There’s no place like London at any point in the year, but in the autumn, complete with crisp air, vibrant leaves, and a perfect mix of the spooky and charming, it’s something else. Our Halloween-inspired day in the city was packed with everything from imaginative art and ghostly pub tales to a dazzling evening light trail. If you’re looking for the ultimate Halloween itinerary in London, here’s how our day unfolded.
A Surreal Start: Tim Burton Exhibition at the Design Museum
Our day kicked off with a visit to the Tim Burton exhibition at the Design Museum, which truly blew us away. Stepping inside felt like wandering into Burton’s creative mind. From his original sketches of iconic characters to set pieces and interactive displays, every corner had us captivated. We were transported into Burton’s surreal world, moving through rooms filled with eerie, vibrant displays from Frankenweenie, Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare before Christmas, and more. Our personal favourite was seeing the original models of the characters from The Nightmare before Christmas, which used for capturing the stop motion animation.
This excellent exhibition captured the essence of Burton’s gothic charm and was a fantastic way to start our Halloween themed day in London. We left inspired, excited, and feeling that distinct Halloween buzz.
Top tip: if like us you can’t get tickets for the day you wish to visit, it’s worth doing as we did and joining to become a member of the museum. That was you can visit without a timed tickets at any point during the exhibition’s run. You also have a year to visit as many other exhibitions there. And we got to queue jump too! it cost approx £17 extra to do this for the both of us, however we’ll make that back when we return. There is a Barbie exhibition currently on which I’m sure will be good too.
A Historic Pub Walk from Kensington to Victoria
After the whirlwind of Burton’s creativity, we decided to stroll back toward Victoria, with stops at some of London’s most storied—and haunted—pubs.
• The Grenadier Pub, Knightsbridge
Nestled in a quiet mews, The Grenadier is a pub that seems frozen in time, known for its creaky floorboards and low ceilings. Originally built as an officers’ mess for the Duke of Wellington’s regiment, it’s steeped in history. The pub is famed for ghostly encounters, with stories of a soldier’s spirit who’s said to haunt the place. We couldn’t resist ordering a pint and soaking in the eerie ambiance—it felt like a step back to London’s past, with a touch of the supernatural.
• The Tattershall Castle, River Thames
Our next stop brought us to The Tattershall Castle, a floating pub on the Thames. This unique spot offers incredible views of the London Eye and Big Ben, especially as dusk begins to fall. The cool riverside air and gentle bobbing of the boat always makes this stop especially memorable. We settled in with drinks and admired one of our favourite views of the most famous landmarks. After the ghostly vibe of The Grenadier, The Tattershall Castle was a refreshing contrast with its lively, riverfront charm.
• The Morpeth Arms, Pimlico
Finally, we arrived at The Morpeth Arms, near the old Millbank Prison site. With its Victorian decor and shadowy basement known as “The Spying Room,” the pub has a reputation for ghost sightings linked to its prison history. Staff no longer let you down to peek into the basement, rumored to have ghostly visitors! Instead there is a TV live stream at the bar of the prison beneath. Between its Victorian charm and eerie vibe, The Morpeth Arms was a perfect pub to end our historical walk.
After winding through these atmospheric pubs, we headed back to our hotel for a quick freshen-up before diving into the night’s festivities.
Cozy Italian Dinner at Zizzi, Earl’s Court
With all the walking, we were ready for a relaxing meal, and Zizzi in Earl’s Court hit the spot. Warm and inviting, with delicious Italian food, Zizzi’s offered the perfect place to recharge. We savored our pizzas and pastas, sharing stories from the day and looking forward to what was next. A cozy Italian meal was just the break we needed before heading out for more Halloween magic.
An Enchanting Evening at Kew Gardens’ Halloween Light Trail
Our last stop of the day was the Halloween Light Trail at Kew Gardens, which felt like stepping into a true Halloween wonderland. As soon as we arrived, we were surrounded by glowing pumpkins, towering light sculptures, and enchanting displays that transformed the gardens into a fantasy landscape.
Winding through the gardens, we encountered beautifully lit pathways, shadowy trees, and creatively eerie displays that were just spooky enough to feel magical. Kew Gardens’ light trail combined whimsy with just the right amount of mystery, creating an unforgettable Halloween experience.
Wrapping Up a Perfect Halloween Day in London
By the time we got back to the hotel, The Premier Inn Victoria, we were shocked to discover we’d walked 13.3 miles! No wonder our legs were tired.
From the brilliance of Tim Burton’s work to haunted historic pubs and the mystical beauty of Kew Gardens, this Halloween-inspired day gave us a little bit of everything London does best: art, history, cozy pubs, and enchanting experiences.
