The best things to do in London this weekend (31 October-1 November 2026)

1. Take a trip back in time at the London Dungeon

If you’re planning to celebrate Halloween with a trip to the London Dungeon, check out this immersive show and uncover one of London’s most ominous legends: the curse of the “unlucky mummy”.

Prepare to be transported to a bygone era brimming with mystery and fraught with danger. Watch in awe as live actors and special effects bring Victorian London to life, tracing the story of hapless archaeologists who dared to disturb an ancient mummy – and were subsequently cursed by evil spirits. This nail-biting show is included with every ticket to the Dungeon until 1 November; make sure to pre-book online to guarantee entry. 

2. Enter a new dimension at Twist Museum

Finish off half-term with a visit to Twist Museum. Test your senses in the Colourless Room, watch silhouettes come to life in the Shadow Room and get ready for a host of other mind-bending installations.

Visitors are welcome to arrive in costume and embrace the spooky spirit this weekend; you can even snap a picture of your outfit for the chance to win prizes. Wander through the museum and follow the UV Trail, waiting for ghosts to reveal themselves under UV light, and don’t forget to attend a special Halloween Magic Show – four shows are running every day until 1 November. 

3. Treat yourself to crepes and cocktails at Covent Garden’s latest pop-up

If you fancy heading to Covent Garden this weekend, make sure to arrive with an appetite. The venue’s beloved Piazza Pop-Ups are back with an autumnal twist, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

Make a beeline for The Crêpe Stop, where you can tuck into Nutella, milk chocolate and classic lemon and sugar crepes alongside savoury options and limited-edition flavours such as salted caramel and pumpkin spice. Meanwhile, grown-ups can sample delectable cocktails at The Thirsty Farrier, a pop-up bar serving seasonal drinks including Blood Orange Palomas and Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martinis. 

5. Round off Black History Month with a performance of Fences at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre

It’s your last chance to see Lyric Hammersmith’s production of August Wilson’s Pulitzer-winning play, Fences. Set during the 1950s, the story follows an African American family in suburban Pittsburgh, delving into themes of ambition, exclusion and racial politics.

Fences ends its run on 31 October, the final day of Black History Month. There are, however, plenty more ways to celebrate Black stories this weekend and beyond; if you’re in need of inspiration, we recommend checking out The Music is Black: A British Story, a brilliant exhibition at the V&A East.

6. Explore some spooky exhibits at the Museum of Illusions

There are just a few days left to enjoy the Halloween takeover at the Museum of Illusions, which is running until 1 November. Five of the museum’s most popular exhibits have been transformed for the spooky season, creating a collection of “Weird Wonders” which are guaranteed to impress.

Take a seat on the Bone Throne, traverse the mind-bending Echo Cave and enter a room filled with 3D-printed monster faces including Frankenstein and Count Dracula. Challenge yourself to complete the Illusion Quest, hunting for clues to help you solve puzzles hidden throughout the museum.

7. Catch the opening weekend of Speculations, a new political thriller playing at Marylebone Theatre

True crime fans won’t want to miss Speculations, a gripping new show arriving at Marylebone Theatre on 30 October. At the heart of the action is Dorothy Kilgallen, a real-life journalist and TV presenter who began investigating the deaths of Marilyn Monroe, John F. Kennedy and Lee Harvey Oswald in the 1960s. 

As Dorothy’s findings lead her from Hollywood to the White House, she uncovers a network of shadowy dealings involving some of the most powerful figures in America – but getting closer to the truth also brings her closer to danger. This gripping political thriller is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, and there’s no better time to see it. 

8. Scare yourself silly at Thorpe Park’s famous Fright Nights

Thorpe Park’s Fright Nights are among the most popular Halloween experiences on London’s event calendar, and for good reason.

At the centre of every Fright Night are the scare mazes: combining live-action horror with escape room-style challenges, these legendary attractions offer an immersive experience like no other. To mark the 25th anniversary of Fright Night, prepare to enter Tenement, a brand new maze that plunges every visitor into complete darkness. Expect to be jolted by jump scares and hunted by a terrifying gang of live actors, but try your best to make it out unscathed so that you can enjoy after-hours entry to this incredible theme park – there are plenty of dizzying rollercoasters and spine-tingling scare zones to enjoy. 

9. Dance the night away at London Transport Museum’s silent disco

In the mood to party this weekend? You're in luck: silent discos have returned to London Transport Museum, and they’re the perfect way to celebrate Halloween in style. 

With the museum’s sprawling galleries as your dancefloor, don a pair of headphones and enjoy a soundtrack of iconic tunes. This adults-only party is guaranteed to be a memorable one, with surprises around every corner: marvel at spectacular Halloween decorations, sample seasonal cocktails at bars around the museum and see iconic exhibits from a different perspective as you explore the venue after dark. 

10. Hunt for gems at Hackney Flea Market

Every month, second-hand shoppers flock to Hackney Flea Market to bag bargains and converse with local sellers. The beloved event returns to Stoke Newington Church from 31 October to 1 November and promises a dazzling array of vintage finds, from furniture to decor.

What began as a pop-up in 2013 has evolved into a regular programme of events reaching beyond Hackney and into a variety of London neighbourhoods including Walthamstow, Peckham and Stratford. Whether you’re an interior design fanatic or you’re simply keen to explore London’s shopping scene, this lively event won’t disappoint. Plus, if you do take a trip to Hackney this weekend, you’ll have a brilliant excuse to explore what the area has to offer. You can check out our Hackney guide for tips and recommendations.

11. Enjoy sightseeing with a seasonal twist onboard a Halloween Afternoon Tea Bus

Step onto a double decker bus kitted out with spooky decorations and prepare for an adventure through the capital. Combining sightseeing with sensational sweet treats, the Halloween Afternoon Tea Bus gives you a front row seat to some of the most famous landmarks in the capital – and serves up an indulgent afternoon tea experience with a seasonal touch. 

Tuck into scones, sandwiches and cupcakes as you cruise through the city, snapping plenty of photos along the way. Highlights of the menu include "magic macarons" and "rice creepie treats", which you can enjoy while singing to a soundtrack packed with classic Halloween tunes. 

12. Head to Brixton House Theatre to see Baby starring Pearl Mackie

This powerful play finishes its run at Brixton House on 31 October, so make sure to nab tickets while you can.

Pearl Mackie – who is best known for portraying Bill Potts in Doctor Who – takes the leading role in Baby, a show tracing one woman's journey through adversity. Examining themes of trauma, family and female identity, it promises to leave you deeply moved. 

13. Immerse yourself in a live-action Horror Story at Prison Island

Enter Prison Island and prepare for an escape room experience packed with surprises. Put your mind and body to the test as you solve puzzles, battle strategic challenges and complete fast-paced adventure games within a network of prison cells.

As if these adrenaline-fuelled activities weren't thrilling enough, visitors to Prison Island will step into an eerie supernatural world this weekend thanks to a Halloween-themed "Horror Story" takeover. While you venture through the building, you won't just be up against the clock; you'll also be running from a horde of ghostly prisoners. Live performers and special effects will bring this terrifying world to life, offering a nail-biting experience with plenty of jump scares along the way.

14. Marvel at spectacular acrobatics during Cirque Berserk

Fusing classic theatre with jaw-dropping acrobatics, Cirque Berserk is a one-of-a-kind stage show for all ages. Presented by Zippos, it treats audiences to a unique blend of aerial stunts, daring tricks and dramatic performances, bringing the magic of the circus to the heart of the West End.

If you're keen to experience this sensational show for yourself, you'll need to be quick: Cirque Berserk ends its run at the Garrick Theatre on October 31. There are three different performance times on the final day – so whether you fancy an afternoon adventure, an early-evening show or some incredible evening plans, you can catch this beloved performance before it leaves the capital. 

15. Head to Chelsea Old Town Hall to shop for rare books and manuscripts

Book lovers will adore the Chelsea Rare Book Fair, an annual event taking place at Chelsea Old Town Hall on 30 and 31 October. Browse breathtaking editions of your favourite titles, see rare books and manuscripts up close and shop a variety of precious items including maps and prints. 

For a touch of Halloween fun, expect a spooky theme to some of the proceedings, with gothic fiction and occult texts taking the spotlight. And if you're visiting the fair for the first time, you can look forward to regular tours offering an insight into the best items on offer. Check out our Chelsea guide for tips on how to spend your day in this historic neighbourhood.

• 👻Best for spooky season: Visit the Jack the Ripper Museum to delve into one of London's most gruesome mysteries.
• 🔍 Best for keen detectives: Embark on a Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour and see the capital from a new perspective. 
• 🛥️ Best for sightseeing: Hop aboard an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and admire famous landmarks from the water.
• 👮🏽 Best for history buffs: Dare to step inside Clink Prison Museum and uncover the dark history of London's prison system.
• 🌉 Best for a classic London experience: Head to Tower Bridge and marvel at its iconic architecture.