Free Things to Do on Halloween (and the Best Spooky Adventures) in London 2025
Halloween in London is more than haunted houses and ticketed thrill rides. For the budget-conscious, the curious, or anyone wanting a chill spooky night there are free or low-cost ways to join the fun. And then, of course, there are the marquee events you should try at least once. Let me show you the sweet spot between “haunted on a dime” and “wow, I went full Halloween.”
Why Free Halloween Activities Are Perfect
Londoners love finding those nights out that feel magical without costing a fortune. Free or cheap Halloween events allow you to join the spirit of the season without the crowds or high price tags. They’re often community-driven: library ghost stories, local market events, costume swaps, creative workshops.
Plus, when you mix free things and premium ones, you curate your own Halloween story some parts scary, some parts whimsical, and all parts memorable.
Free Halloween Things to Do in London
Here are some free or very low-cost ideas and events that locals actually attend. Be sure to check dates as they shift annually.
1. Halloween Craft Workshops & Library Events
Many London libraries host free Halloween workshops for kids and families pumpkin crafts, spooky readings, mask-making. For example, Walthamstow Library lists a Halloween craft session at 3:30 PM on October 31st.
2. Horniman Museum Free Halloween Fair
The Horniman Museum & Gardens in southeast London runs a free Halloween fair in its gardens every year. Activities include a pumpkin parade, costume performances, and family fun.
3. Free Pumpkin / Patch or Carving Events
Some local “Pumpkin Patch + carving” events offer free entry or very modest fees. For example, Richmond hosts a “Be Spooky Pumpkin Patch and Carving” event.
4. Ghost Walks & London Halloween Walks
Walking tours at night among historic streets, graveyards, or ghostly legends are often donation-based or low cost. The London Halloween Walk is one such event around the City’s haunted corners.
5. Free Festival & Street Events
Search Eventbrite for “free Halloween party events in London.” There are often community pop-ups, markets, photo meets, and alt markets open to all.
6. Museums with Free Halloween Programming
Some museums slip in free Halloween-themed programs during half-term or around late October. The Museum of London Docklands offers free Halloween craft workshops and spooky stories during October’s half-term.
7. Window Displays & Decor Walks (Covent Garden, Carnaby, Notting Hill)
Walking around neighbourhoods with Halloween decorations is free and fun. Covent Garden announces seasonal displays and “pumpkin market” events.
Best (Paid / Premium) Halloween Experiences Worth Trying
While free things are charming, some of London’s premium Halloween events are worth every penny especially for first-timers or thrill-seekers.
Ghost Stories at Charles Dickens Museum
The museum hosts atmospheric performances of Dickens’ haunted stories such as The Signalman and The Trial for Murder.Immersive / Horror Film Screenings & FrightFest
London’s horror screenings and immersive horror events (e.g. FrightFest) are a staple in late October.Halloween Night at South Bank
South Bank often hosts spooky film screenings, themed events, and nighttime atmosphere around Halloween.Science Museum Late (Halloween Edition)
On Halloween night, the Science Museum may host after-hours events, demos, and costume-friendly access to exhibits.Dickens Ghost Tours & Haunted Walks
Professional walking tours through haunted London streets, castle tours, or themed storytellings.Halloween Parties & Immersive Nights
For adults: pop-up haunted houses, immersive theatre, or themed dance events (Zombie Raves, Ghost Ship boat parties). Skiddle lists many Halloween party events in London for 2025.
How to Combine Free + Premium for Best Halloween Weekend
Start with a free event in the afternoon — library workshop, craft fair, pumpkin parades.
Walk through decorated areas like Covent Garden or Notting Hill in costume mode at dusk.
Join a ghost walk or museum storytelling early evening (mid tickets or donation).
Finish strong with one high-thrill event — film, immersive show, or haunted party.
Leave margin time in between for snacks, costume fixes, rest — Halloween tends to stretch the energy.
Tips for a Great Free + Halloween Experience
Check event listings early — free workshops and local Halloween events often require registration.
Dress for the night — costumes always look better layered, and London’s weather can surprise you.
Use public transport — the Tube and Night Buses are your friends, especially late.
Bring a flashlight or phone torch — some evening walking events are dim or spooky.
Carry a small change pocket — for craft materials, small donations, snack stalls.
Respect private property at night — stick to public spaces or event zones.
Go with someone — spooky is better with company.
Why Free Halloween Options Are Essential
These free events let you immerse without fear of overspending. You join the spirit, connect with local community, and leave space to pick your splurge. They are often the heart of the holiday kids laughing, pumpkin light flickers, costumes wandering a quiet street.
And for first timers in London, these free options let you feel part of the city’s rhythm. You meet local families, discover neighbourhood corners, and get a taste of Halloween that’s uniquely London not just the blockbuster haunted houses.
Final Thought & Halloween in London Vibes
Halloween in London is many things: spooky, playful, community, cinematic, eerie and fun. Use a free workshop in the day, a ghost walk by night, then indulge in a haunted show if your heart (and wallet) allows.
If you love finding local events, hidden Halloween gems, and London stories that aren’t in every guidebook you’ll want to follow @london.yaar I post tips, mini-guides, and events that feel like insider adventures.
Go roam the shadows. Go find the light in the dark. Happy Halloween London.