A quick guide to local events from costume parties, family outings to ghostly tours.
From pumpkin carving to haunted houses, Halloween is the perfect time to have some fun and embrace your inner child. Whether you’re a thrill seeker, a costume connoisseur, or a parent looking to keep the children entertained over half term, there are plenty of activities happening in and around Kingston this spooky season.
Halloween at Horace Walpole’s Little Gothic Castle
From Saturday 26 October to Sunday 3 November, visitors can experience Strawberry Hill House in all its gothic glory. As Horace Walpole, author of one of the earliest literary horror stories, said himself: “With a Gothic house, all you need to bring is your imagination, and the house will do the rest!”
Head down to Kingston’s family friendly riverside local, The Bishop, on Thursday 31 October for pumpkin carving from 16:00-19:00. Whilst you are there, why not sample the seasonal menu with a scenic view of the Thames and Kingston Bridge.
Are you brave enough to visit all the haunted hotspots Epsom has to offer? If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the resident poltergeists on this guided ghostly tour on Friday 1 November, running at 15:00, 17:30, and 20:00.
Halloween at Hampton Court Palace
Explore the corridors and courtyards of Henry VIII’s notoriously haunted palace, transformed with creepy audio-visual effects and spooky storytelling 10:00-16:00 on Saturday 26 October to Sunday 3 November. With visits from the ‘ghosts’ themselves a trip to the palace is sure to be a spine-chilling adventure for children and adults alike.
Perfect for adults looking to relax whilst the children get creative, Kingston Library is hosting a drop-in creepy crafts session on 29 October from 10:00-11:00, as well as Halloween story writing on 31 October from 14:00-15:00.
Nightlife
There’s no better excuse to go all out with your Halloween costume than at Pryzm‘s ‘Creepy Carnival’ club night on Thursday 31 October. ‘Discobility’ are hosting a Halloween special at Pryzm on Monday 28 October, with a club night exclusively for disabled adults.
Blood, Sweat and Heels at O’Neill’s is sure to be a fiercely frightful night, with the queens coming to Kingston for a Halloween drag show special from 20:00 on Wednesday 30 October.
Create your own creepy creature at Kingston Museum’s ‘spooktacular sewing workshop’ on 31 October 11:00-13:00. With templates, instructions and all materials provided, this workshop is suitable for all abilities aged seven and over.
Howl’o’ween at Chessington World of Adventures
From Saturday 19 October to Sunday 3 November, guests with a howl’o’ween ticket can experience the thrill of the theme park rides at dusk, or wind down in the charming pumpkin patch. As part of an extra package, the ‘Enchanted Hollow: Trick or Treat’ opens visitors to a magic underground town, with hidden treasures to be found at every corner.
