Halloween decorations at Kew Gardens (archieve). Photo: Amit Cotler London’s Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, has brought back its Halloween after-dark trail for a third year, transforming the gardens into an illuminated route filled with eerie scenes, live performances and encounters with legendary characters. The event runs through November 1, 2026, with timed-entry tickets required.
Titled Halloween at Kew, the seasonal attraction takes visitors through the gardens after dark, with Dracula, fire performers and the return of the Headless Horseman among the highlights. This year’s trail also introduces a new cursed tomb, where organizers promise more mysterious encounters along the route.
The event is designed for families and visitors of different ages, although the experience becomes spookier later in the evening. Kew offers three entry-session categories: Daylight, for sessions ending by 6 p.m.; Twilight, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Moonlight, for entry after 7:30 p.m., when the scare factor is at its highest.
From October 16 to 24, the trail will be open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. From October 25 through November 1, opening hours move earlier, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Adult tickets cost £19.50 off-peak or £24 at peak times for non-members. Kew members pay £16.75 off-peak or £20.55 at peak times. Family and child tickets are also available, while anytime-entry tickets are limited.
Visitors must choose their date, time slot and entrance carefully when booking, as Kew and its ticketing partner do not offer exchanges or refunds after purchase. The gardens close at 10 p.m., and the final admission is strictly at 8:30 p.m.
Halloween in London. Photo: Amit Cotler Entry is available only through Victoria Gate, Elizabeth Gate and Brentford Gate. Visitors are advised to plan their journey in advance and allow enough time to reach the correct entrance.
Food and drink stalls along the trail offer seasonal treats, including fries, hot chocolate, marshmallows toasted over open flames and hot toddies. These purchases cost extra and are not included in admission.
Families with younger children may prefer earlier sessions, while later entry times offer a darker and more atmospheric experience. The event remains family-friendly, according to Kew, although the level of spooky entertainment increases as the evening progresses.
Halloween at Kew is a separately ticketed event and is not included in standard garden admission. The £1 tickets available to eligible Universal Credit and Pension Credit holders apply only to regular daytime visits, not the Halloween trail.
Kew recommends booking ahead, noting that the event is expected to sell out. Visitors can check availability and ticket conditions through the official website.