Greenwich: the best kept secret in London for this Halloween!

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Published on Friday, 07 October 2011 23:19

Last Updated on 07 October 2011

Monica Costa

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Get ghoulish in Greenwich this Halloween – Lantern-lit tours, ghost stories and costume making – Greenwich has plenty on offer to satisfy ghost hunters and spook enthusiasts this Halloween with themed events taking place across the borough. I live in South West London and going to the South East of the capital sometimes feels like a daunting prospect especially during the weekend when traffic reaches its peaks… But I had to change my mind recently when I visited Greenwich several times (by public transport) including the Greenwich Market, The Royal Observatory and the parks. I am such a lover of this area of London now. I have been there so many times in the past 5 months that my son was even picked to be a model for the marketing material of the local Maritime Museum! We almost became part of the furniture of that amazing museum. Here are some of the Greenwich highlights for October 2011.

On 28 October 2011 the Old Royal Naval College will open its doors for ‘Ghostly Tours and Ghoulish Supper’, where guests can explore the venue in the dark of night and hear stories of the spooky encounters said to have taken place there. The tour is followed by a unique opportunity for a traditional bangers and mash supper with drinks in the stunning 17th century Painted Hall which was recently the backdrop for a number of scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean 4. Booking is essential and tickets are £25 each.

Earlier that day, the Old Royal Naval College will host ‘Fun Family Friday’ where families can create Halloween masks and spookily themed mobiles. Children are encouraged to embrace the Halloween spirit and come dressed in their most ghoulish attire. The workshop will run at various times during the day and is suitable for ages five and over. Booking is advised and tickets are £2 per child.

Greenwich Market will celebrate Halloween on 28 October with pumpkins, balloons and the sound of ghostly music. Events at the Market include costume making workshops for both children and adults looking to create Halloween themed outfits, followed by a fashion show where they can show off their creations. Prizes will be awarded for best carved pumpkin and best outfit made.

The Royal Observatory, Greenwich will host a ‘Halloween Skies’ event between 24 and 30 October. Presented live by a Royal Observatory Greenwich Astronomer in the Peter Harrison Planetarium, ‘Halloween Skies’ will give guests an exciting insight into how and where to find the moon, planets, stars and constellations. The show, at London’s only Planetarium, is suitable for the over 5s and booking is required. Tickets are priced at £6.50 for adults and £4.50 for children.

The Queen’s House will host its ‘Halloween Family Fun Day’ on 30 October where children will be encouraged to make their own spooky creations or listen to scary stories. Children will also be able to practice their garish moves at a special dance workshop. Prizes will be awarded to the most spook-tacularly dressed children. Booking is required and tickets are priced at £6 per adult and £3.50 per child.

For more information on Halloween in Greenwich go to www.visitgreenwich.org.uk/halloween

About Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site
Set alongside the Thames in south east London, the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site is home to a number of world-famous visitor attractions including the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the Peter Harrison Planetarium and the Prime Meridian – longitude zero. The Old Royal Naval College, National Maritime Museum and Cutty Sark, the latter currently under restoration, are also part of the World Heritage Site as are Greenwich Theatre, The Fan Museum, the Queen’s House, Greenwich Market, Greenwich Park, St Alfege Church and many vibrant bars, shops and restaurants. Close by is The O2 and British Music Experience.

Greenwich will be awarded Royal Borough status in 2012 as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. It will also be a host borough for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games with events taking place at Greenwich Park, North Greenwich Arena (The O2 arena) and Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich.

Greenwich is just 20 minutes from central London in Zone 2 of London’s travel network. Maritime Greenwich is easily reached via the Docklands Light Railway alighting at Cutty Sark station, or the Southeastern rail service from Charing Cross, London Bridge and Cannon Street. Alternatively visitors can take to the water in a speedy Thames Clipper or a scenic riverboat tour, from piers along the River Thames to Greenwich.