Celebrating Halloween in London 2012
From haunted houses to Bonfire Night, there is something of the night about London. Think Jack the Ripper, the Black Death, Rocky Horror Show and all kinds of suspicious activities taking place in dark alleys (Saturday-night aftermath, anyone?). All of which makes Halloween in London a fantastically kitsch experience. Grab your wackiest costume and a group of friends: these are our guidelines for a happy Halloween in London 2012.
DOCTORS, DISSECTION AND RESURRECTION MEN– The climate in London in the early 19th century was one of fear. Body snatchers ran a roaring trade in selling corpses onto surgeons for dissection – and you didn’t necessarily have to be dead when they found you. On the night of Halloween 2012, the London Museum has organised a late-night opening of their exhibition on the subject, with tours, shorts and wax modelling workshops. Where: 150 London Wall. When: 31st Oct, 7 pm to 9.45 pm. How much: £10 (concs. £9). Book in advance on 020 7001 9844. Age: adults.
KENSINGTON GORE– Along with ballgowns and David Bowie, the V&A museum will be running various Halloween specials. These will include the “Kensington Gore” Friday late-night opening, which will feature bloody screen-printing, zombie makeovers, workshops, activities and live DJs. There’ll also be a special family screening of the Addams Family Values (we always knew Wednesday was a fashion icon) on the night of Halloween. Where: Cromwell Road. When: Kensington Gore – 26th October from 6.30 pm; Movie Magic – 31st October at 12 pm and 2 pm. How much: free. Age: over 18s; families.
CLIMB OF THE CURSED– In the year of 2005, the sad corpse of the Millennium Dome was resurrected from the dead as the pallid, ethereal O2. For Halloween 2012, you’ll be able to undertake the nerve-wracking climb onto its roof. Follow putrifying guides as they lead you up from base camp and on a journey that overlooks the gory horrors of London’s past. You must be physically fit to take part. Where: Peninsula Square. When: 27th October to 4th November, 12 pm to 10 pm. How much: £22 to £28. Age: over 10 years old and 1.2m high only.
DAY OF THE DEAD BANQUET– Very few places in the world are more frightening than an Edwardian public toilet. With this in mind, a great place to celebrate Halloween 2012 is Ginglik, a converted basement which has become one of London’s best underground (literally) hotspots. For Halloween, you can attend a special three-course, candlelit crypt dinner. Where: 1 Shepherd’s Bush Green. When: 31st October, 7 pm to 1 am. How much: £30. Book here. Age: over 18s.
WITCHES AND WARLOCKS– The Cutty Sark and Queen’s House will be organising a spooky family fun day, complete with workshops, storytelling, sing-a-longs and many other activities designed for children of all ages. There’s a prize for the best costumes, some come dressed in your deadliest. Where: Greenwich. When: October 28th, from 11 am to 4 pm. How much: £10. Age: families.
Several Halloween events from 2011, including the Ghost Bus Tours and Phobophobia, are also open this year. Whatever you do, face your fears and turn your terror into treats during Halloween 2012 in London. Go on – you know resistance is futile…
Feeling spookily inspired? Why not check out our Halloween Travel Writing Competition here…
Penelope – Marketing Team
