There are some spook-tacular things to do for kids, families and grown-ups this October.
Here are 20 events taking place around south-east London and north Kent that have caught our eye, most with a Halloween slant and others offering general half-term fun.
Broadwitch Hauntfest, October 20-31
This frightening festival at Broadwitch Farm in Southfleet is split into day and night, with frights for family and adults alike. There is everything from a pumpkin carving class to the Haunted Wood. Of a night there are thrills, chills and action with several shows, such as Massacre and Thirteen Freaks. It’s the “place to scream” this Halloween.
The Little Monster Hunt at Bluewater, until October 31
Twelve spooky monsters, including Frankenstein, Dracula and The Mummy, will be on the loose in Bluewater in the run-up to Halloween.
Guests can take part for free by picking up a map from the concierge desk outside M&S on the lower mall, and will receive a prize when they complete the hunt.
Gambado Beckenham Halloween Party on October 27
The perfect place for young ghosts and ghouls to enjoy Halloween. Running from 6.30-8.30pm, there will be a spooky disco and party games. There are prizes for the best outfit and there will be dodgems and a carousel.
Kids’ Halloween Cupcakes by Hello Treacle on October 28
Hello Treacle will welcome parents and children to learn how to make creepy decorations using a variety of tools, techniques and ingredients. The workshop is at Layhams Farm Shop in Keston at 11am and 12.30pm.
Book by email at info@hello-treacle.co.uk
The Old Brewery Halloween Party on October 28
Located just yards from the Cutty Sark, The Old Brewery is a historic pub and brewery which will be hosting a monster-mash of a Halloween party. The event runs from 7.30pm to 11.30pm. There are prizes for fancy dress, and free punch will be served.
Halloween half-term fun at Hop Farm, October 21-29
The farm in Paddock Wood will be hosting pumpkin carving, cinema screenings, creepy storytelling and a fancy-dress competition.
Half-term fun at The Spa at Beckenham, October 24-27
The leisure centre is running a series of events to keep families occupied during the holidays. These include a haunted treasure hunt and a Creepy Claws show offering the chance to meet tarantulas, snakes, centipedes, mice, hedgehogs and turtles. There’s also “pumpkin golf on a ghostly course” and the week rounds off with a Halloween party.
www.mytimeactive.co.uk/leisure/spa-beckenham
Greenwich Halloween Market, October 27
Expect the entire market to take a frightful twist from 10am to 4pm. With free entry, be prepared for eerie stalls selling Halloween costumes, surrounded by carved pumpkins and ghoulish music. There are workshops on offer, alongside a scary fashion show for kids. There is even a best-dressed dog show for spookiest hound.
Halloween Kids'n'Sushi Class, October 21
Sticks and Sushi in Greenwich will host a sushi making class for kids. The waiters will be dressed up for the spooky occasion and budding mini sushi chefs are encouraged to do the same. Children will be guided through each step and can bring their treats home with them. Tickets are £25.
Half Term Halloween Fun, October 26-28
Pick up a trail map at Lewisham Shopping Centre and complete the spooky trail to win a treat. There will also be pumpkin carving and a prize draw to win £50 worth of goodies.
Halloween Disco at Rouges, October 28
Expect to travel back in time to the 1970s in this freaky Halloween party in Crofton Park. The venue is truly unique, previously playing host to Kings of Leon and a pensioners’ tea dance in the same week. The soundtrack of the night will be provided by band The Kick Thrills alongside DJ Kobayashi who together will ensure a truly scary party, with fearsome beats to match. Tickets start from £15.
Nimble Arts Holiday Club, October 23-27
Five days of spooky themed creative fun are on offer for 4-11 year olds at Heber’s School in East Dulwich and Horniman Primary in Forest Hill. From 8am to 6pm you can expect three creative workshops a day and a session in the funhouse with a giant bouncy castle. Staff will teach arts that explore a daily theme, expect to bring lots home. Tickets from £42 for five days.
www.nimblearts.co.uk/holiday-courses/
Disco Fest’s Halloween Bat Cave Rave, October 28
Whether you're a tumbling tot or funky young groover, come on down to this freaky disco at Time Bar in Southend Road, Beckenham. This Halloween special runs from 1-2.35pm and 3.15-5pm. There will be a DJ, trick or treat, broomstick limbo and neon face-painting. Tickets from £5. There is also a full bar for adults.
Halloween Garden Trail at Hall Place Gardens, October 21-31
Pick up a trail sheet from the historic house and have a spooktacular time finding ghoulish ghost posters hidden in the gardens. Tickets are £2.50, with the trail running from 10am to 4.30pm. Those who complete the trail will be rewarded with a small prize at the end.
The Potion Pincher, October 23-27
This mysterious event at Hall Place in Bexley promises recipes to make secret Halloween potions. Come and hear all about secret potions and what they can do to you. Make your own gruesome ghoul to take home. There are two sessions a day starting at 10am and 2pm and tickets are £4 per child, adults free. All tickets must be booked in advance.
Day of the Dead celebration, October 28
This will take place in Market Square, Bromley, where visitors can enjoy pumpkin painting, sugar skull face painting and professional pumpkin carving while being entertained by a traditional Mexican mariachi band. Food and drink will be available from Benito’s Hat, with a selection of tacos, churros, margaritas and Mexican beers on offer throughout the day and night. Entrance is free.
Ugly Animals, October 25
Join Simon Watt, conservationist and comedian, for this fun family comedy show at the Horniman Museum in Forest Hill. Come along and find out about lots of ugly animals, why they evolved to look the way they do and get involved with Simon’s demonstrations. The freaky event is free and runs from 11am to 4pm.
Up at the O2 climbing expedition, October 23-27
Ever drank hot chocolate against the backdrop of a stunning sunset? Well there's a first time for everything, as Up at The O2 puts on an “exhilarating 90-minute climbing expedition” this half-term.
Participants will be rewarded with a complimentary hot chocolate and a 360-degree panoramic view of the capital upon reaching the viewing platform 52 metres up at the, well, O2 in North Greenwich. Not especially Halloweeny – but might be scary if you don’t like heights.
Growing Up Club, October 22 and 26
The Albany Theatre in Deptford will be holding indoor and outdoor craft and gardening activities for kids aged between two and seven. The workshops takes place from 2-3pm.
Aleena's Garden, October 22 and 23
Taking place at The Albany on October 22 and then at Greenwich Theatre the next day, this show for very young children is an “exciting, interactive journey through the natural world
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