Mon. Dec 2nd, 2024

A Host of Horrifying Halloween Half Term Adventures in the Capital

Stretching from one end of the Thames to the other, London’s ghosts and ghouls are ready to put on a show this half term. Grab a Family River Roamer ticket and travel with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers to visit frightful and family friendly Halloween events across London.

The Tower of London, Tower Pier

Hulking black ravens provide a foreboding atmosphere at The Tower of London. The Tower has seen its fair share of infamous prisoners, and Halloween is the best time of year to explore notorious spots such as Traitors’ Gate and the Scaffold Site. This Halloween, specially projected images and eerie sound effects bring the spirit world closer to visitors than ever before. Catch up with the Tower’s famous victims including Anne Boleyn and the Princes of the Tower while visiting this half term.

While visiting, swing by the Tower Vaults to experience the unique immersive experience that is The Gunpowder Plot. Motion simulators, virtual reality, and a digital cast lead by Harry Potter’s Tom Felton bring the story of Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators to life.

The Queen’s House, Greenwich Pier

Heading further east by boat, The Queen’s House is a former royal residence near Greenwich Palace. Britain’s first classical building is famous for its international art collection and beautiful architecture… and ghostly goings on. In 1966 the Rev R W Hardy visited the house to take a picture of the famous staircase. It was only when he had the photo developed that he saw he’d captured a picture of shadowy figures chasing each other up the long spiral stairs. Beyond this free site, there are a number of ghost tours hosted around the Greenwich World Heritage site.

Chelsea Physic Garden, Cadogan or Battersea Power Station piers

No Halloween celebration is complete without a cheery pumpkin illuminating the night. Sail west to join the family Halloween Pumpkin Carving taking place at Chelsea Physic Garden on the 24th, 25th, and 27th of October. Tools, and importantly pumpkins, will be provided and everyone gets to take their creation home.

London Dungeon, London Eye (Waterloo) Pier

London’s home of horror, the London Dungeon, is hosting special events this Halloween. Guests are invited to step into the attic room of one of England’s most haunted houses: 50 Berkeley Square. Tales of mystery and madness surround this limited-run show which is included in a standard entry ticket. 50 Berkeley Square is taking place between 15th-31st October.

With a Family River Roamer, kids up to 15 go free! Travel unlimited throughout the day with this hop-on, hop-off service. An All Zones Family River Roamer costs just £37.80 and is valid for 2 adults and up to 3 children. A Family River Roamer ticket can be purchased online, on the Thames Clippers Tickets and Uber apps and at piers.

For full details on ticket options, timetable or to book, please visit: www.uberboatbythamesclippers.com

If you're thinking of buying something recommended by us, please go via the links on our pages. When you do this we may earn a fee which supports our editorially independent, family business.

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

Read next