May 31, 2023

The October half-term college holidays are almost right here! There are quite a lot of enjoyable actions happening this half time period for the entire household to take pleasure in from a Mexican fiesta at Kew Gardens and Halloween on the Tower of London to grotesque tales on the Cutty Sark and the secrets and techniques of Henry VIII’s haunted palace at Hampton Court docket Palace – and extra!

Don’t miss this publish sharing particulars of occasions happening all through the month of October. If it’s half-term enjoyable that you just’re after, nevertheless, then learn on as a result of this publish is for you!

Don’t overlook to have a look at our free issues to do in London with children in addition to our suggestions on the greatest locations for ice cream, our favorite afternoon teas in London with children and the greatest playgrounds on the town.

Disclosure: This publish could comprise affiliate hyperlinks. I’ve been or might be should you click on on a hyperlink on this publish compensated through a money fee, present or one thing else of worth for scripting this publish. See our full disclosure coverage for extra particulars.

Things to do October half term in London
Issues to do in London in the course of the October half time period

You may take pleasure in these London posts:

Reveals on the Polka Theatre 

There are a handful of enjoyable reveals happening on the Polka Theatre this half time period together with Tutankhamen’s Sneakers, Little Manfred and Oldilocks and the three Bears

When: Numerous dates over the October half time period, test the web site for particulars 

Website 

The Polka Theatre, Wimbledon; nearest tube Wimbledon and South Wimbledon 

MCM Comedian Con 

This three day pageant of all issues popular culture is happening at Excel London. Older kids will take pleasure in assembly their favorite stars from anime, movie and TV; gaming; and exploring the Pop Asia zone and far more. For youthful children there’s The Treehouse the place actions together with masks making and creating comics are happening. 

When: 28-30 October 

Website 

The place: ExCel London, nearest tube 

The King of Nothing on the Little Angel Theatre 

This puppet musical is a re-telling of the story by Hans Christian Andersen of the Emperor’s New Garments and includes songs, puppetry, slapstick and loads of laughter. 

For youthful kids (aged 3-6) the Little Angel Theatre’s Miniature Travelling Circus is taking to the stage till 13 November with lovely puppetry, nostalgic magic methods and far more. 

When: The King of Nothing runs 7 October – 20 November; The Miniature Travelling Circus runs from 7 October – 13 November. 

Website 

The place: Little Angel Theatre, Islington; nearest tube Angel and Highbury and Islington 

Science Fiction: Voyage to the sting of creativeness on the Science Museum 

Blast off into house on a spaceship in a singular story-led exhibition that examines visions of the long run by way of science and science fiction, encountering genuine objects from science fiction movies, TV collection and literature in addition to scientific objects which have formed trendy life. 

When: Opens 6 October – 4 Might 2023

Website 

The place: The Science Museum; nearest tube South Kensington

Peppa Pig Halloween Bus Tour 

The Peppa Pig afternoon tea on board Brigit’s double-decker bus is at all times a success and this October half time period you possibly can take pleasure in a Halloween themed journey. Take pleasure in the most effective views of Central London as you watch a Peppa Pig guided animation of the London tour on a pill at your desk. Singalong to songs, take pleasure in yummy treats and take an exercise e book dwelling with you. 

When: 20 – 23 October and 28-31 October 2022

Website 

The place: Departs from Somerset Home

Escape to Mexico at Kew Gardens 

Bringing an enormous sprint of color to Kew Gardens this month is the brand new Mexico set up happening throughout the Temperate Home. Artist’s and horticultural installations by famend Mexican artist Betsabeé Romero, designer Fernando Laposse and UK award successful backyard designer Jon Wheatley have been designed to replicate the wonder and color of Mexico. 

Make certain to try the Mexico Household Fiesta happening over the October half time period too.

When: 1 – 31 October 

Website

The place: Kew Gardens; nearest tube Kew Gardens 

Halloween At The Tower of London 

Time to coincide with the October half-term vacation and Halloween in London is the prospect to observe within the footsteps of among the Tower’s most notorious prisoners

Hear very fastidiously and also you’ll hear the whispers and mutterings of Walter Raleigh brewing lethal elixirs, or the menacing tales of George, Duke of Clarence and Everard Digby who spent their closing days inside these historic partitions.

When: 22 – 31 October 

Website 

The place: The Tower of London; nearest tube Tower Hill; included in admission value 

Cutty Sark Ugly Tales

Happening over the half-term holidays is a enjoyable Halloween-themed storytelling journey on board what was as soon as the world’s quickest tea clipper. Uncover the creepy components of the ship’s historical past, sing a revolting sea shanty and listen to the spooky story of Nanny the witch – and extra! 

When: 25 – 27 October 

Website 

The place: The Cutty Sark; nearest transport Greenwich station, Cutty Sark DLR, Maze Hill station; included in admission value 

Horrible Histories The Horrible Thames

The excellent news is that the Horrible Thames is crusing into October with extra enjoyable alongside the River Thames. This guided tour alongside the river is a superb option to see among the metropolis’s main points of interest together with the London Eye and Tower Bridge, be taught enjoyable London info and snicker…rather a lot! The boat tour takes 45 minutes. Learn extra in regards to the Horrible Thames tour right here.

When: Each day sailings by way of October half time period

Website

The place: Departs from Tower Bridge Quay; nearest station Tower Hill 

Tree Treasure Hunt workshop at Morden Corridor Park 

Go on an autumn treasure hunt within the park for pure supplies to make an autumn story package at Morden Corridor Park this half-term. A good way to get children outdoors and related with nature this autumn. 

Trendy Corridor Park are operating another actions this half time period together with an Autumn Story Path and a household wander. 

When: 24 and 25 October 

Website 

The place: Morden Corridor Street, Morden, London, SM4 5JD; the simplest option to get right here is by automotive. 

Things to do in London in October half term
From family-friendly theatre and Halloween actions to literary occasions, new museum exhibitions and far more, there’s heaps occurring.

Prime Trumps Path at London Zoo 

Tackle ZSL London Zoo’s Halloween-themed Prime Trumps path this October half time period break. All you must do is decide up a card on the zoo entrance after which head off looking for zoo residents and large Halloween Prime Trumps playing cards. 

When: 22 – 31 October; included in admission value 

Website 

The place: ZSL London Zoo; nearest tube 

ELMER and Associates: The Vibrant World of David McKee 

Opening in time for the October half time period on the Horniman Museum is the primary ever main retrospective of David McKee and his vibrant patchwork elephant, Elmer

The Elmer books have bought over 10 million copies worldwide since they had been first printed in 1989. This exhibition celebrates the much-loved elephant with illustrations, unique paintings, a dressing up space a large magnetic Elmer sport and extra. 

When: 21 October – 16 April 2023

Website 

The place: Horniman Museum; nearest prepare station Forest Hill

Halloween at Hampton Court docket Palace

Tiptop by way of the darkish winding corridors and courtyards, see eerie portraits come to life and listen to voices from past the grave if you go to Henry VIII’s haunted palace this half time period. Don’t fear although, this Halloween occasion is certainly family-friendly. 

When: 22 – 30 October 

Website 

The place: Hampton Court docket Palace; nearest prepare station Hampton Court docket prepare station

Trick or Deal with Path at Covent Backyard 

Covent Backyard is at all times enjoyable with children and this half-term it’s even higher with a Trick or Deal with path happening. Study enjoyable info, discover the neighbourhood and decide up a deal with or three! Merely download the trail and head to Covent Backyard on 28, 29 or 30 October.

Plus, the much-loved Pumpkin Market is again and can happen on the West Piazza from 29 – 31 October. It’s not fairly a pumpkin patch however it does have over 200 pumpkins, squash and gourds on show!

When: 29 – 31 October

Website 

The place: Covent Garen West Piazza; nearest tube Covent Backyard and Leicester Sq. 

Household Occasions on the V&A Museum

The V&A Museum has numerous themed actions on provide this half time period to tie in with its new exhibition Re:Imagining Musicals. Construct a prop, create a digital character for the stage and design and create 3D garment and equipment

When: Numerous dates over the half-term vacation; some are drop-in occasions and others are paid for occasions. Verify the web site for particulars.

Website

The place: V&A Museum; nearest tube South Kensington

Secrets and techniques of the Metropolis on the London Transport Museum 

Uncover a hidden aspect to town this half time period on the London Transport Museum with a enjoyable vary of family-friendly occasions. Uncover London’a nocturnal wildlife and among the strange jobs on the transport community by way of a collection of actions and workshops. 

When: 22 – 30 October, all day; included in admission 

Website 

The place: The London Transport Museum; nearest tube Leicester Sq. and Covent Backyard 

A pirate social gathering on Go Boat

Arr, me hearties! This half time period set sail on the excessive seas – or moderately Regent’s Canal – with GoBoat. Costume up in your greatest pirate gear and take a look at your data on the water as you try and resolve 8 riddles. Reply them accurately and you’ll find the treasure! 

When: 15 – 31 October 

Website 

The place: Go Boat departing from Service provider Sq.; nearest tube Edgware Street and Paddington.

Room on the Broom on the ArtsDepot 

Happening on the ArtsDepot in North Finchley this half time period vacation is Room on the Broom. This a lot beloved story by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s is dropped at life on this reside present assured to please kids of all ages.

When: 22 – 27 October

Website

The place: The Arts Depot, North Finchley: nearest tube

Halloween at Harry Potter World 

The Darkish Arts is again on the Studio Tour inviting friends to step into the long-lasting units from the movie collection embellished for Halloween. See should you can depend all 100 pumpkins floating above a spooky feast within the Nice Corridor; uncover the secrets and techniques behind the Riddikulus spell; observe the darkish mark all through the studio; and be taught wand fight earlier than working towards your spells on the Loss of life Eaters. 

When: Till Sunday 6 November 

Website 

The place: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London; nearest prepare station Watford Junction 

Hair-Elevating Halloween in Hyde Park 

Take part some enjoyable Halloween-themed actions in Hyde Park this half-term on the LookOut Centre. Guess the grotesque contents of the park’s feely bins, discover the eerie nature path, take heed to a spooky story and be taught all in regards to the sensible bats that decision the park dwelling. 

When: 25 October, 11am – 3pm; free 

Website 

The place: The LookOut Centre Hyde Park; nearest tube Marble Arch

Things to do in London in October half term
There are many enjoyable household occasions happening in the course of the October half time period

Half-Time period Workshops on the Foundling Museum 

Design a museum for the long run, create a Halloween lantern or make a journey to the long run and create your very personal animated time machine at one of many workshops happening at Bloomsbury’s Foundling Museum. 

When: 24 – 28 October; reserving is important. Tickets embody free entry to the Museum. 

Website

The place: The Foundling Museum; nearest tube Kings Cross St Pancras

Actions on the Nationwide Maritime Museum 

There are plenty of actions happening this half time period on the Nationwide Maritime Museum, all impressed by mild. Rejoice Diwali on 22 October, make shadow creations impressed by shadow puppetry from throughout Asia, create vibrant rangoli and extra. 

When: 22 – 30 October; e book free museum tickets prematurely 

Website 

The place: Nationwide Maritime Museum; nearest rail stations are Greenwich and Maze Hill.

London Literature Competition 

Now in its fifteenth version, the London Literature Competition is again this month on the Southbank Centre to have a good time the written and spoken phrase. There are a variety of household occasions happening together with Voices in Motion, which explores how younger voices actually can change issues, and a enjoyable doodling session with creator and illustrator Liz Pichon. And extra! Verify the web site for particulars. 

When: 20 – 30 October

Website

The place: The Southbank Centre

Halloween occasions on the Chelsea Physic Backyard 

There are many enjoyable Halloween occasions and household actions happening at London’s very personal secret backyard, The Chelsea Physic Backyard. From Halloween pumpkin carving and a broomstick workshop to a Wild Immersive Theatre occasion, ‘Hunt for the Misplaced Dragon Egg.’ 

When: Numerous dates over the October half time period, test web site for particulars. Advance reserving essential.

Website 

The place: Chelsea Physic Backyard; nearest tube Sloane Sq.

Wildlife Photographer of the 12 months on the Pure Historical past Museum

Considered one of my favorite exhibitions of the 12 months opens this month on the Pure Historical past Museum. The Wildlife Photographer of the 12 months opens on 14 October in a newly redesigned exhibition house that features brief movies, quotes from jury members and photographers in addition to insights from Museum scientists alongside the images. 

When: Opens 14 October

Website 

The place: The Pure Historical past Museum; nearest tube South Kensington 

Halloween Half Time period at Eltham Palace and Gardens 

Little monsters (and large ones) can have a spooktacular day at Eltham Place this half0term. Observe, Dennis, Gnasher and mates to resolve creepy clues on this treasure hunt across the gardens. Look out for the costumed performers as they share tall tales and enjoyable tales. 

When: 22 – 30 October 

Website 

The place: Eltham Palace and Gardens; nearest prepare station Mottingham railway station.

Picture Credit: Depositphotos.com

26 fun things to do during the October half term in London (2022)