Long before pumpkins took over, people in Britain and Ireland carved their Halloween lanterns out of turnips! Today, Halloween in London has gone all in on the American style, with glowing jack-o'-lanterns, haunted front gardens and skeletons lounging on doorsteps.
From spooky streets to themed afternoon teas and pumpkin patches just outside the city, there are so many ways to join in.
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON shares the very best ways to celebrate Halloween in London! ๐๐ป
Where to see the best Halloween houses in London
Every October, a handful of London neighbourhoods transform into open-air haunted houses. Here are my favourite areas to wander, each with its own Halloween personality.
Holland Park: the grand haunted houses
Holland Park's elegant white villas make the most dramatic backdrop for Halloween. Expect giant clowns, skeletons tangled in chains and front gardens wrapped in cobwebs and "keep out" tape!
I share my full step-by-step route, street by street, in my Halloween walk through Holland Park and Notting Hill.
Notting Hill: playful and colourful
Just next door, Notting Hill brings its own colourful twist, with cheeky ghosts, giant spiders and pumpkins on the steps of its pastel houses.
It's the perfect continuation of the Holland Park walk, and all the best streets are in my Halloween walk post.
St John's Wood: London's little America
St John's Wood is home to the American School in London and a large American community, so it's no surprise that Halloween is taken very seriously here!
Its leafy streets of grand detached houses go all out, with skeletons on the front steps, spiders crawling over balconies and lots of carved pumpkins.
On Halloween night, it's one of the busiest spots in London for trick-or-treating.
Belgravia: chic rather than spooky
In Belgravia, Halloween comes with a touch of elegance. Around Elizabeth Street, shopfronts dress up in autumn leaves and pumpkins, and the odd scarecrow or ghost appears on a doorstep.
It's the place to go for a gentler, more stylish taste of the season, perfect with a coffee in hand.
Chelsea: hidden spooky surprises
In Chelsea, take a stroll along Walton Street in the north and the King's Road in the south: you might just come across some spooky houses and buildings along the way.
These residential areas are perfect for trick-or-treating on 31 October, when houses greet little ghosts and goblins with treats and scary surprises!
Halloween afternoon teas in London
Another fun way to celebrate is with a Halloween-themed afternoon tea: a classic British tradition with a spooky twist on cakes and pastries.
A few years ago, I tried the seasonal afternoon tea at Mariage Frรจres in Covent Garden, and it was absolutely magical! Every bite was as delicious as it looked. Check out my full Mariage Frรจres review.
Other spots known for spooky afternoon teas include the Royal Lancaster near Hyde Park, Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly and the B Bakery Halloween afternoon tea bus tour.
The best pumpkin patches near London
Pumpkin picking is one of the most delightful Halloween activities for children, and, I'll admit, one I only discovered after moving to London! ๐
Over the years, these farms have really stepped up their Halloween game, with spooky trails, scare tunnels and themed photo spots. Here are my favourites, each with its own full review:
Cammas Hall Farm in Essex, with its terror tunnel and erupting Pumpcano: read my review.
Secretts Farm in Surrey, for a handmade Halloween trail full of skeletons: read my review.
Hobbledown Heath in Hounslow, where the pumpkin patch comes with an animal park and adventure play: read my review.
Also worth a trip: Tulleys Farm in West Sussex, which hosts one of Europe's largest pumpkin festivals, with a brand-new Pumpkin Valley for 2026, and The Pop Up Farm in Hertfordshire.
Spooky museums and family fun
When it rains, London's museums keep the Halloween spirit alive. The Natural History Museum runs spooky workshops for families.
For a shiver all year round, try the Old Operating Theatre Museum near London Bridge, or the Hunterian Museum's anatomical collections in Holborn.
Why Halloween in London is worth celebrating
Where else can you see a pink-hatted skeleton relaxing in a front garden one minute, and sip tea from fine porcelain the next?
Halloween in London blends British traditions with American enthusiasm, from turnip lanterns to trick-or-treating, and the whole city joins in.
From St John's Wood's haunted doorsteps to pumpkin fields an hour away, London gives you a different Halloween every time.
Happy haunting! ๐๐ป
Feeling inspired? If you're planning your Halloween in London, I'd love to hear how it goes on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON!
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Everything you need to know about Halloween in London
Date: Halloween falls on Saturday 31 October 2026, and October half-term runs from 26 to 30 October.
Trick-or-treating tip: only knock where a lit pumpkin or decorations sit outside; it's the usual sign that treats are waiting.
Best areas for Halloween houses: Holland Park (Holland Park or High Street Kensington stations), Notting Hill (Notting Hill Gate), St John's Wood (St John's Wood station), Belgravia (Sloane Square or Victoria) and Chelsea (Sloane Square).
Halloween afternoon teas: Mariage Frรจres, 38 King Street, WC2E 8JS. Royal Lancaster, Lancaster Terrace, W2 2TY. Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER.
Pumpkin patches: Cammas Hall Farm, Hatfield Broad Oak, CM22 7JT (3 to 31 October). Secretts Farm, Milford, GU8 5HU (17 to 30 October). Hobbledown Heath, Hounslow, TW14 0HH (25 September to 1 November). Tulleys Farm, Turners Hill, RH10 4PE (19 September to 31 October). The Pop Up Farm, Flamstead, AL3 8HT [TO CHECK: 2026 dates].
