Halloween in Bristol - 2015 - Family Events
Posted on: 05 Oct 2015This year’s Halloween falls perfectly on a Saturday, meaning there’s plenty going on and no excuse not to get in the spirit. Whether you’re looking for a family friendly disco, a great evening at a pub, or something a little more unusual, then our list has you covered.
There’s so much going on in our great city that it’s impossible not to find something that fits your bill. We’ve had a good scout around and selected our favourites. So, in no particular order, here’s the best Bristol has to offer this Halloween…
Haunted and Hidden Ghost Walk
This excellent tour of some of Bristol’s creepier historical locations won the 2014 Trip Advisor ‘Certificate of Excellence’, was voted number 1 on GWR FM'S ‘Top 20 Things to do in Bristol’ and has been featured on the TV show Most Haunted. The route of the tour takes in some of Bristol darker and creepier historical locations along with film and TV locations. The tour delivers historical fact and TV and film trivia with a good dose of humour.
Already a hugely popular Bristol attraction, booking for the Halloween special tours, at 7pm and 9pm on Saturday 31st Oct is required in advance by emailing Fabulous208@hotmail.com or by calling 0776 6258407
Bristol Zombie Walk
Does exactly what it says on the tin – zombies walking around Bristol. A massive success last year has seen the likely attendees shoot way past 1,000 for this event. Meeting at 12pm on College Green, the assembled hoards will be there for an hour to explain the route, dish out some last minute tips and cricket bats (should you need to stop off at The Winchester) and finish off your make-up.
This event is seriously worth checking out and is a lot of fun – here’s the Facebook event for all the details you need.
Family Halloween Boat Trip
On Saturday 31st from 2.30 – 4pm, Dress up as your favourite ghost or ghoul and join storyteller Michael Loader for a spooky storytelling river tour to their famous Floating Ballast Seed Garden. All for just £5 Adults, £3 concessions and under 12s, with under children 5 going free. For more creepy activities drop into Arnolfini's Light and Dark Studios between 1pm-5pm to create your own costumes, backgrounds and props to make their spooky film Attack of the Giant Plants. All the info is right here.
Halloween Festival at Bristol Zoo Gardens
For the whole Half-Term week of 22 October – 1 November, Bristol Zoo Gardens are offering £5 entry for children with a full paying adult. Besides the already packed schedule of events and attractions, you can expect plenty of Halloween-filled fun. Your little ghosts and ghouls can make their own ghost to take home, listen to ghost stories with their master of storytelling, join the fancy dress parade – and even add to that with some face painting! – and take a ghoulish trail around the zoo with a prize at the end! For further info, and how to claim your £5 entry, click here.
Fright Night at Bristol Zoo Gardens
Definitely for the 18 and overs, though we thought we'd include it here as it's a little more unusual, Fright Night returns for 2015. With a choice of SAW or Paranormal Activity, your evening will be kicked off in either gruesome or terrifying style. As if that wasn’t enough you will then join a blood curdling after dark experience around the Zoo, where you’ll never know what’ll be around the next corner. The event is on both the Friday 30th and Saturday 31st October. The SAW event runs from 5.45pm – 8.30pm and the event showing Paranormal Activity runs from 7.45pm – 10.45pm. Tickets are £12 and can be booked in advance here.
Night at the Cemetery – Family Tour of Arnos Vale
From 6pm on Friday October 30th and 4:30pm on Saturday October 31st, you and your little monsters can discover nocturnal creatures, hidden histories and tall tales. Dress up as your favourite Halloween creature, spook or character. Suitable for children aged 5+ years. Bring a torch and all your courage to discover the scary stories, terrible tales and fearsome creatures at Arnos Vale. Tickets are just £12 per family (2 adults and up to 3 children) and available here. Bring a torch, a coat and all your courage!
Halloween Party at The Lamplighters
The Lamplighters – Perhaps Bristol’s ultimate hidden gem – is a 250 year old free-house (so no pandering to breweries) that sports a view rivaled only by The White Lion’s vista across the Clifton Suspension Bridge. If you’re looking for something a little more family friendly this Halloween, though not ‘tame’ by any means, then The Lamplighters might just be your very best bet. Running from 5pm til 11pm,there’s a family disco and BBQ with kids’ party games from 5-6pm…and prizes for best costumes! Last year’s event was a huge success and is still talked about to this day. Visit their website for further info.
Last, but certainly not least…it’s the World Cup Final. So whether you’re getting in to the Halloween spirit or not, it’s going to be a great day. There are plenty of places in Bristol to watch the big game and here is the link to our best places to watch the rugby.
Our list of over 18s only events will follow very shortly so keep checking back for that. There’s a huge number of events throughout the city so that’s a definite must-read.
Tags: Halloween, Events, Free, Family, Kids, Children, Friday, Saturday, Disco, Party, Drinks.
Article by:
Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
