Spooktacular Halloween Plans
Halloween is creeping up on us and though it’s great fun carving pumpkins and gorging on sweets (that were meant for young trick-or-treaters) while donning a ghost costume made out of an old bedsheet, we’ve got some far better Halloween plan ideas! From eerie ghost tours and gory zombie survival training to spellbinding insights into the world of witchcraft and wizardry, there are plenty of thrilling activities to sink your fangs into this year.
Brave a Spine-Chilling Ghost Tour
Uncover the sinister side of London with a spine-chilling ghost tour of the capital. You never know where a ghoul could be hiding among all the dark side streets and historic buildings of the busy metropolis!
Head out on foot and explore some of the Big Smoke’s oldest and most haunted pubs, commencing at Temple Underground station and embarking on a spooky two-hour pub tour with a clued-up guide. Visit terrifying locations, such as the former home of Sweeney Todd and retrace the footsteps of London’s worst serial killer, ending the evening in the haunted cells of an eerie Victorian prison. Of course, there are plenty of opportunities to stop for a little Dutch courage along the way!
Alternatively, remain in the safe confines of a 1960s Routemaster ghost bus tour and brave a chilling drive through London, learning about the darker side of the city that may not meet the eye. Pass by iconic landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Tower of London and The Houses of Parliament, as the guide provides a theatrical narrative about the dark history and gruesome tales in an entertaining comedy horror manner.
Tackle a Life-Threatening Zombie Infection
The dreaded zombie apocalypse is upon us and rumour has it, the first victims have already been claimed, so it’s time to face fears and put survival skills to the test! Who will have what it takes to defeat the undead and save the world from the deadly infection?
Visit the Zombie Battle Bunker in London for a frighteningly realistic, immersive zombie infection experience. Taking place in a dark eerie bunker in Greenwich, the hungry walking dead lurk around each corner, awaiting their next meal. Done up in spine-chilling movie quality special effects makeup, these gruesome characters are guaranteed to give even those with nerves of steel a mighty fright. Undergo intensive zombie combat training, learning how to handle different types of weaponry (airsoft, laser tag and paintball guns) and essential life-saving techniques to destroy the zombie horde.
It’s not just London that has been struck with this destructive zombie infection, cities across the UK are also under threat! Cautiously visit the infection zones and help them tackle the infestation. Check out our zombie survival blog for tips!
For those who think of themselves more as the villain than the hero, become a zombie for a day at the eerie London Tombs. Head behind the scenes of London’s creepiest attraction and undergo a gruesome zombie transformation with a helping hand from a special effects makeup artist! Join the undead and scare all of the unsuspecting tourists on their way through the attraction. What a wicked way to spend a day!
Enter the World of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Enter the spellbinding world of witchcraft and wizardry this Halloween and walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter and other bigwigs of the magical world. Visit the Warner Brothers Studio and embark on a fascinating Harry Potter studio tour, which sees Potter fans following the path of their favourite characters, as they explore the wonderful film sets (such as the Great Hall, the Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley and Platform 9¾), admire the detailed costumes worn (including Quidditch uniforms and Yule Ball outfits) and check out the beautifully crafted props (such as potions and memory vials) involved in the making of the iconic films. A Harry Potter London Bus Tour also runs through the capital, stopping at locations such as platform 9¾, 12 Grimmauld Place and the Leaky Cauldron.
Experience the glamorous side of witchcraft with an evening in London’s glitzy West End. Wicked the Musical tells the tale of two young witches who form an unlikely friendship, Glinda the Good and Elphaba, whose destiny is to become the Wicked Witch of the West. Check out our interview with Alice Fearn, aka Elphaba, to learn more about the show.
Solve a Murder Mystery
Whodunnit? That’s up to the budding detectives to find out! There’s been a murder and the police are calling on the public for help, in order to crack the crime and get the killer deservedly behind bars.
Head to private investigator Jack Armstrong’s office (a challenging murder mystery escape room) and transport back in time to the 1930s, where Jack has been framed for killing Betty Darlington. It’s up to the group to prove his innocence, by breaking into Jack’s office to find evidence that reveals who the real killer is. The clock is ticking, so be sure to solve the mystery before it’s too late!
Opt for a more traditional take on the murder mystery with a luxury trip aboard the Belmond British Pullman. Dress the part and depart on an excursion through Kent, seated in one of the beautifully restored carriages of the train which dates back to the 1920s. Meet each of the suspects one at a time and grasp the opportunity to quiz them individually on their whereabouts on the night of the murder and their relationship with the deceased. A delicious five-course lunch is served throughout the journey, providing guests with time to mull over the clues presented to them.
Talking of murderers, how about London’s most notorious killer, Jack the Ripper? Embark on a vintage bus tour and learn about the capital’s dark past, while visiting the spine-tingling sites where the vicious killer committed his crimes, as well as where Braveheart was tortured and the hot spots of nineteenth-century grave diggers.
Thinking of staying in this Halloween? Check out our list of Halloween films to watch and enjoy a night on the sofa instead!
Images courtesy of Red Letter Days; Pixabay spider; Pixabay skeleton, Pixabay witch, Pixabay zombies and Pixabay ghost