Spooky things to do as a whole family
Ghost Tales at Eltham Palace
Do you dare explore Eltham Palace in the dark this Halloween? Join storytellers as they guide you on a journey through the past, with tales of ghosts, supernatural sightings and horrors from history.
Over 16s only, and don’t forget to bring a torch – it promises that things are going to get dark…
Dates: Saturday 26, Sunday 27 and Thursday 31 October 2024
Tickets: Prices vary
Eltham Palace and Gardens, Eltham, SE9 5NP
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/eltham-palace-ghost-tales2
Greenwich Market gets ghoulish
Enjoy a fantastically freaky day of family fun at Greenwich Market on Halloween. Kicking off at lunchtime, this free celebration of all things dark and dire will see the market decorated accordingly – be careful of the cobwebs.
Dressing up is also encouraged, and there’ll be prizes for the best-dressed stallholders and children in costume. Will you be a witch? Perhaps a zombie? The scarier, the better.
The market’s usual array of traders and world-food stalls will be open for business, alongside Halloween entertainment like face painting, balloon modelling and magic with Captain Fantastic, too.
Date: Thursday 31 October 2024
Tickets: Free
Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ
www.greenwichmarket.london/events/detail/halloween-2024
Choctober events
Halloween and chocolate go together like Greenwich and the Painted Hall; and at the Old Royal Naval College this Halloween, you can join in events inspired by the Chocolate House exhibition. Learn about the history of drinking chocolate, with an extra dash of spookiness.
Gather around for a family-friendly spooky story and hear how chocolate has been used for dastardly deeds or take part in the great chocolate pumpkin activity trail using a free trail book from the Visitor’s Centre desk. Hunt for the pumpkin clues while learning about ghostly traditions through the ages and creepy chocolate facts. Once you discover the secret word, you can claim a Halloween treat prize.
You can also try your hand as a chocolatier and make your own hot chocolate lolly. Led by an expert from the Chocolate Museum, you will learn about the history of hot chocolate and then make your own hot chocolate lolly, ready to savour at home in a mug of hot milk. Booking is recommended for this event.
Dates: Thursday 31 October 2024
Tickets: Prices vary
Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, SE10 9NN
ornc.org/whats-on/choctober-half-term
Spooktacular celebrations at Woolwich Works
Woolwich Works is transforming into a Halloween haven with a jam-packed lineup of workshops and events, perfect for families seeking spooky thrills during the holidays. There’s something for everyone, from free drop-in craft sessions to a Michael Jackson’s Thriller dance class.
Other event highlights include an Ugly Duckling Ballet, drop-in Halloween Creation Stations inspired by beloved children’s stories, and an energetic Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave featuring DJ Prime Cuts.
Dates: Friday 23 October to Sunday 3 November 2024
Tickets: Prices vary
The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 Street, RoySE18 6HD
Viola’s Room: Halloween Special
On this year’s spooky weekend, Viola’s Room will celebrate Halloween with a special 90s nostalgia theme. At selected time slots, visitors will receive with their ticket a bespoke cocktail and exclusive access to The Prop Store bar, where you’ll be able to make your own 90s-themed friendship bracelet and enjoy some nostalgic board games with friends.
This is an audio-driven journey through a moonlit fever dream. You will enter Viola’s Room barefoot and wearing headphones, you’ll feel your way through a labyrinthine installation as an unseen narrator, the voice of Helena Bonham Carter, reveals a story of innocence lost and obsession unleashed.
Written by Booker Prize-shortlisted Daisy Johnson, Viola’s Room reimagines a classic gothic mystery for a new audience.
Dates: Thursday 31 October to Saturday 2 November 2024
Tickets: Prices vary
One Cartridge Place, Woolwich, SE18 6DJ
www.punchdrunk.com/work/violas-room
Hot Piece of Halloween
Take your outfits for a night out and enjoy a spooky time at the Fox and Firkin this Halloween. Hot Piece of Halloween is a night of great music and dodgy dancing – and maybe a Scream mask or two.
There will be a live performance by Hot Piece of Brass to get you grooving with their mix of classic covers and original tunes, with some surprise support acts to be announced before the big night out, too. Once the band wraps up, guest DJs will head to the decks and take you through to 3am.
Fancy dress is definitely encouraged, with prizes to be won for the most impressive costumes – each member of Hot Piece of Brass will be picking out a winner from the crowd. Dust off that witch’s broom and get creative.
Date: Friday 1 November 2024
Tickets: From £10
316 Lewisham High Street, SE13 6JZ
