Looking for Scary things to do in London with Kids? With Halloween around the corner we have been delving into the city’s spookiest days out. From the charmingly eerie to the downright masochistic – here are some options for every palette and age group.
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Mildly Scary things to do in London with Kids
‘In with the Spiders’ at London Zoo
Are you brave enough to venture into a realm where eight-legged creatures reign supreme? In with the Spiders at London Zoo is an immersive walk through experience where you are literally face to face with some of the largest spiders you have ever seen. No glass. No barriers. Be careful you don’t leave with a new friend!
Face your fears and marvel at the incredible diversity and beauty of these often misunderstood creatures. Not for the faint hearted.
Adults from £27 Child from £18.90 Under 3s FREE
Greenwich Foot Tunnel
The Greenwich Foot Tunnel is a historic pedestrian tunnel that connects Greenwich on the south side of the River Thames with the Isle of Dogs on the north side. It was opened in 1902 and is a popular route for commuters and tourists alike.
The tunnel is a surreal example of Victorian engineering 50 feet beneath the Thames. It is well lit and well maintained but is considered one of the eeriest locations in London, with reports of ghosts in Victorian dress. Great when combined with a trip to the Cutty Sark and a unique way to learn about Victorian London.
FREE
Leake St Arches
Under the railway tracks of waterloo you will find the Leake Street arches, graffiti lined tunnels and a treasure trove of urban art. The arches are constantly evolving with new art work and if you visit in October time you may find some Halloween spirit inspired gems. My children love this vibrant hotspot, popular with artists, photographers and tourists, where they can spot illustrations of their favourite cartoon characters and race down the mostly pedestrian tunnels. Visit at night for extra spookiness!
FREE
Hoxton Street Monster Supplies
This whimsical and quirky shop in East London is an absolute must visit for children enthralled by ghosts and ghouls. Established in 1818 this is London’s finest purveyor of the unusual – be it a jar of the thickest human snot or cubed earwax – they have it all!
Museum Sleepovers
Have you considered spending the night alongside an ancient Egyptian Mummy or in the shadows of a fierce Trex? Two of London’s world class Museums – the Natural History Museum and The British Museum offer sleepover experiences for children aged 8+. Explore the museum after dark for a unique educational experience.
Hampton Court Palace
The Historic Royal Palace of the infamous Henry VIII is widely considered to be a hotbed of hauntings and paranormal activity. It is rumoured that sightings of his former wives beloved Jane Seymour and executed Catherine Howard have been observed here. Children will love tiptoeing down the dark winding staircases and courtyards in hot pursuit of ghostly activity. Visit at Halloween for an even spookier experience when the Palace comes alive with themed projections, spooky stories and special events for the whole family.
UNDER 5s FREE
Divorced, beheaded, died….If your older children can’t get enough of the tawdry going on of Henry VIII and his six wives why not treat them to the West End Musical SIX? Watch Anne Boleyn and co battle it out in this pop concert style teen cult sensation. Six the Musical: Six Reasons to take your Teen
Moderately Scary Things to do in London with Kids
Clink Prison Museum
Located in amongst the hustle and Bustle of Borough Market, the Clink Street Museum was once a notorious medieval prison that held prisoners from all walks of life, including famous figures like Guy Fawkes. Visitors can explore the museum’s cells, learn about the harsh conditions of prison life, and discover the stories of those who were incarcerated within its walls.
This is a harrowing museum complete with a bloodied guillotine and heads on spikes that will peak interest into the dark history of London Bridge. There is a trail for Children aged 7+ complete with a find the rats challenge and lollipop reward. A great alternative for older children who are not quite ready for the London Dungeons or London Bridge Tombs. More Info Here.
Adults £8.80 Child £6.60
Hunterian Museum
Fascinating and chilling in equal measure, the Hunterian Museum boasts a huge collection of skulls, preserved human body parts, foetuses and specimens from the natural world. This is a thought provoking and macabre free museum that my children absolutely adore. Is the Hunterian Museum Suitable for Kids?
FREE ENTRY
More Free London Museums For Kids
The London Ghost Bus
Many will say you haven’t seen London unless you’ve seen it from a double decker bus…but have you ventured on a necrobus? A lovingly restored 60’s Routemaster complete with antique lamps and plush red velvet curtains, this is an unforgettable immersive sightseeing experience. Classically trained actors guide guests through a tour of London’s paranormal hotspots and public execution sites.
This experience is loud with creepy sound effects and graphic gory details and culminates with a chilling simulation of an onboard fire that sees the haunted bus fill with smoke. However if your children adore gruesome history this is a great educational activity with lots of takeaway facts about British monarchs and the Great fire of London. These ghost tours are not recommended for younger children under 8. More Info Here
Adults £25 Child £17
Haunted London
Young ghost hunters will thrill at the knowledge that London is a treasure trove of paranormal tales and sightings. From Highgate Cemetery, where a chillingly clad vampire is said to roam, accompanied by an inexplicable drop in temperature, to Liverpool Street Station, built upon the haunted burial grounds of Bethlem Mental Institute, and the hallowed halls of Westminster Abbey, one of Britain’s most reputedly haunted locales – London’s spectral secrets await those brave enough to seek them out.
Tower of London
The Tower of London, a formidable fortress steeped in history, has a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in England. Founded in 1066, this iconic landmark has witnessed centuries of bloodshed and tragedy. As a former prison, execution site, and royal residence, the Tower is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who met untimely and often unjust fates within its walls. Tales of ghostly apparitions, unexplained noises, and eerie occurrences in the shadow of the White Tower have circulated for centuries, adding to the Tower’s chilling atmosphere. Visit at Halloween when the Tower gets suitably dressed in Pumpkins and Projections.
UNDER 5s FREE
Is your child obsessed with the Terrible Tudors? Be sure to check out Horrible Histories’ Live stage shows and their cintillating blend of entertaining barbarity and captivating history. Horrible Histories Review
Extremely Scary Days out in London
The London Dungeon
The London Dungeon is a spine chilling interactive horror attraction charting London’s dark history and featuring the likes of Sweeney Todd and Jack the Ripper. The experience brings together live actors, special effects and rides in 13 interactive rooms. Definitely one for the older Kids and Teens.
Adults from £26.50 Child 5-15 £22
London Bridge Experience and the London Tombs
Arguably London’s scariest attraction, the London Bridge Experience is an award winning visitor’s attraction located in the vaults under London Bridge which also brings to life London’s gruesome past over 2000 years of history. The experience is not suitable for kids however there is a diluted version – the ‘Guardian Angel Tour’ provided for families with small children.
The adjoining London Tombs offers an equally harrowing adventure – an immersive scare maze inhabited by clowns, butchers, Zombies, Spiders and more…basically your worst nightmare. Again there is an alternative with less bite for younger visitors called the ‘Guardian Angel Tour’ but still some caution recommended!
Adults £31 Child £25.50
