Explore London’s Dark Side: A Spooky Halloween Walk Through the City

Explore the Dark Side

As the nights grow longer and a chill settle over the streets, there’s no better time to explore the eerie side of London. This Halloween, leave behind the tricks and treats for something a bit more spine-tingling. We’ve mapped out a Spooky Halloween Walk that will take you through some of London’s most haunted locations, where dark history and ghostly tales linger. Ready to uncover the city’s secrets?

Start at The Tower of London

No Halloween Walk would be complete without beginning at one of the most haunted locations in the city: The Tower of London. This iconic fortress has seen centuries of executions, imprisonments, and mysterious disappearances. From the ghost of Anne Boleyn, who was beheaded here in 1536, to the princes in the tower, whose bodies were never found, the Tower is steeped in ghostly legends. As you pass by the ancient walls, imagine the restless spirits said to roam within, especially after dark.

Top Tip: If you arrive early, take a guided tour inside the Tower for a deeper dive into its gruesome history.

Walk to All Hallows by the Tower

A short walk from the Tower brings you to All Hallows by the Tower, London’s oldest church, dating back to AD 675. Beneath the church, Roman remains and Saxon arches hint at a past long forgotten, but what makes this church truly eerie is its reputation for paranormal activity. The church’s crypt has been the site of numerous ghost sightings, and it’s said that spirits from the Great Plague and London’s many historical tragedies wander its halls.

Continue to Mitre Square: The Jack the Ripper Connection

From All Hallows, take a ten-minute walk east to Mitre Square. It was here, on a foggy night in 1888, that the notorious Jack the Ripper struck again, brutally murdering his fourth victim, Catherine Eddowes. As you stand in this seemingly quiet square, it’s hard to imagine the horror that unfolded over a century ago, but the chilling history still lingers in the air. Jack the Ripper was never caught, and his gruesome crimes continue to fascinate and terrify.

Fun Fact: Jack the Ripper tours are available year-round, but walking in his footsteps during Halloween adds a whole new level of fear.

Visit The Ten Bells Pub: Haunted by Victims

A short walk from Mitre Square, you’ll find The Ten Bells Pub, a classic East End establishment that has its own ghostly reputation. This pub was frequented by two of Jack the Ripper’s victims, Annie Chapman and Mary Kelly, and it’s said their spirits still linger. Patrons have reported hearing eerie footsteps and feeling an inexplicable chill, especially on dark autumn nights.

Stop here for a drink, but beware of the pub’s haunted reputation—many claim that strange occurrences happen around Halloween!

Cross Over to Highgate Cemetery

Now, make your way to Highgate Cemetery in North London, one of the city’s most famous graveyards. Highgate is known for its dramatic Gothic architecture, winding paths, and overgrown tombstones, all of which make for a seriously spooky setting. The cemetery is the final resting place of notable figures like Karl Marx, but it’s also home to ghost stories that will send a shiver down your spine. The Highgate Vampire, a mysterious figure spotted in the 1970s, is perhaps the cemetery’s most infamous legend. Is it a myth, or does a dark presence truly wander these grounds?

Note: Guided tours of Highgate Cemetery are highly recommended, especially the West Cemetery, where the oldest and creepiest tombs lie.

End at The Spaniards Inn: Haunted Pub with History

To end your Halloween walk, make your way to The Spaniards Inn on the edge of Hampstead Heath. This 16th-century pub has a long-standing reputation for being haunted. One of its most famous ghosts is Dick Turpin, the infamous highwayman, who is said to have frequented the inn. Another ghost, that of a lady in white, has been spotted wandering the rooms and staircases. The pub’s candlelit ambiance and low ceilings make it the perfect place to finish your spooky adventure.

Enjoy a hearty meal and a pint while exchanging ghost stories—but keep an eye out for unexpected visitors!

 Dare to Walk in London’s Shadows?

This Halloween Walk takes you on a journey through some of the spookiest and most haunted spots in London. From the Tower of London to the eerie paths of Highgate Cemetery, these locations hold centuries of history and more than a few ghost stories. Whether you’re a sceptic or a true believer in the supernatural, there’s something thrilling about walking through London’s dark past.

Looking to explore even more of London’s haunted secrets? At Sam Akbay Property Agency, we love uncovering the hidden gems and rich histories of our city. Keep an eye out for more blogs about the best places to discover in London—whether haunted or historic!

The total distance of the spooky Halloween Walk around London, covering all the mentioned locations, is approximately 11.05 kilometres (around 6.86 miles). This walk spans from the Tower of London to The Spaniards Inn, passing through some of the city’s most haunted spots. ​

 

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