London Halloween

[Thipu1]

This year, we'll be in London on Halloween.  Do any Londoners out there have any tips about places we should (or shouldn't) go to enjoy the holiday? 

We ask because, in many cities of the USA, usually calm areas can get a bit odd on Halloween. 

[Snooks]

Halloween isn't really a thing in the UK, the most you'll see is shops and possibly some pubs decorated.

[Thipu1]

Thank you for the suggestions.  We were just wondering because, the last time we were in London during October, Camden Market was overflowing with all sorts of interesting costume elements. 

We've been to the Tower.  Things like the Ripper tours are likely to be sold out and, since we only have a few days in London, we'd prefer to stay in town instead of taking the trip to
Stonehenge. 

We've been to London a number of times but, like any city worthy of the name, there are always plenty of interesting things to see and do once the basic tourist sites are covered.  We've been looking into a visit to Churchill's War Rooms. 

[Shotochick]

You could do the Ghost Bus Tour: http://theghostbustours.rtrk.co.uk they are running and seem to still have vacancies.

Thorpe Park does Fright Nights for Halloween: http://www.themeparks-uk.com/thorpe-park-guide/events/thorpe-park-fright-nights.html

And I have heard that there will be something going on around Southbank/Bankside but not sure what.

[sunnygirl]

The best place to find out what's going on in London is to check Time Out (the print magazine comes out every Tuesday and is free - it's handed out by tube stations and things, and in some bookshops). They have a section on their website for Halloween: http://www.timeout.com/london/feature/593/halloween-in-london
Halloween is not really a big thing here so I don't think you need to worry about things being crazy or anything.

[DaisyG]

the last time we were in London during October, Camden Market was overflowing with all sorts of interesting costume elements. 

For those who are unaware, Camden Market is known for being a place where goths, punks, and people from other subcultures hang out so you can often see interesting and diverse clothing throughout the year but more prominently around Halloween. Unfortunately I'm not allowed to wear my goth dresses when visiting my work's regional office there!

If you're looking for something scary - the London Dungeon often have special nights around Halloween and there might also be something on at the London Bridge Experience.

[Thipu1]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. 

We're canal enthusiasts and went to see the Camden Locks.  The market was also great fun. I even semi-seriously considered buying a pair of handcuffs decorated with pink marabou. 

As a tourist, I think other tourists might enjoy a visit.  The architecture's also wonderful.   

 

Halloween is also Mr. Thipu's birthday.  Dinner at a nice restaurant and perhaps tickets to a show might be in order. 

[sunnygirl]

Do you know about the London Canal Museum? I haven't been, but I've been told by narrow boat-dwelling friends that it's good. They have some Halloween-themed canal trips listed on their site. http://www.canalmuseum.org.uk/

[veryfluffy]

If you were a goth, this would be the place to be (not quite in London though!):

http://www.whitbygothweekend.co.uk/

[mechtilde]

If you were a goth, this would be the place to be (not quite in London though!):

http://www.whitbygothweekend.co.uk/

But if you do want to go, book early! Whitby's a small town and the hotels etc will be booked out by now.

[Snooks]

I stayed in an amazing B&B in Whitby I think it won best B&B last year on Trip Advisor.

Regardless of that Whitby's really far away from London, I'd say a good 5-6 hour drive.

[Thipu1]

More and more great ideas! 

The London Canal Museum would be an excellent choice if we had more time in town.  We'll certainly keep it in mind for another visit. 

Whitby, too.  Because of the Dracula connection, I can see that it would be a great place for Goths. 

Thanks everyone.  I can see that we'll have to schedule another holiday in the UK. 

[saki]

Not Halloween related in any way but a couple of smaller museums you might enjoy - the Wallace Collection (near Oxford Street) which is a lovely small art museum, the Horniman Museum (out in Forest Hill) which is a really random collection of objects in a fun space.