dungeons from Saturday 18 October to Monday 3 November 2025.
Halloween fun at the Chelsea Physic Garden
London’s oldest botanic garden always hosts fun family activities over the school holiday and this October half term is no exception.
Choose from a handful of Halloween-themed activities at the Chelsea Physic Garden including Stories from the Enchanted Garden (27-31 October), Pumpkin Carving (24, 27 and 30 October), and a Creepy Crafternoon (26 October). These activities always sell out in advance so make sure to book your tickets quickly.
Peppa Pig Halloween Sightseeing Bus Tour
Enjoy the Halloween season on board Brigit’s double-decker bus with Peppa Pig for company.
Brought to you by B’s Bakery who offer traditional afternoon tea on board a double-decker bus, this frighteningly good afternoon tea is a wonderful way to see London’s top attractions. Don’t forget your fancy dress costumes either, the best dressed family will win a prize!
The Peppa Pig Halloween Sightseeing Bus Tour runs from 18 – 31 October 2025.
Monster Maze at the Museum of Brands
The Museum of Brands is one of my favourites lesser known London museums and this October half-term they are inviting children to join in a spine-tingling Halloween hunt where Paddington’s Marmalade Mischief lay, Mr Turnip wanders and Monster Munch await. Afterwards, take part in a fun colouring activity.
Monster Maze takes place from 24 October – 2 November, kids go free with a fee paying adult.
Halloween at Hampton Court Palace
Double, double, toil and trouble, who dares to explore Henry VIII’s notoriously haunted palace?
Head to Hampton Court Palace this October half term and discover the palace transformed by magical spells. Tiptoe through the dark and winding corridors and courtyards and see if you can spot one of the palace’s infamous ghosts lurking. If you can’t find them, don’t worry, the resident ghost hunters are on hand to help!
Halloween at Hampton Court Palace takes place 25 October – 2 November 2025. Pre-booking is recommended.
Hobble’ween at Hobbledown Heath
Head to Hobbledown Heath, west London’s largest indoor play barn, for some frightening fun this October half term.
Put on your spookiest costume and get ready to take part in some thrilling activities including a bug brunch, treat trails, monster discos, a costume parade and more.
Hobble’ween at Hobbledown Heath takes place from 25 October – 2 November, 2025.
Halloween Family Fun at London Zoo
For hairy – but not too scary – Halloween fun head to ZSL London Zoo this October half term where you can learn hair-raising animal facts, enjoy traditional Halloween crafts, step into the autumn-themed Pumpkin Patch, roast marshmallows over a glowing fire pit, meet some Halloween super species, dance away at a silent disco and so much more.
Some activities may incur an additional charge.
Halloween Family Fun takes place from 25 October – 2 November, 2025.
Hair-Raising Halloween in Hyde Park
Celebrate spooky season in Hyde Park with some fun, free activities including frighteningly fun “feely boxes” in the Witches’ Den, a hair-raising nature trail, spooky stories and more.
Halloween activities take place between 11 – 3.30pm October 28 to 30 and are free but it’s best to register interest in advance.
Sharky & George Halloween Disco
Get spooky and celebrate Halloween at the Sea Containers London with a Mini Disco hosted by children’s party planners, Sharky & George.
Held in 12th Knot, the hotel’s rooftop bar and terrace overlooking the River Thames, children are invited to dress up in their best costumes and have a spooktacular time.
The Sharky & George Halloween Disco takes place on Saturday 1 November from 12pm – 2pm. Tickets start from £12 and include a complimentary drink for parents.
The London Pumpkin Patch & Trick or Treat Lane
Pumpkin picking in central London is a little tricky but you can still enjoy a frightfully good day out at the London Pumpkin Patch in Parsons Green.
This Halloween, Parson Green has been transformed into an enchanted woodland filled with magical doors, interactive characters, colourful scenes and the chance to pick your perfect pumpkin to take home.
Located next to the pumpkin patch – through an enchanted archway – is Trick-or-Treat Lane where children can set off on a trick-or-treat adventure with colourful doors waiting to be knocked on, and delightful characters waiting to give treats.
Entry to the London Pumpkin Patch is £6 per person (under 2s go free) and entry to Trick-or-Treat Lane is £10 per person. Both are open from 25 – 31 October, 10am to 6pm daily.
Meet the Monsters at the London Museum of Water & Steam
Step into a world of giant machines, hissing pipes and puffing pistons this October half term at the London Museum of Water & Steam. See if you can find all the monsters when you follow a trail through the historic galleries and then enjoy some Halloween themed crafts.
Visit on 25 and 26 October and see the monsters come to life at the Steam Up Weekend, when the museum’s historic machines are set into motion through teh power of steam.
The monsters will be in residence daily from 25 October – 2 November, 2025. The Monster Hunt trails incur additional charges.
Halloween Half Term at Eltham Palace and Gardens
Be prepared for some spine-tingling fun this October half term when you visit Eltham Palace and take part in their Halloween quest. Solve creepy clues, enjoy spooky surprises and take part in some gruesome games!
Halloween Family Fun at Eltham Palace takes place from 25 October – 2 November 2025, 10am to 5pm daily.
Explore the Super Natural at the London Wetland Centre
Weave a willow wand, join a fungi hunt, brew your own magic potion, sculpt your own clay creature and more this October half term when you discover just how super nature can be. And, if you dress up as your favourite magical character, you might just win two family tickets to WWT London.
Half term activities at the London Wetland Centre take place from 25 October – 2 November, 2025. Pre-booking advised.
Trick or Treat Trail at Covent Garden
October 2025 dates TBA.
Covent Garden is always fun with kids and this half-term it’s even better with a Trick or Treat trail taking place. Learn fun facts, explore the neighbourhood and pick up a treat or three! Simply download the trail and head to Covent Garden on Thursday 31 October.
You must register in advance to take part.
Trick-or-Treating at the Paddington Bear Experience
Windsor Gardens has been decorated for Halloween at the Paddington Bear Experience with lots of sweets on offer for mini trick-or-treaters.
Frustratingly, the Trick or Treat package requires an additional upgrade of £10 per child, including under 2s, but you do save up to 35% if you book online in advance.
Don’t forget to wear your best costume!
Halloween at the Paddington Bear Experience runs from 18 October – 2 November, 2025. Time slots are available to book from 3pm daily.
Halloween Crafts at the Old Operating Theatre
The Old Operating Theatre is the oldest surviving surgical operating theatre in Europe and a great place to visit in London with kids. They typically host craft activities during the half term holidays but details for the autumn term have yet to be revealed. Check back soon!
Fright Night at Rivoli Ballroom
One for teens in London is the Rivoli Ballroom’s annual Fright Night cinema.
Enjoy a horror fest at this Grade II listed historic venue in south east London with a line up the tinkles Psycho, The Crow, The Lost Boys and Carrie. For a family-friendly film, book tickets for Hocus Pocus which will be screened on Friday 31 October.
Halloween House Decorations in London
The UK might not be quite as Halloween-crazy as the USA but every year the decorations get bigger, better and spookier!
There are some great Halloween decorations in London, particularly around Holland Park, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill and Chelsea. Hampstead in north London is another great neighbourhood for Halloween decorations.
Museum Exhibitions & Experiences in London
Head to one of London’s many museums this October half term and get lost in a brilliant exhibition. Some of our favourites are listed below.
Roaring Twenties at the London Transport Museum
Step back in time to the roaring twenties and learn more about the vehicles from this decade when you visit the London Transport Museum. There are lots of fun family activities taking place over the October half term including Art Deco-inspired craft activities, mosaic making, story telling and much more.
Activities take place daily throughout the half term week, check the website for details.
Flight, Camera, Action! at the Tower of London
A roving reporter needs your help this October half term at the Tower of London.
The year is 1946 and the Tower has only recently reopened after the end of the Second World War and a team of journalists are looking to document life within the Tower’s walls during this time.
Can you find out how the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force operated a barrage balloon in the moat? And why a pigeon is set to receive a medal in a grand ceremony? Uncover ay facts you can and report back to the journalists’ HQ in the Lower Bowyer Tower.
Performances at the Tower of London take place throughout the day at various time sand locations around the tower between Saturday 25 October and Sunday 2 November.
Titanic: Echoes From The Past
September 2025 marked 40 years since the wreckage of the Titanic was discovered on the ocean floor and a new exhibition has opened in Camden to mark the anniversary of the world’s most famous ship.
The exhibition takes you virtually on board the famous ocean liner and blends history, technology and storytelling to share the stories of the 2,200 passengers and crew who were on board.
Two years of research have gone into the making of this immersive experience to ensure that the ship, its passengers and the events are as authentic as possible. So, get ready to don your VR headset and dive 3,800 metres underwater to the seabed of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Titanic experience is at 213-219 Camden High Street and is open daily from 11am-8pm. Tickets from £20, available here. Suitable for ages eight and up.
Marie Antoinette Style at the V&A Museum
We can’t wait to see the new Marie Antoinette Style exhibition at the V&A Museum, which opened in late September.
The exhibition explores the lasting influence of Marie Antoinette, the most fashionable and ill-fated queen in history. This promises to be a popular exhibition to so make sure to book your tickets early – or consider joining the V&A as a member.
Blitz: The Club that Shaped the 80s at the Design Museum
Another exhibition that opened at the end of September is Blitz: the club that shaped the 80s at the Design Museum. Although this exhibition might be lost on younger kids, teens might enjoy this deep dive into the legendary Blitz night club and how it transformed 1980s London style.
Expect plenty of music, flamboyant fashions, pioneering art, film and graphic design, all curated in close collaboration with some of the leading ‘Blitz Kids’ who were there.
Blitz runs until 29 March 2026
David Bowie Centre at the V&A East
This new creative workspace built around the world’s largest collection dedicated to the life and works of the legend that is David Bowie with costumes, sounds, lyrics, sketches and more.
The V&A East is an incredible new addition to the London museum scene and well worth a visit whether you are a Bowie fan or not!
Costume Couture: Sixty Years of Cosprop
Take a look at costumes from TV shows and films including Little Women, Pirates of the Caribbean, Peaky Blinders, Out of Africa and The Danish Girl as part of the Costume Couture exhibition taking place at the Fashion & Textile Museum.
The exhibition will run until 8 March 2026.
The Robot Zoo at the Horniman Museum
You only have one month left to meet the larger-than-life animals at the Horniman Museum.
Learn why grasshoppers leap so high, how bats see at night and how chameleons change colour in this fun-filled exhibit for kids. Don’t miss the specially commissioned interactive murals and the interactive experience that allows you to shoot a chameleon’s ‘tongue-gun’.
The Robot Zoo exhibition runs until 2 November.
The new Space gallery at the Science Museum opens soon
At the start of the summer holidays, the permanent Space gallery at the Science Museum closed its doors after nearly 40 years to be replaced by a brand new one! It’s not opening until Saturday 20 November, so not quite in time for the October half term in London, but I’m including it here so that you have it on your travel planning radar.
Garlands, mirrors and light at the British Museum
Celebrate Diwali this October half term in London at the British Museum where families can get hands-on to create a garland or Lippan clay and mirror tile to mark the festival of light.
Held to mark the end of the museum’s exhibition, Ancient India: living traditions, the workshops are aimed at children aged 6+ and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Workshops take place on Sunday 19 October from 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm.
Festivals & Days Out
From sumo wresting to conker championships, here are the best festivals and days out taking place this October half term in London.
Day of the Dead Family Festival at the Horniman Museum
One of the best things taking place this October half term in London is at the Horniman Museum. Taking place on Saturday 1 November is a vibrant Day of the Dead Family Festival celebrating Mexico’s most iconic cultural tradition.
Enjoy live performances, craft activities including papel picado, skeleton puppets, flower garlands, face painting and more. There will also be a colourful Mexican market filled with crafts, jewellery, fashion and art as well as plenty of street food and tequila cocktails.
There will also be a community ofrenda (altar) where you a leave photos, flowers and messages to honour and remember loved ones.
The Day of the Dead Family Festival takes place on Saturday 1 November from 11am to 4pm. Advanced booking is advised.
The Grand Sumo Tournament at the Royal Albert Hall
Tickets for the Grand Sumo Tournament at the Royal Albert Hall sold out in rapid time but you never know, you might get lucky and score a last minute seat. Over 40 elite sumo wrestlers from Japan will compete over five days – the first time this has happened since 1991 – bringing with them the 1,500-year legacy of Sumo.
The Grand Sumo Tournament takes place from Wednesday 15 to Sunday 19 October.
Peckham Conker Championships
For a different kind of tournament, head to south London for the annual Peckham Conker Championships and watch as Pietro The Pummeller defends his title for the third year running!
The competition is split between Juniors (ages 5 to 15) and Seniors and takes place on Saturday 4 October at Brick Brewery.
Tickets are available now and will sell out so do buy yours in advance.
Diwali on Trafalgar Square 2025
Head to Trafalgar Square on Sunday 12 October to celebrate the Festival of Light with music, dance, performances and more.
Celebrations take place from 2pm- 8pm.
London Literature Festival
Now in its 18th edition, the London Literature Festival is back this month at the Southbank Centre to celebrate the written and spoken word.
The Children’s Bookshop with Frank Cottrell-Boyce takes place on Wednesday 22 October at 11am and is a great option for families over the October half term. Listen to the Children’s Laureate talk about his hilarious book, The Blockbusters!.
Other family-friendly highlights on the South Bank include Alphabet Soup (Saturday 25 October – Thursday 30 October) and Judith Kerr’s Mog the Forgetful Cat (Wednesday 29 October – Sunday 2 November).
Canary Wharf Ice Rink
There are lots of ice rinks in London that open for the Christmas holidays but the ice rink at Canary Wharf is always the first to open and the last to close. This year you can get your skates on from 25 October, just in time for the October half term in London.
Located in the heart of Canada Square Park, the ice rink at Canary Wharf always a fun day out – not least because this ice rink is that it is covered meaning you can glide along even on rainy days.
MCM Comic Con
This three day festival of all things pop culture is taking place at ExCel London. Older children will enjoy meeting their favourite stars from anime, film and TV; gaming; and exploring the Pop Asia zone and much more. For younger kids there’s The Treehouse where activities including mask making and creating comics are taking place.
MCM Comic Con takes place 24 – 26 October.
Family Tour: Under our Feet at Westminster Abbey
Explore Westminster Abbey and uncover the extraordinary stories hidden beneath its floor on a special family-friendly tour.
The hour-long Under our Feet tours take place from Monday 27 October to Saturday 1 November at 10am and 11:30am.
Shows & Plays
London always has a great calendar of plays and musicals to enjoy; try one of the following.
The Importance of Being Earnest
After a sold-out run at the National Theatre, The Importance of Being Ernest transfers to the Noël Coward Theatre starring Olly Alexander. Oscar Wilde’s story about two young men who lead double lives, getting caught in a web of lies, has been performed countless times since it premiered in 1895.
The play opened in September and will run until January 2026
Family Shows at the Polka Theatre
There are a couple of fun shows on at London’s Polka Theatre this October half term in London including Dweeb-A-Mania, a fun new wrestling-themed comedy that celebrates individuality, and Well Done, Mummy Penguin, a stage adaptation of the latest picture book from award-winning writer and illustrator Chris Haughton.
Dweeb-A-Mania is aimed at children aged 8 – 13 and runs from 4 October to 9 November.
Well Done, Mummy Penguin is aimed at children aged 3 – 7 and runs from 18 October to 2 November.
Family Shows at the Unicorn Theatre
The Unicorn Theatre always puts on fantastic shows for kids and they have a couple of fun options for October half term in London.
The Three Little Pigs is a “very curly musical tail” aimed at ages 3 to 7. It will be showing until Sunday 2 November.
Anasi The Spider tells the tale of Anasi, the original trickster and the “master spinner of yarns”. Aimed at ages 4 to 8, the show opens on Friday 3 October and runs until Sunday 16 October.
Family Shows at the Little Angel Theatre
Enjoy two excellent productions this October half term in London at the Little Angel Theatre.
WOW! Said the Owl tells the heart-warming tale of the young owl who is determined to stay awake to see what day light brings. Aimed at ages 2 to 5, it opens on 24 September and runs until 8 November.
Everyone’s favourite story, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is brought to life on stage this October half term. Aimed at children aged 3 to 8, it opens on 25 September and runs until 8 November.
Half Term events at the Arts Depot
There are loads of fun things taking place over the autumn half term at the Arts Depot in north London.
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s perennially popular tale A Squash and a Squeeze is being staged over the half term holidays from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 October.
Grandad Anansi, based on the tale of Anansi the Spider, takes place on Sunday 26 October; the Tom Gates EPIC Stage Show takes place on Wednesday 29 October, and Little Terror, and adventure-filled family opera about finding inner strength and processing your emotions. It has been made with and for Learning Disabled audiences and is also suitable for children aged 3 – 7 and is being staged on Tuesday 28 October.
Photo credits: Depositphotos.com
