Things To Do in October: Autumn & Halloween Days Out Near London
- Wednesday October 21st 2026
If you’re hunting for the best things to do in October that London has to offer, and the idea of a nice stroll around a pumpkin patch doesn’t quite hit the mark, we’ve got something that will.
Thorpe Park packs in some of the biggest and boldest October events London has in the calendar. Heart-racing rides by day and after-dark jump scares by night, it’s what thrilling looks like.
Why October in London Is Different (and How To Make It Unforgettable)
October means a change of gear when it comes to planning things to do with friends in London. With a chill in the air, it’s time to regroup after a long, lazy summer and embrace fresh starts and colder evenings.
So as nights draw in and you’re looking for autumn things to do near London, swap cosy café crawls and head to Thorpe Park for a full day of top-tier exhilaration from the minute you arrive.
What To Do at Thorpe Park in October
Like Jekyll and Hyde, there are two sides to Thorpe Park in October. By day, it’s everything you expect. High-speed coasters, spinning rides and drop towers that leave your stomach behind. By night, it brings the terrifying to life.
Set against crisp autumn air, launch yourself like a cannonball on Stealth, the UK’s fastest launch coaster that propels you from 0-80mph in just 1.8 seconds. For something bigger, head to Colossus, the world’s first ten-loop rollercoaster that’ll leave you in a spin.
If you still want more, it’s time to play a game and experience SAW - The Ride. Dodge Jigsaw’s tools of torture, plummet 100ft to the ground and experience the highest G-force coaster ride at Thorpe Park.
When the light fades, the park transforms and rides take on a new edge as cooler nights add extra bite. It's one of the sharpest autumn activities London has to offer for thrill seeking friends. But if it’s fear of missing out that scares you, browse the full rides and attractions lineup before you visit.
Thrill Rides in the Dark
If you’ve been on Stealth or The Swarm during the day, riding them at night hits differently. The drops feel steeper and the launches feel faster as you’re at the mercy of darkness.
The Main Event: Fright Nights 2026
Fright Nights is built for people who want their scares delivered properly and this year is even more terrifying as we celebrate 25 years of fear.
If you’ve never experienced Fright Nights before, it delivers the most thrilling Halloween activities London sees all season, and one of the few October events London has that earns the hype. Lose yourself in scare mazes, scare zones and live shows for an experience that dials up fear to the max.
Running from 2-4 & 9-11 October, 15 October-1 November, Fright Nights 2026 unlocks a new fear with our latest scare maze, Tenement. Immerse yourself as you make your way through the abandoned pitch-black building where things might do more than just go bump in the night.
If you’re brave enough for more, scare mazes DeadBeat, Stitches, Survival Games and Trailers will put you to the ultimate fear test. Plan your night of terror and check the Fright Nights page and scare mazes guide for the latest.
Top Tips for a Thrilling Visit
A visit to Thorpe Park is one of the easiest things to do with friends in London. But a bit of planning means you can focus more on the thrills. Here are our top tips:
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Book day tickets in advance - it's cheaper than paying on the gate and it locks in your spot.
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Dress for the weather - October mornings can be sharp and evenings colder still, so bring a layer you can lose once the rides get you moving.
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Arrive early - this gives you a head start on the coasters and helps you avoid peak times.
If you’re coming from central London, the quickest route is a train from Waterloo to Staines. At Staines, take the Thorpe Park Express (bus 950) straight to the park entrance (about 15 minutes). You can find full travel details on the directions page.
Halloween Events for Teens: A Parent's Guide
If you're looking for Halloween events for teens near London, Fright Nights offers an unforgettable mix of thrilling rides, immersive scare mazes and live entertainment.
Fright Nights is recommended for guests aged 13+. This guidance reflects the intensity of the scare mazes and the presence of live scare actors throughout the event. While the mazes are designed to deliver genuine scares, trained staff are available across the resort to support guests where needed.
For older teens looking for a memorable Halloween experience with friends, Fright Nights combines world-class thrills with immersive horror experiences that go far beyond a traditional haunted house.
Frequently Asked Questions
There’s no shortage of Halloween activities that London has to offer. Pumpkin trails, themed club nights and pop-up markets all appear across the city. But for thrill seekers, there’s nothing like Thorpe Park's Fright Nights to really give you the chills. It's the one event that pairs full-size rollercoasters with jump-out-of-your-skin scare mazes and live shows for a full day of Halloween fun.
Yes. Fright Nights at Thorpe Park is one of the biggest Halloween events for teens in the South East. It carries a 13+ recommendation and combines scare mazes, scare zones and live shows with the park's full ride lineup, giving older teens a proper night out.
Fright Nights is Thorpe Park's flagship Halloween event, running across 2-4 & 9-11 October, 15 October - 1 November. Scare mazes, scare zones and live shows take over the park after dark, while the daytime rides stay open for a full day-to-night experience. Find full details on the Fright Nights page.
Yes. Thorpe Park is open on selected dates in October, including extended hours on Fright Nights event dates. Opening times vary across the month, so check the opening times page before you plan your visit.
There’s plenty of things to do with friends in London over autumn. Wrap up warm and enjoy a leisurely stroll in parks or visit open-air markets. Hot chocolate stops along the way and lean into autumnal cosiness. But for groups who want to get the adrenaline pumping, Thorpe Park has something for everyone. Ride the coasters during the day and prepare yourself for night-time scares.
Fright Nights is genuinely scary. Scare mazes are designed to unnerve and unsettle with live actors who know exactly how to time a jump-scare. It's built for people who want a proper fright, with a 13+ recommendation reflecting the intensity.
Book Your October Adventure
For autumn activities London has to offer, October at Thorpe Park doesn't do things by halves. Thrilling rides by day, heart-pounding shocks by night, it’s the trip that’ll keep you talking long after lights out. So, stop scrolling for things to do near London. Grab your day tickets or book straight into Fright Nights and prepare for the scares.
Book Your October Adventure