London-based half term holiday activities - days out at Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Legoland and theatre shows

Planning a London trip for the half term? Here’s what’s happening at the area’s best theme parks
Halloween half term fun at Alton TowersHalloween half term fun at Alton Towers
Halloween half term fun at Alton Towers

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

There’s lots happening in London, with many attractions offering special discounts for the half term week and Halloween themed events.

Check out our top 9 picks of attractions and events all the family can enjoy during the first school break of the year, including overnight stays.

If the kids want to dress up for your chosen trip, we’ve got that sorted for you too. This is our guide to the spookiest children’s Halloween costumes and if you’d like to don a dreadfully scary outfit too then we also have a rundown of the most popular Halloween costumes for adults.

If this has also got you thinking ahead to the next big family occasion and school break - Christmas - consider some of these festive pyjamas for the whole family.

This half term, brace yourself as the UK’s premier award-winning Halloween event returns for 2022 for a fearful celebration.

Visit between 30 September and October 31 for a celebratory anniversary scare. Fright Night entry includes access to some of the UK’s most thrilling rides in the dead of night as well as terrifying live-action experiences and spine-chilling scare zones.

Recommended for people aged 13 plus. Entry price starts at £39.

As the nights get shorter, Scarefest beckons, and this year its celebrating its 15th birthday so it promises to be spookier than ever.

During October half term, visit Alton Towers for all sorts of creepy scares and shocks as its award-winning Halloween festival returns for 2022 with live entertainment for all ages.

Open until 9pm each day, there’s lots of hair-raising rides and attractions visitors can enjoy in total darkness including Wickerman and the Alton Towers Dungeon.

Younger families can enjoy live shows including the Freaky Fun Zone characters and shows.

Book an overnight stay now which includes an overnight stay for all the family, evening entertainment, 9-hole round of golf, a full English breakfast buffet and free parking.

Ticket prices start at £42.

The 9th longest-running West End musical of all time, Wicked the musical tickets remain some of the most sought after on London’s West End.

It tells a backstory for ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and reveals the decisions and events that shape the destinies of two unlikely university friends on their journey to becoming Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Tickets from £24.

Based on the Disney animated film, The Lion King opened in London in October 1999, and has been playing to packed houses ever since. This half term will be no exception.

Disney’s beloved film has been transformed into a spectacular theatrical experience that explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music.

This is London’s best-selling show that will delight families. Tickets start from £25.

Roald Dahl’s beloved childhood story comes to life on stage in this amazing show.

Matilda tickets are sure to please the whole family.

Winner of over 99 international awards, including 24 for Best Musical, and a whole host of five-star reviews, Matilda The Musical tells the story of everyone’s favourite little girl and how the power of imagination changes destiny.

It continues to delight audiences of all ages.

Tickets from £24.

This October half term, all little monsters and their families are invited to enjoy ‘Brick or Treat’ at the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort.

The Resort will be transformed into a pumpkin-filled wonderland for a spook-tactular event that all the family will enjoy.

There will be many fun Halloween activities for everyone to enjoy, including amazing new experiences, live shows, fantastic LEGO decorations and lots of Monster mischief.

Exclusively for Brick or Treat 2022, you’ll be able to watch brand new 4D Movie The Great Monster Chase too. There’s also a new Halloween Harbour show during which Square Foot, Monster Rocker, Wolf Guy, Tiger Woman and Zombie Cheerleader will take to the stage in an exclusive concert.

It’s time to get ready for the undisputed Halloween party of the year.

Tickets start at £36.

You’ll be able to see over 7000 fin-tastic creatures at this top London attraction.

There’s also daily talks and activities, where all the family can learn all about the stars of the sea and rainforest in an underwater adventure.

Experience touch zones and rock pools, diving displays and feeding times held at regular intervals throughout the day too.

Tickets from £28.

Take in a total of 19 fantastic shows at the London Dungeon this half term, played out by 20 fully trained actors and all in a completely new venue designed with stunning special effects.

Kids will love the ‘Drop Ride to Doom’ where they’ll be learning along the way.

You can also enjoy the Experience the Wrath of Henry during a boat ride along the ghostly River Thames where you can prepare to get wet.

World renowned actor Brian Blessed plays the part of Henry VIII, in state of the art 3D show.

For those with a stronger stomach, you can also meet the surgeon up until October 31. You can join the gallery of an old operating theatre and watch through gritted teeth as the surgeon performs an operation.

Tickets from £24.

Related topics: