Step into the shadows of Chelsea Physic Garden, this Halloween season, for an unforgettable evening tour that will awaken your senses and ignite your curiosity. Welcome to Creatures of the Night,  an evening tour through London’s oldest botanical garden, where history, mystery, and nature intertwine. As darkness falls, join ecologist Connor Butler on a quest to uncover the secret lives of the nocturnal creatures that call this ancient garden home.

Wander through moonlit paths and Victorian glasshouses, armed with UV torches to reveal the hidden glow of fungi and other strange wonders of the night. From elusive moths fluttering in the dark to glistening slugs, sneaky snails, and perhaps even the flicker of bats overhead, you’ll discover a world that comes alive when the sun goes down. With every step, expect spooky twists, eerie surprises, and tales that blur the line between folklore and ecology.

Sip on a delicious autumn-inspired cocktail (non-alcoholic options available) as you explore the Garden’s most bewitching corners. This is your chance to experience Chelsea Physic Garden as you’ve never seen it before—through the lens of the creatures that lurk in the night.

Whether you’re drawn to the wild, the weird, or the wondrous, this tour promises an evening of enchantment, discovery, and a deep connection to the eerie beauty of nature in this haunting season. Don’t miss your chance to uncover the secrets of the dark—if you dare!

Tour Leader:

Connor Butler

Connor (he/him) is a Queer ecologist and the former Head of Learning & Public Engagement at Chelsea Physic Garden. He has a specialisation in dung beetle ecology and has been surveying London’s dung beetles over the past year. With an aim to help Londoners see “ordinary” wildlife from new perspectives, Connor encourages everyone to take time to appreciate the smallest details in nature and to show love for the often unloved creatures on our diverse planet.