Fright night fun

12:37pm Thursday 30th October 2008

Halloween falls in half term this year and it promises to be one of the biggest scarefests yet. JAMES MURPHY finds the best places to go

JACK THE RIPPER AND THE EAST END

This gruesome exhibition takes a look at original police files and crime scene photographs to see if you can identify the mysterious killer.

• Museum of London, Docklands. Tickets are free. For more information call 0870 444 3851 or visit museumindocklands.org.uk

DOCTOR WHO EXHIBITION

Where is better to celebrate everything that’s a little bit out of this world than in the company of England’s greatest time-travelling hero? The exhibition, held in Earls Court, is hosting a special fancy dress weekend and anyone under sixteen who arrives dressed up gets in for free. The museum features several incredible creatures from the series, including Ood, Cybermen and, of course, the terrifying Daleks. As an extra special treat (or should that be trick?) on Halloween night the most evil of creatures will finally be unveiled. Davros will arrive in the all new ‘Dalek Zone’, complete with original props, costumes, monsters and behind the scenes information. The exhibition will tell you everything you need to know about the Doctor’s universe.

• Earls Court, London. Open 10am -9pm on Friday October 31, 10am to 6pm on November. 1 and 2. Adult tickets are priced at £9.75. Visit eco.co.uk

LONDON ZOO: HIDE AND FREAK

Get up close with the most freaky of creatures at London Zoo, where you’ll be introduced to run into seven foot high megabugs as they march in the giant insects parade. There’s a new demonstration that aims to get you up close and personal with real insects, including a praying mantis, where you’ll be invited to meet and touch some of the zoo’s most interesting inhabitants. There’s also an interactive story session, and an exploration into the animals that go in fancy dress in order to survive.

• London Zoo, October 31 November 2. Tickets are priced at £15.40 for adults, £11.90 for children, with concession discounts available. For more information visit zsl.org.uk

HAMPTON COURT

With regular ghost sightings, Hampton Court is definitely one of the top places to experience a ghost tour.

Specifically made for kids, the new tour takes you around the grounds, sneaking your head round corners and creeping through dark areas to see if you come across anything spooky. Prepare to be a little scared.

• Hampton Court Palace, at 17.30 on Sunday November 2 Tickets are £12.50 for children 8-12, and it is advised to book in advance. To do so call the box office on 0844 482 7795 or hrp.org.uk

LONDON EYE

Once a year, at Halloween no less, the London Eye becomes an evil portal for wicked forces to enter the city and make mischief. Embark on a journey through Wizard Belvedere magical laboratory and become an apprentice as you try to help rid London of the evil witch that has made it through the portal and stolen the Wizard’s memory. The storytelling guides add a new element to the London Eye as you look at London in the most fantastical way.

• London Eye, tours are at 4pm, 5pm, 6pm until Sunday November 2. Tickets are £20 for adults, and £15 for children.

For more information visit www.londoneye.com

LONDON BRIDGE EXPERIENCE AND THE LONDON TOMBS

Explore Halloween through the ages and expects some ghostly surprises on the 45min tour of one of London’s scariest attractions.

Or if you have got what it takes go down at night to the dark scary tombs on a 25 minute Fear of The dark Tour (until November 2) from 7 pm to 11.30pm. However the ultimate scarefest has to be the Spooky Sleepover on November 15. Tuck into a buffet meal, watch some scary movies and listen to ghost stories, all in aid of St John Ambulance, £35 registration fee and a pledge to raise a minimum sponsorship of £150. Over 18’s only. Call 7324 4177.

• Until November 9. London Bridge Experience and london Tombs 2-4 Tooley Street SE1 Tickets: tours £19.95 15-17’s £14.95. Visit www.thelondonbridgeexperience.com

TOWER OF LONDON EXPERIENCE The eerie shadows at the Tower of london after the visitors leave on one of the Twilight Tours. A Yeoman Warder regales visitors with tales of past residents and the secrets kept within the ancient walls of the Tower. Wednesdays only from 7pm. Booking essential Tel: 0844 482 7777. November 5 to March 1 (excluding Dec) • Tower of London Tower Hill EC3. Tickets for Twilight Tours £25 (includes a souvenir book) Visit: hrp.org.uk