1. Thorpe Park Resort – Fright Nights® 2025
Why go:
- This is the heavyweight Halloween event for thrill-seekers near London. The park’s flagship “Fright Nights®” has been announced for 2025 with fresh themes and scares.
- Dates: Ends 2 Nov 2025.
- Highlights include scare-mazes, immersive zones, rides in the dark (some of the coasters run after sunset) and adult-oriented experiences.
- There are also special short-break packages (overnight stays) that bundle park entry + accommodation + extras.
Good to know / tips:
- Because it’s aimed at the older crowd, the atmosphere can be intense—jump scares, dark mazes, scare actors. If you’re going with younger children you should check what zones/rides are appropriate.
- The park opens during these event dates from ~10am, but the “scare” element intensifies after dusk (so late afternoon/early evening is a prime time).
- Book early: As is typical, event dates sell out faster, and some mazes are up-charge extras.
Summary: If you’re after full-on thrills and scares near London, Thorpe Park’s Fright Nights is your go-to. Just make sure the group is up for a darker, intense Halloween experience.
2. Chessington World of Adventures Resort – Howl’o’ween 2025
Why go:
- A more family-friendly Halloween event, offering a mix of fun and mild spook without being over-the-top frightful.
- Dates for 2025: Ends 2 Nov 2025.
- The park is transforming for the season with new shows, interactive experiences, and themed décor.
- Good option for mixed groups (kids + adults) where you want a Halloween-treat outing but maybe not the full horror immersion.
Good to know / tips:
- Because it’s more family-oriented, there will be rides, costumes, trick-or-treat zones, but also calmer areas.
- Check opening times and event schedule: some special entertainment only on select days.
- Costumes for kids (and adults) are often encouraged—check the park’s costume policy in advance.
Summary: Great middle ground between full-on scares and family fun. If you’re bringing younger ones or want a more moderate Halloween experience near London, Howl’o’ween at Chessington fits well.
3. LEGOLAND Windsor Resort – Brick or Treat 2025
Why go:
- Ideal for families, especially with younger children. The event is fun, colourful, Halloween-themed but not scary horror.
- Dates: Ends 1 Nov 2025.
- Features: LEGO monster characters, build activities, a big pumpkin patch made of LEGO bricks.
- Family-friendly cost and setting. Good value for a full day out near London.
Good to know / tips:
- Some rides/attractions may have seasonal opening hours—check ahead which ones will be running.
- Costumes welcome (but check rules about masks/weapons etc).
- Because it’s targeted at younger families, peaks in demand will be during half-term and weekends—booking ahead is wise.
- If you have older kids wanting more thrills, you may want to pair this with a ride–heavy park another day.
Summary: For a friendly, fun Halloween outing with younger children, Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Windsor is a top choice near London.
Planning Tips & Considerations
- Transport: All three parks are accessible from London. Make sure you budget for travel time (and possibly parking if driving) and check event-night opening times.
- Ticketing: Event tickets often cost more than standard day tickets. Booking early usually can save money. For example, LEGOLAND event tickets start from around £34 per person.
- Timing your visit: For fewer crowds, go earlier in October (before the half-term rush). Evening and night events attract more people.
- Costumes: Most parks allow/encourage them—but there are often rules (no full face masks, no replica weapons) so check each park’s policy.
- Weather and comfort: October in the UK can be chilly or damp. Bring layers, and check what’s open after dark.
- Ride availability: Especially on event nights, some rides may close early or operate reduced hours; check the park app or website for up-to-date info.
- Age suitability: If you have a mix of ages in your group, choose a park that offers a good balance (e.g., Chessington or LEGOLAND) rather than all-out horror.
- Avoiding late-night fatigue: If you go for the more intense events (e.g., Thorpe Park), consider staying nearby or make a plan for after the event (transport, accommodation) since you may be out quite late.
If I were to pick one “top” event for 2025 near London based on broad appeal, I’d lean LEGOLAND’s Brick or Treat for families, but if everyone in the group loves adrenaline and scary thrills, Thorpe Park’s Fright Nights stands out. And if you want something intermediate, Chessington’s Howl’o’ween ticks lots of boxes.
