“It’s the most wonderful time of the year” … well, almost. Right now, it’s the scariest time of the year! To get you in the mood for the 31st of October, I’ve rounded up the spookiest Halloween trails easily accessible from London. From pumpkin-filled farms to a haunted village and even a witch’s cave — the question is, will you dare to hike them?
As October rolls in, the countryside takes on a darker charm — pumpkin fields glow orange, mist creeps over woodland paths, and even familiar trails start to feel a little eerie. Across the South East, several walks transform for the season, with farms and villages embracing the Halloween spirit. Here are the best Halloween trails near London that capture the spooky atmosphere perfectly — best enjoyed with friends or family… but maybe not alone.
At a Glance
In a hurry? No worries — here’s a quick roundup of the best Halloween trails you can enjoy near London.
| County | Distance | Time | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eynsford | Kent | 12.5 mi (20 km) | 5 hours 15 min | Intermediate |
| Pluckley | Kent | 13 mi (20.7 km) | 5 hours 10 min | Intermediate |
| Farnham | Surrey | 12 mi (19 km) | 4 hours 30 min | Intermediate |
| Sussex Hills | Sussex | 12.2 mi (20 km) | 4 hours 30 min | Intermediate |
| Stanhill Farm | Kent | 4.7 mi (7.5 km) | 1 hour 50 min | Easy |
| Chertsey to Addlestone | Surrey | 6.8 mi (10.9 km) | 2 hours 35 min | Easy |
| Joyden’s Wood | Kent | 7.4 m (12 km) | 3 hours | Easy |
Maps of the Best Halloween Trails
Scared of getting lost? 👻
Halloween is definitely not the best time to lose your way in the woods! To make sure you find your way back safely (and in one piece), download the GPX map for each hike. Need help? Follow my step-by-step guide to upload it to your favourite navigation app.
Best Halloween Trails Near London
With that out of the way, let’s dive into the best Halloween walks near London.
1 – Eynsford Circular
This scenic walk around Eynsford captures the cosy charm of autumn — from riverside paths and open fields to a burst of orange as you approach Castle Farm. Around this time of year, the farm transforms into a Halloween haven where you’ll find plenty of seasonal surprises — from pumpkin markets to spooky village decorations and a welcoming pub perfect for a hearty Sunday roast. It’s the ideal Halloween outing for families, friends, or anyone who loves the countryside with a hint of festive fun.
Logistics of the Eynsford Circular
- Distance: 12.5 miles (20.10 km)
- Ascent: 1181 ft (360 m)
- Walking Estimate: 5 hours and 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate
How to get there:
- Train from London Blackfriars to Eynsford. The journey takes 55 minutes
- Train from London Victoria to Eynsford. The journey takes 45 minutes
- Train from Charing Cross to Eynsford. The journey takes 40 minutes or 1 hour depending on the train.
For the return
- Train from Eynsford to London Blackfriars, London Victoria or Charing Cross
- It is a circular walk so you can book a day return ticket
Additional Information:
- There are no toilets at Eynsford Station
- Toilets are available at the King’s Arms in Shoreham where we stop for a break
- This is a dog friendly walk
2 – Pluckley Circular
Welcome to Pluckley — officially recognised as Britain’s most haunted village. Hidden in the Kent countryside, this eerie spot has long drawn ghost hunters and the curious alike, thanks to tales of wandering spirits, mysterious deaths, and chilling encounters around its shadowy crossroads.
Just beyond the village lies Dering Wood, ominously nicknamed the Screaming Woods, where legends of strange sounds and vanished visitors linger to this day. The walk ends fittingly at a cosy country pub — one with its own ghostly reputation. Dare to visit after dark?
Logistics for the Pluckley Loop
- Distance: 12.86 miles (20.70 km)
- Total Ascent: 696 feet (212 m)
- Highest Point: 331 ft (101 m)
- Lowest Point: 78.7 ft (24 m)
- Walking Estimate: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate
How to get there:
- Direct trains from Charing Cross to Pluckley.
- The journey takes 1 hour and 10 minutes.
For the return:
- Train from Pluckley to Charing Cross
- As it is a circular walk you can book a day return ticket
Additional Information
- There are no toilets at Pluckley Station
- Toilets are available at the George in Bethersden and the Black Horse in Pluckley
- This is not a stile free walk (there are many on the way)
- This walk is not suitable for dogs as not all stiles have a dog gate and we are crossing through farms with livestock, including bulls.
Where to eat and drink:
- Black Horse, Pluckley, Kent
3 – Farnham Circular
Starting in the historic market town of Farnham, this trail takes you deep into local legend. Just beyond the town lies Mother Ludlam’s Cave — said to be home to a kindly witch and the scene of a fateful encounter with the Devil himself. The surrounding hills still carry traces of that tale, with eerie names like the Devil’s Jump and Kettle Bury hinting at the story’s fiery escape.
From there, the walk leads past the haunting ruins of Waverley Abbey and through the cinematic landscapes of Bourne Wood — a filming location for Gladiator and The Witcher. A mix of myth, history, and movie magic, this walk is perfect for a Halloween adventure with a supernatural twist.
Logistics for the Farnham circular walk
- Distance: 12 miles (19km)
- Total Ascent: 328 ft (100 m)
- Highest Point: 358 ft (110 m)
- Lowest Point: 164 ft (50 m)
- Walking estimate: 4 hours and a half to 5 hours
- Difficulty: Intermediate
How to get there:
- Train from London Waterloo to Farnham
- The journey takes approximately 1 hour
For the return:
- Train from Farnham to London Waterloo
- It is a circular walk so you can book a day return ticket
Additional Information
- There are toilets available at Farnham Station
- Customer Toilets are available at the Barley Mow Pub in Tilford
- This is a dog friendly walk
Where to eat and drink:
- The Barley Mow, Tilford, Surrey
4 – The Haunted Hills of Sussex
This walk takes you across the haunted hills of Sussex — Cissbury Ring and Chanctonbury Ring — said to have been formed by the Devil himself. Legend has it he dug the nearby Devil’s Dyke in anger at the number of churches in Sussex, flinging earth aside to create the two hills.
Cissbury is known for ghostly sightings and tales of dancing fairies, hidden treasure, and a wandering highwayman. At Chanctonbury Ring, things turn darker — walk around the trees seven times anti-clockwise, and the Devil might just appear… if you’re brave enough.
Logistics for the Haunted Hills of Sussex Walk
- Distance: 12.24 miles (20 km)
- Total Ascent: 1204 feet (367 meters)
- Walking estimate: 4 hours and 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate
How to get there:
- Direct trains from London Bridge to Worthing
- The journey takes 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Tickets can be pricey, but here’s a money-saving trick: book two separate journeys — London Bridge to Preston Park, then Preston Park to Worthing. You’ll stay on the same train, but splitting the fare often works out cheaper, so it’s worth checking prices before you book.
For the return:
- Direct train from Lancing to London Bridge
- The journey takes 1 hour and 15 minutes
- No need to split your journey for the return the train tickets are more affordable
- Lancing and Worthing are not on the same train line so you cannot book an day return
Additional Information
- There are toilets at Worthing Train Station
- There are no toilets at Lancing Train Station
- There are no public toilets on this walk
- This is a dog friendly hike
5 – Stanhill Farm Walk
If you’re after a dose of countryside and Halloween fun without venturing too far from London, this autumn walk in Kent delivers.Starting from Swanley, the route winds through the town’s green spaces, including the family-friendly Swanley Park, before leading you into open fields and peaceful lanes. Your destination? Stanhill Farm, where rows of pumpkins in every size and colour await — the perfect reward after a gentle countryside stroll.
Logistics of the Stanhill Farm Walk
- Distance: 4.7 miles (7.5 km)
- Total Ascent: 128 ft (39 m)
- Highest Point: 269 ft (82 m)
- Lowest Point: 151 ft (46 m)
- Walking Estimate: 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
How to get there:
- Train from London Blackfriars to Swanley. The journey takes 50 minutes
- Train from London Charing Cross to Swanley. The journey takes 30 minutes
- Train from London Victoria to Swanley. The journey takes 35 minutes
- Swanley is on the TFL network, fare zone 8, so you can travel by Oyster card or contactless payment
For the Return
- It is a circular walk so you can go back to London the same way you came
Additional Information
- This is a stile-free walk
- This is a dog-friendly walk but dogs are not allowed at Stanhill Farm
- Public toilets are available at Swanley Park
- Visitor toilets are available at Stanhill Farm
6 – Chertsey to Addesltone Walk
Follow the Thames Path from the historic town of Chertsey to Addlestone on this peaceful autumn walk that ends with a festive twist. The route winds along quiet riversides paths and even include a ferry crossing.
The trail finishes at Crockford Bridge Farm, one of Surrey’s oldest working farms, which transforms into a full-blown Pumpkin Festival every October. Expect vibrant pumpkin fields, creative displays, and plenty of seasonal treats — the perfect finale to a gentle countryside walk with an unmistakably spooky-season vibe.
Logistics of the Chertsey to Addlestone Walk
- Distance: 6.8 miles (10.9 km)
- Ascent: 32.8 ft (10 m)
- Highest Point: 49 ft (15 m)
- Lowest Point: 29.5 ft (9 m)
- Walking Estimate: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
How to get there:
- Direct train from London Waterloo to Chertsey
- The journey takes around 1 hour.
- Return Options:
For the return :
- Direct train from Addlestone to London Waterloo. The journey takes 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Train to Weybridge and change at Weybridge for a train to London Waterloo. This route is faster and takes under 1 hour.
Additional Information
- No public toilets at Chertsey and Addlestone stations
- Visitor toilets are available at Crockford Bridge Farm during ticketed events
- Stile-free walk
- Dogs are not allowed at Crockford Bridge Farm during pumpkin-picking season but are welcome in communal areas outside of event times
Where to eat and drink:
- Ferry Coffee Shop, Shepperton
- Ice cream Parlour, Crockfordbridge Farm
7 – Joyden’s Wood Walk
Just beyond London’s outskirts, the Joyden’s Wood Walk offers a mix of history, woodland calm, and autumn colour. Starting in Swanley, the trail passes through Swanley Park before leading you into Joyden’s Wood — an ancient forest once shaped by Saxon defences and wartime stories. Towards the end of the route, a short detour leads to Beck Evans Farm, where pumpkin fields add a seasonal touch to the walk.
Logistics of the Joyden’s Wood Walk
- Distance:7.4 miles (12 km)
- Ascent: 207 ft (63 m)
- Highest Point: 295 ft (90 m)
- Lowest Point: 52 ft (16 m)
- Walking Estimate: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
How to get there:
- Direct train from London Victoria to Swanley (35 minutes).
- Return: Direct train from Bexley to Charing Cross via London Bridge (40 minutes).
For the return:
- Direct train from Bexley to Charing Cross via London Bridge
- The journey takes 40 minutes
Additional Information
- Toilets are available at Swanley and Bexley stations
- Public toilets can also be found in Swanley Park
- There is one stile on this walk
- This is a dog-friendly walk
Where to eat and drink:
- Tanyard Lane Bar & Kitchen, Bexley
- Penelope’s, Beck Evans Farm
Final Thoughts on Spooky Halloween Trails
Whether you’re after a family day out filled with Halloween spirit or a spine-tingling adventure with friends, these spooky trails have you covered. From ghostly legends to witchy folklore — or simply a bit of pumpkin shopping — it’s time to embrace the spirit of the scariest night of the year! 🎃
What’s your favourite spooky Halloween walk? Let me know in the comments below!
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