The fright season is upon us, which can only mean one thing: Halloween is here! This year feels like it's had enough tricks already, so we say bring on the treats. While we might not be able to get any treats by dressing up and knocking on doors, there's nothing wrong with celebrating Halloween in our own little way.
With that in mind, we thought that you might like to know where London's spookiest areas are located. So light up the pumpkins, get your best vampire outfit on, and read on to discover the scariest neighbourhoods in the capital.
Hyde Park
Lush greens, the serpentine, horse riding and exhibitions – at first glance, Hyde Park seems anything but scary. Dig a little deeper, though, and you'll find some eerie goings-on at Hyde Park in the form of a burial ground that is located just behind Victoria Gate Lodge.
It's the resting ground of 300 pets in graves marked by tiny headstones and dates back to the 1880s, though it's not even open to the public. The garden graveyard is also near Tyburn, a site that saw thousands of people executed over the centuries.
Whitechapel
Today, the east London neighbourhood of Whitechapel is the gateway to the City and full of shiny apartment buildings that are the envy of many areas in the capital. However, Whitechapel has a terrifying past and was the place where the infamous Jack the Ripper preyed on his victims.
Between August and November 1888, the serial killer was believed to have murdered and mutilated five women. Jack the Ripper has since gone on to become one of London's most notorious – and scariest – tales in London history.
Tottenham
Do you fancy visiting a castle in Tottenham? How about one that doubles up as a museum? Sounds great, right? There's just one catch: it's haunted! Each November, the Bruce Museum Castle features a silhouette of Lady Constantia Lucy, who stares out the window at passers-by.
Poor Lady Lucy killed herself by jumping off the balcony of the castle in the seventeenth century, taking her child with her. Why did she kill herself? It turns out that her husband kept her locked up in a tiny room, and she felt like her only escape was death.
Greenwich
Greenwich is full of maritime history with its Cutty Sark, Observatory and the lush greens of Greenwich Park. And it turns out that the south London neighbourhood also has the chill factor, which can be found in the Greenwich foot tunnel.
Set deep below the River Thames, the creepy tunnel was built in 1902 so that the dock workers could cross the river to work. It's dimly lit, ramping up the scare-o-meter a notch, and you'll do well to complete the long walk without any chills, thanks to the dripping ceilings. Dark, wet and creepy – it's one of London's scariest features.
Highgate
Highgate is one of London's most sought-after postcodes, thanks to its sweeping green space, charming period homes and village-like atmosphere. But there are some eerie happenings in the N6 postcode, mostly at The Flask, an iconic – and haunted – pub.
In fact, there are reports of two hauntings at The Flask. Rumour has it that the ghost of a Spanish barmaid wanders the premieres after she hung herself in the cellar when the publican she was in love with broke her heart. There's also a man in a Cavalier's uniform to look out for, who haunts the main bar. So keep an eye out on who's serving your drinks.
Tower of London
It will come as no surprise to learn that one of London's oldest landmarks is also one of its most haunted. There are so many scary tales of the Tower of London that it's hard to keep up. Let's just say that a lot of creepy stuff has gone down over the centuries.
From ghostly children wandering the gardens to a screaming Countess, there are several tales of the tower. Over the years, there were six beheadings, including Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey. It might just be London's most haunted place.
Fright night
London is an amazing city, full of vibrancy. But it also has a dark past, one which still lingers in the dark alleyways, centuries' old landmarks and the unvisited corners of the parks. The next time you're out and about in London, keep an eye out for the strange and scary ghouls that may be lurking in the shadows. 👻
