“Real museums are places where Time is transformed into Space.” – Orhan Pamuk, the Museum of Innocence
Museums are widely-known for their gothic architecture, hidden passages and creaky floorboards. With a sinister past and rooms filled with ancient tales, it is no surprise that the capital has embraced its historical heritage alongside the holiday spirit; this year numerous museums have joined the celebration and will provide Londoners with a diverse range of unique experiences. Here are our favourite ways to spend All Hallows’ Eve.
Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge
8 Rangers Road Chingford, London E4 7QH, 020-7332 1911
Event: Tudor and Pyjama Welly Party
Date: 27 October 2016
Time: 18:00 – 21:00
Price: £15
With a Tudor hunt set to take place in Epping Forest, London’s largest open space, Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge has taken hunts to the extreme. The event includes three dark, top secret activities planned during the 1543 hunt and is accompanied with delicious Tudor snacks supplied mid-evening. If you are someone who usually prefers to stay in, the laid back event has an optional dress code of pyjamas and wellington boots, creating an atmospheric night.
Charles Dickens Museum
48 Doughty Street, London WC1N 2LX, 020-7405 2127
Event: Dickens After Dark: A Halloween Special
Date: 28 October 2016
Time: 18:30
Price: £15
For readers with an incurable obsession with literature, Charles Dickens Museum has created an immersive All Hallows’ Eve experience. From dimly lit rooms to strange sounds, spending the evening in Dickens’ townhouse involves a night of storytelling, mystery, and a Victorian candle lit bar open throughout the evening.
Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising
111-117 Lancaster Road, Notting Hill, London W11 1QT, 020-7243 9611
Event: Black Halloween Banquet
Date: 28 October 2016
Time: 19:30 – 22:30
Price: £59.99
In a perfect blend of horror and extravagant dining, The Museum of Brands and GrubClub have collaborated to celebrate Halloween with a seven course meal, with the spooky theme of “black” coloured food. Award-wining chef Adam Rawson has creatively named his menu items to include foods like burnt aubergine, black quinoa, and aged beef.
Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, 020-7942 5000
Event: Pop-up Planetarium: The Wonders of Space
Date: 28 October 2016
Time: 18:30 – 21:45
Price: £15, Members: £13.50
Perhaps you prefer something relaxing for Halloween? The Natural History Museum’s “Museum Lates” let you explore the historic museum after hours. You can have a little wander around, enjoy the food and drinks, or enjoy an exhibition. The Wonders of Space event is part of October’s “Lates” and involves stepping inside an inflatable planetarium to discover the origin and evolution of the universe.
Vestry House Museum
Vestry Road Walthamstow, London E17 9NH, 020-8496 4391
Event: Hitchcock’s Halloween
Date: 27-29 October 2016
Time: 18:00 – 21:00
Price: £2 suggested donation for adults, Children go free.
Inspired by the legendary Alfred Hitchcock, Vestry House Museum invites you to help solve the murder of famous actress Charlotte Inwood, with the aid of music, delicious cocktails and cakes. For the full experience, you are encouraged to dress in fancy dress as you will be able to create your own film still in a photo-booth and immerse yourself in a fictitious world of mystery.
Edited by Ivy Joseph
