Hotels near Halloween at Kew

Halloween at Kew returns to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew from Friday 16 October to Sunday 1 November 2026, with a 1.5 km illuminated trail that takes about 60 to 90 minutes to walk. From 16 to 24 October it runs from 6pm to 10pm, and from 25 October to 1 November (covering half-term and Halloween itself) it opens earlier, from 4pm to 10pm. Last entry is 8:30pm. Kew splits the evening into three session types that grow spookier as the light fades: Daylight (until 6pm), Twilight (6pm to 7:30pm) and Moonlight (after 7:30pm).

New scenes for 2026 include Dracula's Lair, the Cursed Tomb, a Medieval Dungeon and a Forest Ritual, with live actors and fire performers along the route and the Headless Horseman back for another year. The trail finishes at the Monster Disco, where visitors dance beneath giant skull-shaped mirror balls. Non-member adult tickets cost £19.50 (about €22) off-peak and £24 (about €28) peak, with child and family tickets also sold. Note that Daylight tickets do not include entry to the wider gardens.

Of all the half-term options, this is the pick that works best for mixed ages: younger children can take the Daylight or Twilight slots, while teenagers and adults get more atmosphere in the Moonlight sessions. It is one of the most popular Halloween events London has each autumn, and peak evenings around 31 October sell out well in advance.

Pro Tip: Families with under-10s should book a 4pm Daylight slot between 26 and 30 October 2026, when the trail opens early for half-term. Adults wanting the full effect should book a Moonlight slot after 7:30pm on an off-peak night in the week of 19 October to pay £19.50 rather than £24.