Halloween is the time of year when the air gets a little chillier, the leaves turn various shades of orange, and everyone embraces their inner ghoul or witch for a night of spooky fun. If you’re planning a Halloween bash in London, what better way to set the eerie atmosphere than by delving into the city’s rich history of urban myths and legends? Here’s a list of some of the spookiest tales that will send shivers down your spine as you celebrate this ghoulish holiday in the heart of England.

1. The Highgate Vampire

Highgate Cemetery in London has long been associated with eerie happenings, but none so chilling as the legend of the Highgate Vampire. In the 1970s, reports of a tall, dark figure with piercing red eyes roaming the cemetery spread like wildfire. Locals claimed to have witnessed this supernatural creature, leading to numerous vampire hunts. Although there’s no concrete proof of a vampire’s existence, the tale endures, making Highgate Cemetery the perfect backdrop for a Halloween party.

London’s underground system is not only the oldest in the world – it is also steeped in spooky legends! Commuters and staff have reported ghostly apparitions, mysterious sounds, and eerie encounters with the ‘Phantom of the Underground.’ One famous tale involves a train operator who, in 1987, claimed to have seen a World War II-era ghost train pull into the platform. If you’re looking for a spine-tingling experience, consider a Halloween bash in a disused Tube station.

Look no further than the Enfield Poltergeist if you’re in the mood for some classic supernatural tales. This paranormal activity occurred in the London borough of Enfield during the late 1970s. Two sisters, aged 11 and 13, claimed to be haunted by a poltergeist that caused furniture to move, strange noises to echo through the house and even levitated the girls. While the authenticity of the case is still debated, it makes for an excellent source of inspiration for a Halloween party’s haunted house theme. Better yet, you can have more fun at your party by considering funfair hires like games and rides, to add to the thrill of the occasion!

One of the most famous stories within the Tower of London’s dark history is the legend of the headless nun. It is said that Anne Boleyn, one of Henry VIII’s ill-fated wives, was executed within the Tower, and her ghost now roams the grounds in search of her lost head. Hosting a Halloween bash near the Tower would add an eerie historical touch to your celebration as you and your guests revel in the macabre history.

Osterley Park, an 18th-century mansion on the outskirts of London, has a rather unsettling tale of a crying girl. Legend has it that the ghostly figure of a young girl roams the park, sobbing and begging for help. Her identity and the reason for her haunting remain unknown, making it a great choice for a haunted garden party or outdoor Halloween event.