October is a busy month, with both parents and adults alike looking for fun events for half term and Halloween. Whether you want to celebrate the spooky holiday with a horror movie, fill the half term week with a trip to London Bridge or simply enjoy an exciting weekend, we've got you covered.
MORE: How to make a pumpkin spice latte at home for Halloween
Read on for fun things to do in London in October…
Things to do in London for Halloween
Ghost bus tour
Why pick one spooky place when you can have a tour of the most haunted places across the capital? Grab a loved one and take a seat on the London Ghost Bus, a black 1960s Routemaster that was once used as a funeral bus.
The tour will take you around the creepiest parts of London, including the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London, where you can learn about royal executions and beheadings. At least you'll have a friend to scream with you!
WHEN: Book a time
WHERE: 8 Northumberland Avenue, just off Trafalgar Square
For more information visit virginexperiencedays.co.uk
Pick your favourite horror at an immersive cinema
Do you have nerves of steel? If you want a fun experience that is sure to get your heart racing, then try out Pop Up Peckham's Forbidden Forest Cinema. The immersive cinema experience is showing everything from Scream, IT and Nightmare on Elm Street. Suitable for children and adults.
WHEN: 23 October - 8 November
WHERE: Unit 8, Copeland Park, Peckham, SE15 3SN
For more information visit popupscreens.co.uk
Go pumpkin picking
Is it even autumn if you haven’t been pumpkin picking? Stanhill Farm is officially open for business – just make sure to pre-book in advance! Perfect for families with small children, a ticket admits one car and a maximum of six people. Tickets are free and guarantee your allocated session, all you need to pay for is the pumpkins! Anyone nervous about social distancing can rest assured, this outdoor activity is well managed and several measures have been put in place in line with government regulations.
For £30 visitors can take home one wheelbarrow full of patch-perfect pumpkins!
WHEN: Saturday 17 October – Saturday 31 October
WHERE: Stanhill Farm Pumpkin Patch, Stanhill Farm, Birchwood Road, Dartford, DA2 7HD
To book your visit go to stanhillfarm.co.uk
Go for a drink at one of London's most haunted pubs
This candle-lit boozer is not your average pub. Smack-bang in the middle of Spitalfields, The Ten Bells is famed for it's supposed links to two of Jack the Ripper's victims, and there have also been numerous reports of paranormal activity. Staff living in the pub have previously complained about alarming encounters involving a ghostly old man dressed in Victorian clothing, who would walk the halls at night.
WHEN: You don't need to book – just pop in! (Mon-Thurs: 12-12am, Fri: 12-1am, Sat-Sun 12-12am)
WHERE: 84 Commercial St, Spitalfields, London E1 6LY
For more information visit tenbells.com
Family trip to London Bridge
Take the whole family to uncover the dark secrets that lie beneath London Bridge, which has been voted the 'Top Horror Attraction in the World'. A family of four can discover tales of war, fire and murder for £59 – you'll never look at the famous bridge in the same way!
WHEN: Book a time
WHERE: London Bridge
For more information visit virginexperiencedays.co.uk
Feast on ghostly treats and watch horror films!
This Halloween Brasserie of Light, located in Selfridges, London is delighted to announce a devilish partnership with Selfridges Cinema offering Londoners a dining and screening package from Monday 26 October to Saturday 31 October. For one week only, guests can enjoy a three-course meal, delicious cocktail, and cinema ticket for £55 per person. With a wide selection of ghostly, bloodcurdling films on offer and appetizing dishes, Brasserie of Light is the perfect place to celebrate this Halloween!
WHEN: Monday 26 October to Saturday 31 October
WHERE: Brasserie of Light, located in Selfridges, London
To book a ticket visit brasserieoflighthalloween.eventbrite.co.uk
Book a trip to a theme park
Combining half term fun and Halloween, Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure in Norfolk will host Dippy’s Halloween Days at the end of October. Kids can enjoy a range of mysterious adventures, including individual craft tables to create some Halloween Witch Crafts, a terrifying trail to find the Blue Skeleton Parts, and Dippy Disco Dancing.
Tickets cost £16.50 each and are limited due to Covid-19 guidelines.
WHEN: 24 October - 1 November
WHERE: Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure, Lenwade, Norwich NR9 5JW
For more information visit roarrdinosauradventure.co.uk
Spooky movies in a haunted theatre
Make your movie night even more spooktacular by heading to Clapham Grand, a haunted 120-year-old theatre. This Halloween, you can watch Hocus Pocus or The Rocky Horror Picture Show on a massive 25-foot HD Screen. And as always during the spooky season, costumes are encouraged!
WHEN: 29-31 October, book tickets.
WHERE: The Clapham Grand, 21-25 St John's Hill, London SW11 1TT, UK
For more information visit claphamgrand.com
Wizard's afternoon tea
Those with a sweet tooth will love the Wizard Afternoon Tea at Georgian House Hotel, Pimlico. Head to the Pimlico Pantry for newt scones, lemon cursed tart and Wizard’s Mocktails of frozen crystals, druid's water and ancient red fairy dust. You can never get enough sweet treats on Halloween, right?
Once you've satisfied your hunger, follow the portrait-filled passageway on the lower ground floor to reach the Enchanted Chambers, which feature stained glass windows, stone arches, cauldrons, velvet-clad four-poster beds and wood-burning stoves.
WHEN: Until the end of December
WHERE: 35 - 39 St George's Dr, Pimlico, London SW1V 4DG
For more information visit georgianhousehotel.co.uk
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Enjoy a spook-tacular dining experience
This Halloween, Crazy Pizza has upped the game with a playful selection of horrid Halloween treats. Have a scream this spooky season as the vibrant dining destination serves up new flavour-packed Crazy Cocktails and an oozing Berry Heart dessert alongside its signature authentic Italian menu, pizza-spanning chefs and DJs.
WHEN: From Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November
WHERE: Crazy Pizza, Marylebone
For more information visit crazypizza.co
Make your own doughnuts with this DIY kit
Krispy Kreme have launched a new range of Monster Madness Halloween doughnuts and a DIY Doughnut Creation Kit in time for Halloween. The Creepy Creation Kits is an amazing box of four doughnuts that you can decorate at home and then sink your fangs into priced at £14.95
WHEN: From 13 October
WHERE: UK nationwide
For more information visit krispykreme.co.uk
Add some spice this year
BACARDÍ Rum has partnered with Floom to launch a limited edition BACARDÍ Pumpkin Punch Kit, that will help lift your household's spirits to the spookiest level possible this Halloween. The kit includes one pumpkin ready to be gutted to form the perfect punch bowl serving you and three others, plus all the ingredients to create a delicious pumpkin Spiced rum punch - ideal for an at-home Halloween celebration with your household. The kit costs just £25 and can be purchased for a limited time only via Floom.
WHEN: Available nationwide throughout October
WHERE: From the comfort of your own home
For more information, visit Floom
Toast Day of the Dead
WHEN: Between 26th October and 8th November
WHERE: Across all London branches
For more information, visit wahaca.co.uk
Not quite Halloween but as one of Mexico's most momentous annual occasions, Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is celebrated in style every year at Wahaca - make sure you put this on your list to do! YOu will be able to enjoy a celebratory feasting menu and specially-created cocktail as well as the chance to pick up a limited edition Day of the Dead face mask, designed to mark the occasion and with all profits going to charity.
Things to do in London for October half term
Visit the London Dungeons
Whether you want something spooky to do around Halloween or simply love the London Dungeons, there's no better time to visit than in October. With 18 interactive shows and two thrilling rides, there's plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
The regular experience covers everything from Jack The Ripper, The Great Plague and fictional characters such as Sweeney Todd, so Halloween is sure to be even more skin-crawling.
WHEN: Book a time. Halloween tickets available until 31 October.
WHERE: County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB
For more information visit booking.com
Visit the Gruffalo
Kew Gardens is hosting a Gruffalo Adventure, where kids can dress up as their favourite characters as they take part in a woodland trail to find the Gruffalo. While following footprints, marks and feathers and figuring out clues, visitors will learn about plants and animals in the dark woods.
WHEN: 17 October - 1 November
WHERE: Kew Gardens
For more information visit kew.org
Develop your art skills
Children can unleash their creativity over the half term break at this two-hour workshop with Art-K. Suitable for ages 6 to 16, visitors can choose whether to work with acrylic, watercolour, clay or paper sculpture with the help of teachers.
WHEN: Book a date
WHERE: 17 locations including Angel, Fulham and Clapham.
For more information visit virginexperiencedays.co.uk
Things to do in London this weekend
Dine in the sky at Madera at Treehouse London
With stunning views of the magnificent city below, Madera is an absolute must-visit. Enjoy fabulous Mexican cuisine from ceviche blanco to tequila prawns - and not forget to order the churros as a devilish dessert - as you drink in your gorgeous surroundings.
The restaurant itself is designed with the look and feel of dining in a treehouse - with the added bonus of 'The Nest', a cosy yet stylish bar yet another floor up - giving you an even more spectacular view of London for above. In case you're interested, the restaurant is also offering people to set up their treehouse office for £25 as a space to work away from home.
WHEN: Anytime
WHERE: 14-15 Langham Pl, Marylebone, London W1B 2QS
To book, visit: treehousehotels.com
Fine dining & a weekend getaway at The Mitre
The Mitre Hampton Court is one of the first new boutique hotels opened by the brand The Signet Collection and it is seriously impressive. Located on the banks of the River Thames right over the road from Hampton Court Palace, the hotel boasts two incredible restaurants, Coppernose for your more casual yet every bit exquisite dining, and the 1665 Riverside, which offers fine dining at its best. A cosy riverside terrace is also a fantastic new edition, allowing visitors to socialise responsibly in the unprecedented times that we all find ourselves in. Ronnie Kimbugwe, who’s background includes over six years with the Gordon Ramsay group at Claridges, creates signature dishes that hit the spot. We’d recommend the Gnocchi and Zucchini Fries, followed by the Bombolini warm chocolate doughnuts!
The building dates back to 1665, when it was built to host King Henry VIII’s guests when the palace was full, meaning the hotel’s alluring interiors reflect the rich history behind the hotel. Each room is beautifully decorated with their own individual personality and character, so if you’re looking for a staycation away from the hustle and bustle this is the perfect location for you!
WHEN: Anytime
WHERE: Hampton Court Road, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9BN
To book dinner or a room visit mitrehamptoncourt.com
Dine in style at Blakes Hotel
Enjoy a night out with your household at this gorgeous Kensington-based restaurant and hotel. With a stylish and elegant atmosphere and warm, classic furnishings, a dinner at the hotel's recently reopened restaurant will be an evening to remember.
The menu boasts of Italian, British and Asian Fusion cuisine, with the intention of each course complementing one another no matter what you decide to try. We particularly enjoyed the sumptuous sashimi selection (the yellowtail is particularly good) and the gorgeous Blakes Cod.
WHEN: Anytime
WHERE: 33 Roland Gardens, Kensington, London SW7 3PF
To book a table visit blakeshotel.com
Tuck into a dirty burger at this cheeky joint
DeMezka in Hoxton may have temporarily closed its doors, but Cheeky Burger has taken up residency in its place – and we're all here for it. For those who haven't heard of the eatery or seen them at festivals, Cheeky Burger is much more than a burger joint. They're known for their mouthwatering burgers; the cheeky bacon burger served with red Leicester cheese, crispy bacon, a fried egg and chipotle sauce is a must-try, especially when it's served with rosemary or truffle and parmesan French fries. It's a dirty burger and an absolute classic for the beef patty lovers out there. There's a good choice for vegetarians too, such as the falafel burger or the vegan hot daddy burger.
But the menu is much more diverse and chef Sebastien has taken classic dishes and reinvented them to his taste and style. Reflective of cosmopolitan London, the dishes feature nods to all sorts of cuisine, such as American, British, French, Spanish and Japanese. Forget avocado on toast; Sebastien has replaced this with smashed garden peas on sourdough served with shisho cress. Instead of eggs Florentine or eggs Benedict, you'll find drunken bloody Mary eggs and drunken bloody Mary tofu. There are also no sausage baps in sight, but a fried egg and sausage patty crumpet sandwich. Boring, the menu is not. Innovative and creative, it certainly is. The restaurant also has a zero-waste policy, which we always like to hear.
Other stand-out dishes on the menu include the mac and cheese crispy balls that come with a blue cheese dipping sauce (who can resist?), and the grilled octopus – a chunky, meaty portion of octopus juxtaposed with miso sweet potato puree, and chilli and coriander pesto. Desserts may be limited but you can't leave without trying the deep fried apple pie; it's an homage and reinvention of McDonald's apple pies that we all had as children, but 100 times better. Crispy batter, apple chunks smothered in sweet sauce and melt-in-your-mouth ice cream and butterscotch sauce, it's divine. The venue really gets going in the evening, so expect a buzzy vibe, good tunes and delectable cocktails that are just as inventive as the food if you're dining later on in the day.
WHEN: Open Tuesdays to Thursdays 4-10pm, Fridays to Sundays 11am-10pm
WHERE: 57 Pitfield St, Hoxton, London N1 6BU
To book a table visit opentable.co.uk
Sip gin at Selfridges
Even with the weather getting cooler, there's still plenty of opportunities to have a tasty gin cocktail – especially when you can be in a private heated hut overlooking London!
This October, Selfridges' iconic rooftop restaurant, Alto by San Carlo, has been transformed into an 'Art of Perfection' martini terrace by No.3 London Dry Gin.
It will be hosting ‘Martini Mondays’; a series of masterclasses run by some of London’s best bartenders from DUKES, The Gibson and Bar Swift, as well as masterclasses with brand ambassador Ross Bryant on the history and evolution of the martini.
WHEN: 6 Oct – 1 November
WHERE: Alto by San Carlo, The Rooftop, Selfridges, Oxford St, London, W1A 1AB
For more information visit sancarlo.co.uk
Learn how to make truffles
With talks of a second lockdown approaching, many people will be getting their baking recipes at the ready. And if you've exhausted all the banana bread variations, then indulge your sweet tooth with truffles instead!
MyChocolate is holding an hour-long, live chocolate-making masterclass where you can learn how to create delicious fresh cream truffles, including mastering great ganache, piping techniques, and learning flavouring tips and tricks.
WHEN: Book a time
WHERE: At home
For more information visit virginexperiencedays.co.uk
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Enjoy a luxury hotel stay in Hampton Court
To celebrate the beginning of Autumn, Kings Arms Hampton Court is offering with every room booking a full English breakfast for each guest and complimentary tickets to Hampton Court Palace, located right next door to the hotel.
Guests can also take advantage of the Kings Arms award-winning Six Restaurant, which is headed by celebrated chef Jack Scoines, who has just launched his seasonal Autumn menu.
Jack works closely with Hampton Court Palace vegetable gardens, who provides him fresh produce to his kitchen, ensuring the best quality in the dishes.
WHEN: Offer runs until Monday 30 November
WHERE: 2 Lion Gate, Hampton Ct Rd, East Molesey KT8 9DD
For more information visit kingsarmshamptoncourt.com
Make your own bath bombs
Looking for a new hobby? Bath-lovers should try this two-hour online workshop where they can learn how to craft their own bar of soap, jelly soap and bath bomb using organic ingredients.
During the Zoom call, you'll get creative with decorating techniques and learn how to colour and fragrance correctly. Plus, once it's over, you can reward your hard work with a soak in the tub using your own creation!
WHEN: Book a time
WHERE: Online
For more information visit buyagift.co.uk
Indulge with some of Latin-America's finest dishes
Zuaya, based in West London, is one to add to your list of places to visit - what a treat this hidden restaurant is! With endless dishes to choose from, their menu – complete with both fine dining and street food options - consists of lots of surprising flavours from Latin America. Their raspberry gazpacho, grilled octopus burrata on corn cake are certainly ones to try - delicious!
WHEN: Open now
WHERE: 35B Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 5EB
To book a table, visit zuaya.co.uk
Brunch in style!
Notting Hill has just welcomed their latest food joint - Beam! Located on Westbourne Grove, the restaurant interiors encompass a warm, chic and bright vibe with lots of light streaming in through the massive floor to ceiling windows. The incredible menu features a wide range of home cooked breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes inspired by Mediterranean and British cuisine. You can't go wrong with the Turkish Eggs - a dish filled with garlic yoghurt, poached eggs, browned butter with Pul biber chilli flakes, diced spicy beef sausage, all served with rosemary focaccia.
WHEN: Open now
WHERE: 103 Westbourne Grove, Bayswater, London W2 4UW
To book, visit cafebeam.co.uk
Enjoy afternoon tea in a Secret Garden
Pick three loved ones and enjoy a sit-down afternoon tea at London Secret Garden. Located in Kensington, the venue is home to five private dining pods where you can indulge in a traditional afternoon tea with champagne. Each elegant pod is named after a famous music star, from rockstar Freddie Mercury to legendary icon David Bowie. Purchase a voucher through BuyAGift and book a slot from Fridays to Sundays.
WHEN: Open now
WHERE: London Secret Garden, 100 Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 4ER
Purchase a voucher at buyagift.co.uk
Enjoy a delicious brunch listening to blues music
Bluebird is launching 'Blues Brunch’, an epic weekend special of classic brunch dishes and a live blues band at its buzzy sister site in White City. Running every Saturday and Sunday from 24th October, brunch goers can enjoy delicious dishes such as avocado and poached eggs on cornbread, toasted granola with vanilla yogurt and a chicken Milanese, with the added bonus of the traditional roast option on Sunday’s - the perfect way to spend your weekend!
WHEN: Every Saturday and Sunday from 24th October
WHERE: Bluebird White City
For more information visit here
Start your weekends right at Quaglino's
Why does your weekend have to start at 5pm on Friday? Why not make the most of the day and for a bottomless brunch to really start a long weekend the right way! Iconic Mayfair venue, Quaglino’s, is firing up for a brand new weekly Q The Weekend Friday brunch, serving up bottomless prosecco alongside brunch favourites including Eggs Florentine, Royale and Benedict, Poached Eggs and Crushed Avocado, Lobster Thermidor, Omelette Arnold Bennett. Bottoms up!
WHEN: Every Friday
WHERE: Quaglinos, 16 Bury St, St. James's, London SW1Y 6AJ
Book online: quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk
Snuggle up at The Rooftop at Trafalgar St James
Pop on a padded coat and snuggle under an outdoor heater in possibly the most picturesque dining venue in all of London. Location right by Trafalgar Square, loom above Nelson's Column as you dine on this season's delicious Asian fusion menu. Offering everything from chicken bao buns to a sensational black cod, the view and cuisine are both sensational.
WHEN: Anytime, with walk-ins welcome Monday to Wednesday
WHERE: 2 Spring Gardens, St. James's, London SW1A 2TS
For more information, visit trafalgarstjames.com
Sip on spooky cocktails
To celebrate Halloween this year, The Ivy Soho Brasserie has created a number of spooktacular cocktails available from Monday, 26 until Saturday, 31 October. The restaurant is also offering an excitingly eerie dessert available to try on Saturday, 31 October!
WHEN: Monday 26th October- Saturday 31st October
WHERE: 26-28 Broadwick St, Soho, London W1F 8JB
For more information, visit here
Try a new vegan hotspot
If you're always on the hunt for a new vegan favourite - Alter at Shaman Leman Locke opens on 23rd October, and it's definitely one to try. Alter "challenges common perceptions of vegan food by never using substitutes, instead championing dishes, techniques and cultures which are deliciously vegan without alteration" - so if you're after healthy, authentic food with global street food influences, pop down on the opening weekend. The dishes are ideal for sharing, so grab a member of your household for the full experience.
WHEN: Opens 23rd October
WHERE: Shaman Leman Locke
Book: shaman-coffee.com/alter-reservations
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