This autumn, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, once again undergoes a dramatic transformation asHalloween at Kewreturns for its second year. From Friday 17 October to Sunday 2 November, the UNESCO World Heritage site will be reimagined after dark with an immersive light trail that blends nature, performance, and artistry in a uniquely enchanting way.
The 1.5-kilometre route unfurls across Kew’s historic landscape, leading guests through a sequence of exquisitely eerie scenes. Visitors can expect bewitched trees glowing in spectral light, an abandoned fairground and a mausoleum, while newly introduced elements promise fresh intrigue. Among them are a giant spider installation and a captivating laser sequence inspired by underground mycelial networks. Live performers punctuate the journey with dramatic flair: a sinister ringmaster, Frankenstein’s monster, and even the ghostly silhouette of the headless horseman may all be encountered in the shadows.
Each evening is divided into three sessions – Daylight, Twilight and Moonlight – with the atmosphere intensifying as the sun sets. The earlier sessions are perfectly suited to families seeking a gentler adventure, while the later hours invite guests to embrace the full theatricality of the event as darkness deepens and the spectacle takes on an ever more haunting quality.
Adam Thow, Head of Commercial Activities at RBG Kew, comments:“We were thrilled with the incredible response to the launch of Halloween at Kew last year, and we’re excited to introduce new thrills for 2025. It’s a fantastic way for families and friends to enjoy the Gardens in a new light and make magical Halloween memories together.”
Produced by Raymond Gubbay Limited and created by Culture Creative – the imaginative force behind the much-lovedChristmas at Kew– the trail promises to be a highlight of London’s cultural calendar this autumn, offering an otherworldly fusion of natural beauty and spectral artistry.
Tickets are priced at £22 for adults (peak) and £18.50 (off-peak), £16 for children (peak) and £13 (off-peak), with family tickets available from £59. Advance booking is essential via kew.org.
