Things to do during October half-term 2023 in London

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Keep the kids entertained during October half-term (21 to 29 October 2023) in London with our pick of the capital’s best family activities and events over the school holidays.

Whether it's with teenagers or toddlers, pack your London October half-term holiday with fun activities, Halloween events and unique experiences. There are so many things to do over half-term in London, that you can easily fill the whole break: these family-friendly hotels and top restaurants for kids will help you plan your visit. 

Only got the one day to explore the city? Make the most of your visit to the capital and tick off London’s top sites on the Total London Experience.

The week-long half-term holiday differs across the UK, with some regions choosing one week and other regions opting for the following week. 

Reach family goals at top London attractions

People in a London Eye pod admiring the views of London, with the river Thames and Houses of Parliament below

Find more London attractions for October half-term.

Cool stuff for teens this half-term in London

An aerial view of The Slide at ArcelorMittal Orbit, with a customer on the slide. Image courtesy of ArcelorMittal Orbit

Find more things to do with teenagers in London.

October half-term activities in London for younger kids

Four dancers leap across the stage in lion costumes in The Lion King.

Discover more family fun with our 101 things to do with kids in London.   

Get your spook on at Halloween in London

Floating orange pumpkins hanging from the ceiling of the Great Hall, lit up in green and purple light

  • Transport yourself to the wizarding world at Warner Bros Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter for The Dark Arts Halloween takeover. Be sure to watch out for those who follow He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named roaming the studio...
  • Encounter unsavoury characters from London's past at immersive The London Dungeon.
  • Prepare for the ultimate scare as you navigate the Tombs at the London Bridge Experience.
  • Take to the streets on a Ghost Walking Tour of Royal Maritime Greenwich* to discover sorrowful tales of drunken sailors and lingering spirits of the Royal Family.
  • Spend Halloween at the Tower of London, following in the footsteps of the most infamous prisoners coming face to face with ghosts that roam the grounds. 
  • See if you have what it takes to be a sailor aboard the Cutty Sark and hear the gruesome tales form its trips around the world. 

Look out for other spooky children's Halloween activities across the city.

October half-term events in London

Check back closer to the time to discover more October half-term events. 

Outdoor half-term activities

Hit the shops in London

A giant toy soldier stands in Hamleys toy shop.

  • Take a day trip to Bicester Village, a haven for those who love to bag a great deal on designer items.
  • Discover the flagship LEGO Store's huge collection of exciting LEGO sets and create your own LEGO portrait with the in-store mosaic maker. 
  • Explore a colourful chocolate-filled wonderland with a visit to M&M's World in Leicester Square. 
  • Step into the magical world of Hamleys and browse the shelves of London's largest toy shop this half-term. 
  • Source the latest fashions for your winter wardrobe: head to Zara, or Primark on Oxford Street for great value items, venture to Carnaby for iconic brands such as Dr Martens and Liberty London or find the latest sportswear in Lillywhites and Niketown.
  • Peruse the big-name stores at London's shopping centres and outlets, such as ICON Outlet at The O2, the London Designer OutletWestfield London and Westfield Stratford City
  • Look for vintage threads in London’s markets, such as Portobello Road Market or Camden Market.
  • Or stock up on sustainable fashion finds at the Buck Street Market.
  • Be pampered in Covent Garden and Seven Dials as you stock up on makeup and beauty products. Options include Charlotte TilburyKiehl’sNeal’s Yard Remedies and Toni&Guy.
  • Pop over to hidden gem St Christopher's Place to discover a trendy array of shops and boutiques. 

Seek out more shopping hotspots in London.

If you're visiting London in and around half-term, check out a pick of the best things to do in autumn, including key October events and key annual events. And keep an eye out for family-friendly activities with these guides to what's on this weekend and things to do today.