It’s the spookiest, creepiest, scariest time of year (why do we celebrate this again!?) It’s time to dress up as brain-eating zombies, blood-thirsty vampires, cauldron-stewing witches and whatever the latest meme is… The Unknown!? Whether you’re spooking yourself at a scare park or watching a B-movie horror film in a scary location, there’s a splattering of harrowing Halloween events to choose from in Bristol.
1. Pick your very own pumpkin
Before you do anything else on Halloween (even before dressing up!) you have to pick your own pumpkin to carve. Luckily, there are several local Bristol pumpkin patches nearby. Many of these are open to the public for the entire month of October, so there’s no excuse for not being prepared this year. We suggest maybe picking up a couple, however, just in case your jack-o’-lantern carving skills aren’t quite up to scratch.
2. Discover the chilling universe of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
Meet the Queen of Horror herself with a trip to Bath this Halloween at Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein. The spine-tingling, immersive attraction not only plunges you into Shelley’s extraordinary life but lets you discover the enduring impact of her haunting masterpiece. You will encounter chilling artefacts, terrifying effects, and a colossal, eight-foot-tall animatronic creature in this 300-year-old townhouse. To learn more about Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein head here.
3. Head to a huge Halloween rave
If you want to party this Halloween, there’s no better place than Motion. On October 31, the club is throwing the biggest ever 16+ Halloween rave in Bristol. Elsewhere, There’s also a free Halloween rave at Lakota and a Halloween 90’s & 00’s party at The Fleece on October 31.
4. Go on a ghost tour of Bristol
There are many incredible ghost tours of Bristol, but to single out just one, we’ll pick this one-of-a-kind ghostly adventure, Bristol Ghost Tours. On this fully guided, costumed tour, you will explore chilling tales, thrilling crowd interactions, and an unforgettable journey through the underbelly of Bristol – stopping at the likes of The Hatchet Inn,
Christmas Steps and more haunted spots.
5. Face your fears at this Scream Park
FEAR, the UK’s most renowned and award-winning Scream Park, returns to Avon Valley for 11 terrifying nights this Halloween in Bristol from October 11. FEAR invites you to this hair-raising multi-sensory immersive event. Witness the notorious fire show, experience an immersive exorcism in a gripping sit-down encounter, and dine like cannibals at a unique dining experience. Plus plenty more bone-chilling attractions, as well as funfair rides and street entertainment.
6. Tuck into a Day of the Dead dinner
Closely related to Halloween (although often overlooked in the UK) Day of the Dead is a Mexican tradition where families reunite with the souls of their dead relatives – we’d recommend watching Pixar’s Coco to learn more. But for a taste of Dia de Los Muertos, head down to Wapping Wharf’s Cargo Cantina and Condesa on Whiteladies Road this weekend (October 31 to November 3). Where the Mexican restaurants are serving up a selection of special dishes to celebrate the Day of the Dead!
7. Follow this terrifying turnip trail
The SS Great Britain is hosting a terrifying turnip lantern trail this Halloween. From October 26 to November 3, this quirky trail features glowing turnips around the dockyard and ship, as well as fun facts about Victorian Halloween traditions. Families can also settle in for a new spine-chilling storytelling experience, with a costumed Victorian sharing ghostly tales on board.
You can also expect a modern twist on a spooky Victorian parlour trick, Pepper’s Ghost – the optical illusion, popularised by scientist John Henry Pepper in the 19th century, uses light, glass, and reflections to conjure ghostly apparitions. Meanwhile, back by popular demand, ‘Woeful Wounds’ returns with a botanical twist in 2024, with special effects makeup artists from SGS College recreating realistic cuts, rashes, and blisters for brave young sailors.
8. Watch these Bristol-based horror movies/shows
Yes, Bristol is colourful, but it’s also pretty creepy at times – just checking out all these haunted locations if you don’t believe me. But that makes it great for some terrifying horror movies and TV shows t00 – from psychological thriller Deadly Strangers (1975) to horror comedy Being Human (2008-2013). To see the horror films and TV shows set in Bristol head here.
9. Explore the witchy depths of Wookey Hole
The nearby Wookey Hole was once the home of a witch. Anything that went wrong in the local village was blamed on her. That is until, according to local legend, the people had enough. The villagers asked the help of a monk from Glastonbury who turned her to stone in the caves with Holy Water, where she remains. This year, from October 5 to November 3, visitors are invited to enter the caves if they dare – although we expect more treats than tricks at this special witching week at Wookey Hole.
You’ll explore the caves, learn about the Legend of the Witch and see where delicious local cheese is matured. Once out of the caves, join in the Giant Pumpkin trail and solve a mystery to win Halloween treats, before heading to the 4D cinema for Happy Family: Next Level 4D. There will also be a Halloween Circus Show, Monster Golf and a Daily Fancy Dress Competition. Learn more here.
10. Grab something to read from this haunted bookshop
So we don’t think it’s actually haunted. That’s just what it’s called. The Haunted Bookshop. Now open in Stokes Croft in time for Halloween, this horror-themed independent bookshop is a great addition to the literary scene of Bristol – thanks to a “carefully curated collection of horror, fantasy, and witchcraft books.” It’s also going to be stocking “witchy items” like brooms, ritual candles, herbs, and many feminist gifts.
11. Follow this Halloween light trail
When the sun goes down, a whole new world lights up at WWT Slimbridge this Halloween.
Journey along the Halloween Light Trail from October 11 to November 3, and discover everything from the Marsh Witch and her potions to Kingfisher Kitchen and its street food treats. Plus, make a wish in the pond, get creative in the arts and crafts zone, or toast marshmallows in the firepit. You can learn more here.
12. Watch horror movies in Bristol’s scariest locations
This Halloween, if you’re feeling brave enough you can watch scary films in possibly some of the spookiest places in the city with Bristol Film Festival. You could watch The Sixth Sense at The Mount Without on October 29; The Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Station on October 31; and, most terrifyingly, Event Horizon at The Planetarium (October 29). Other scary films showing across October include The Others, Saw, It Follows, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and many more. To check out all the movies screening this Halloween head here.
13. Believe in the Beast
Now that summer’s over, “the world’s first ‘Amazement Park’” is preparing to transition through the seasons – with spooky touches scattered throughout Wake The Tiger to get visitors in the trick-or-treating mood. Only adding to the eerie ambience, from Wednesday, October 2, mysterious beastly footprints will begin appearing throughout the venue. You’ll be invited to bring this creature to life in a drawing competition and the five winning artworks will receive a free annual pass to Wake The Tiger.
14. Solve a murder at Clifton Observatory
Known for being Bristol’s most gorgeous spot, Clifton Observatory becomes a gruesome location on All Hallows Eve. This shocking murder mystery at Clifton Observatory on October 31, includes a three-course meal, a spine-chilling show, and a whole evening of twists and turns. You’ve never experienced the historic location like this before… To learn more head here.
15. Take the family on this Halloween trail
After things to do with kids this Halloween? Discover a fantastical world of Myths and Legends at Bristol Zoo Project this Halloween (October 25 to November 3) – and your little ones can get 50% off entry if they come dressed up in costume! The Howl-oween trail leads around the zoo – passing everyone from spirited lemurs to howling wolves – where you’ll discover fascinating myth-busting talks led by animal experts. Afterwards, step into the Cauldron of Creation for a ‘trick and treat’ surprise… To learn more head here.
16. Follow the Halloween trail
This Halloween map is designed for everyone who loves every and anything spooky! Filled with local Halloween displays, this community-led project collates the scariest Halloween homes in one place. Whether it’s a scarecrow trail or an outdoor light display, explore your neighbourhood and beyond for literally everything Halloween-themed.