Halloween at Kew 2026: when is the evening trail, what do tickets include and which timed entry suits families?

Halloween at Kew opens today, Friday 16 October 2026, turning Kew Gardens into an after-dark trail with Dracula's Lair, a Cursed Tomb, a Medieval Dungeon, a Forest Ritual, a Monster Disco, the Headless Horseman and fire performers. The event runs until Sunday 1 November, with non-member adult tickets priced from £19.50 off-peak and £24 at peak times. Kew says capacity is limited and advises booking a preferred date and time in advance. This guide uses the organiser’s published visitor information, reports The WP Times.

From 16 to 24 October the trail is open from 18:00 to 22:00. From 25 October, covering the October half-term, it opens earlier at 16:00, so families with young children can visit in daylight. Last entry is strictly 20:30.

Halloween at Kew 2026: dates and times

How much are tickets?

Tickets are timed, non-refundable and non-exchangeable. The £1 tickets for Universal Credit and Pension Credit recipients do not apply to this event. A limited number of Anytime tickets are available.

What is new this year?

• Dracula's Lair;
• the Cursed Tomb;
• a Medieval Dungeon;
• a Forest Ritual;
• the Monster Disco;
• the return of the Headless Horseman;
• fire performers.

How scary is it?

Kew groups its sessions by darkness. Daylight slots, up to 18:00 during half-term, suit very young children. Twilight, from 18:00 to 19:30, is more atmospheric and spookier. Moonlight, after 19:30, is the scariest, although Kew says all sessions are suitable for all ages. Children who are easily frightened will usually be more comfortable in the earliest slots.

Gates, food and practical tips

Wear sturdy shoes and warm layers: the trail is outdoors and paths can be muddy after rain.

How to get there

Kew Gardens station (District line and Overground) is a five-minute walk from Victoria Gate. From Westminster and Pimlico, consider the Richmond branch of the District line from Westminster, St James's Park or Victoria. Check the live journey planner before setting out; engineering work and service changes can affect the route. Kew Bridge rail station, served from Waterloo, is close to Elizabeth Gate.

Before you book your evening

Start with the people in your party rather than the latest available time. An earlier visit may make more sense if a child has an early bedtime or finds dark outdoor spaces unsettling. Check the gate on your booking as well as the date: an arrival plan for one entrance will not necessarily suit another. Keep the confirmation easy to find on your phone, and allow time for everyone to reach the entrance together.

Keep food, drinks and the journey home in your budget alongside admission. If you are comparing member and non-member prices, select the correct ticket type before paying. Daytime garden admission and this evening experience are separate, so do not assume an ordinary daytime booking covers the trail. For a group with different preferences, agree on the entry slot before purchasing; the organiser says tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded.

Frequently asked questions

When does Halloween at Kew start?

Friday 16 October 2026, running until 1 November.

How much is Halloween at Kew?

Adult tickets start at £19.50 off-peak and £24 at peak times.

Is it suitable for young children?

Yes, especially the earlier sessions; the later Moonlight slots are the scariest.

What time is last entry?

20:30, with the Gardens closing at 22:00.

Read also:

• More London news and visitor guides from The WP Times

Materials used: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — event and ticket information; Kew’s 2026 programme announcement; Kew visitor FAQs.