Spooky! Kent’s best decorated Halloween houses
14:51, 27 October 2023
updated: 14:34, 30 October 2023
Halloween is just around the corner and everyone is getting into the spooky spirit.
Some Kent residents love the season so much, they go above and beyond – creating a boo-tiful display in front of their home. We’ve rounded up the best decorated properties across the county for you to visit…
Starting off strong we have the Hedges Haunted House in Wigmore Road, Rainham.
Lavinia Hedges, 26, and her mum Nicola have created a number of extravagant displays in recent years and raised thousands for charity.
In March last year their front garden was filled with bunnies, flowers, chicks and Easter eggs for spring.
Passers-by were also encouraged to don their robes and wands for their previous Harry Potter-themed Halloween display.
Lavinia said: “Planning for this takes months, and we need to know what props we have or anything that we can upcycle.
“It has taken us a week and a half to put everything up this time – but it’s so worth it for our community.
“We love all the seasons and we love spreading joy.”
This year they are “calling all foolish mortals” to come down to see their haunted house display, take lots of pictures and donate.
The chosen charity is My Shining Star, which supports families going through childhood cancer.
If you would like to donate, click here.
You can also pop cash through their letterbox or in a number of pots outside.
If you venture along Carnation Road in Strood, you can spot a spidery display.
Childminder Liesa Grace has been putting up Halloween decorations every year for the last three years.
“I do it for the community,” the mum-of-two said.
“I look after children, so it is all about the kids. We love to get them involved.”
“Plus I’m a big kid myself,” she added. “I was a Hocus Pocus witch last year and will be Maleficent this time round.
“We give sweets out and then head into town.
“I love seeing the everyone’s faces – you have to make it fun!”
Sticking with the spider theme, full-time carer Emma Cox has created a haunted house display in Randolph Road, Gillingham.
“We love Halloween – it gives the kids something to look forward to,” the 48-year-old said.
“They make such an effort with their costumes, and seeing the house just makes their day.
“We have built up decorations over the last 10 years.
“It keeps getting bigger and bigger.”
Emma says the only issue they have is not having a garden, so most items are put out on the big day.
If you pay them a visit, make sure to look out for a 6ft animatronic skeleton playing the guitar.
Even shop owners are embracing the spooky season – one of those is The Curvy Boutique in Hythe High Street.
Lavinia Asquith has created a skeleton bride in her window display, complete with silver skulls.
Kieron King drew nationwide attention last year with a ginormous homemade spider that took over the side of his home.
The family’s front garden in Lower Rainham Road, Gillingham, was also filled with cobwebs, skeletons, lights and smoke machines.
This year he has gone even bigger and better than before, by transforming his home into a magical castle.
His love for Halloween began six years ago and was purely to entertain the children.
“I have the intention of taking it easy and try to put out a couple of decorations each day,” he said.
“But people start beeping when they dive past and want to see it all. Then I'll rush to get it done within 24 hours.”
The dad-of-five is raising money for Demelza hospice and is hoping to smash last year’s target of £4,000.
If you would like to donate, click here.
Do you know of any more Halloween houses? Comment below so others know where else to visit.