The Tower of London has been many things to many people over the last (almost) 1000 years, including a Royal residence, Royal mint, a prison, a torture chamber, and the scene of many gruesome executions, but from 24 October this year, Halloween at the Tower of London offers visitors a spooky family-friendly Halloween haunt complete with ghostly visions and ghastly ghoul encounters.
We’ve lived in London for well over a decade, and the fortress still enchants us on every visit. It’s far more than a landmark, it’s a living, breathing part of London that shifts with the seasons. As the days shorten and the Autumn chill sets in, The Tower steps into its darker and spookier side for Halloween at The Tower of London.
From the 24 October to 1 November, Halloween at the Tower of London will offer visitors of all ages the opportunity to experience the thrill of exploring the darker side of London’s most infamous landmark. Offering visitors spine-tingling encounters at the Haunted Forge, the enchanted Wishing Well, and the Raven’s Observatory, this Halloween season has just become historic.
If It Be Ghosts That Ye Seek…
You can follow the clues in the ancient windows in the castle grounds to find your ghostly visions, apparitions who may take on the form of a Queen, a pirate, an astronomer, and perhaps even a bear.
Legend says that the dearly departed have been known to gather at the Haunted Forge, huddled under the glow of burning furnace. For visitors who are short on time, you can adhere to your timepiece and head straight to the Haunted Forge at 11:15, 12:45, and 14:45 every day when these ghostly gatherings have been known to occur.
If you’re planning a family visit to Halloween at the Tower of London with young ones then you’ll be pleased to know that this experience is suitable for all ages. However, should anyone in your family start to feel a little nervous or anxious then you can easily enjoy the installations from a comfortable distance.
What to Expect from the Halloween Visit
The Halloween experience will feature people in costumes with ghastly make-up and there will be sections of the Tower complex with atmospheric music and sound effects. Whilst being spooky, it remains a family-friendly experience. It is worthwhile checking the Historic Royal Palaces website for further information if required.
In The Mood For Something A Little Darker….?
For those of you seeking something a little darker and much spookier then how about an after-hours evening ghost tour led by one of the Yeoman Warders who will escort you through the darkened grounds of the Tower as they share tales of the ghostly visions of those who once arrived at the Tower of London centuries ago but who never left… Please note that this popular ghost tour is a separate ticketed event and not included in the Halloween experience. Bookings are essential because this one sells out fast.
If you’re planning on combining your ghost tour with some food and drinks beforehand then it’s worth noting that the Bermondsey Beer Mile is only a 20 minute walk away (or 15 min bus ride).
Other Exhibitions
Looking for something less frighty, more flighty?
Some of the Tower’s most famous residents are its ravens, a small flock of glossy black birds that strut across the lawns as though they own the place. According to the prophecy, if the ravens ever leave, the White Tower will crumble and the kingdom will fall.
King Charles II is said to have taken the warning seriously enough to decree that at least six ravens be kept at the Tower at all times, even over the objections of his astronomer, who complained that the birds kept getting in the way of his telescope. Historians suspect the story is a Victorian invention rather than an ancient one, but the Tower takes no chances.
Today eight ravens call the Tower home, which is six to satisfy the prophecy and two spares, just in case: Harris, Jubilee, Poppy, Edgar, Georgie, Chaos, Henry, and Poe. They’re cared for by the Ravenmaster, a Yeoman Warder with one of the most unusual job titles in Britain.
To meet them properly, book the Ravens Experience. You’ll enter the Tower an hour before it opens to the public and join a Yeoman Warder from the Ravenmaster’s team for a 45-minute talk at the ravens’ enclosure, covering their names, their personalities, and how they became an enduring symbol of the Tower. It’s an early start, but this is one occasion where the early bird gets you.
Getting There
- Tube: The closest Tube station is Tower Hill and then a short 5 minute walk to the Tower of London.
- Bus: There are bus stops close by for routes 15, 42, 78, 100, and 343.
- Boat: The Tower Millennium Pier is close by so Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is also a good option. This also provides a good opportunity to take in several famous London Landmarks from the water before you arrive.
- Driving: Tower Hill is a vehicle free zone with no onsite parking. There is parking nearby. Use Google Maps to search for specific options.
The Essentials
- Dates: 24 Oct – 1 Nov
- Operating Hours: 10:30 – 16:00 daily
- Tickets: Book here for tickets. Please note that Halloween at the Tower of London is included in the general admission ticket. It’s always recommended to book in advance, especially during half-term.
- Please note:
- Please don’t wear costumes as visitors will be refused entry.
- For families with buggies and pushchairs, there are parts of the Tower complex which have cobblestones and will make access challenging. There are buggy parks to store your buggy if needed.
Planning more London Sightseeing?
Want to see The Tower of London from above? Head over to Horizon 22 and view London’s most historic landmark from a unique perspective. Book your free tickets to Europe’s highest public viewing gallery with our complete guide to Horizon 22.
Pair your visit to The Tower of London and Horizon 22 with a self-guided walking tour of London and experience all the London Landmarks on your To-Visit List. Check our our London Landmarks Walking Route for the details.
