Halloween in Bristol 2021: From horror film screenings in caves, to pumpkin picking, scare mazes and more

Look no further - we’ve cherry-picked all the best events in the city for Halloween this year.

There’s something for everyone no matter what your age or how easily you scare.

Tales of the macabre on Brunel’s SS Great Britain (until October 31)

Step aboard this Halloween for some dark tales spanning throughout the history of Brunel’s famous steamship. Outbreaks of disease and accidents on board meant that over 149 people perished. Some say her cabins are still haunted by these lost lives today. Follow the Global Traveller Trail to experience the grim realities of life in steerage, spot the shadows of scurrying rats and listen out for the creaking steps of phantom intruders. Running throughout the day until October 31.

Pick up a pumpkin (from now until October 31)

Go big or ‘gourd’ home. Pumpkin patch events are running in and around Bristol at:

‘Pumpkin Patch’ at Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park (until October 31 from 10am - 4pm each day)

Farrington’s Pumpkin Picking Festival (until October 31 from 10am - 4pm each day)

Pumpkin Fest at Noah’s Ark Farm (until October 31)

Skeloween at Bristol Zoo Gardens (until October 31)

Spot spooky skeletons at Bristol Zoo this October – if you’re brave enough. Running over the October half-term, Skeloween is ‘fun for little ghouls and grown-ups’ alike. Visitors can learn all about the clever bones inside their favourite vertebrates, discover the dark and mysterious Twilight World and spy 12 critically endangered Livingstone’s fruit bats hanging upside down - all while taking in the autumnal colours of Bristol Zoo Gardens.

How to book: Book tickets online by clicking here

FEAR at Avon Valley Scream Park (until October 31)

Not for the faint-hearted, FEAR consists of five intense scare mazes: Anarchy:Live, X4, House of Clowns, VITA NOVA and a brand new maze for 2021. In addition to the scare mazes, Avon Valley have created a festival style experience with immersive street theatre acts and a spectacular fire show. There’s also be thrill rides, visuals, music, street food and bars. Runs from 6pm - 11pm on selected dates throughout October.

How to book: Click here to book tickets.

Murder Mystery at Arnos Manor Hotel (October 29 - 31)

Fun, immersive play with live actors. A TV show séance filmed at a haunted hotel goes terribly wrong, resulting in a murder. You’ll need to interrogate the suspects, decode the clues, and uncover the killer. Built in 1760, the Arnos Manor Hotel is said to be haunted in real life by the ghost of a nun.

When? Start time from 6pm or 9pm, running for two hours

How to book: Click here to book tickets.

Horror film screenings for Bristol Film Festival (October 28 - November 5)

October 28: Disney’s Hocus Pocus, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery (6.30pm - 8.45pm)

October 28: The Witch, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, (9pm - 11pm)

October 30: What We Do in the Shadows, Redcliffe Caves (8pm - 9.45pm)

October 30: Frankenstein, Redcliffe Caves (11am -12.30pm)

October 30: The Lighthouse, Redcliffe Caves (10.15am - 12.15am)

October 30: The Babadook, Redcliffe Caves (3.15pm - 5.15pm)

October 30 - 31: Suspiria, Redcliffe Caves (5.30pm - 7.30pm)

October 31: The Descent, Redcliffe Caves (9.30pm - 11.30pm)

October 31: The Exorcist, Redcliffe Caves (6.30pm - 9.45pm)

November 5: The Nightmare Before Christmas, Arnos Vale Cemetery (5.30pm - 7.30pm)

How to book:For the full list of screenings and to book tickets, click here.

The Sensational Penny Dreadful at Ashton Court (until October 31)

A night of mystery and terror. Four original ghost stories, read to you by actors in the atmospheric Ashton Court Mansion. A thrilling telling of four original uncanny tales by Bristol writers, seated in the atmospheric mansion of one of Bristol’s grandest estates. Readings start at 7.30pm.

How to book: Visit the website here.

Screamplay at Bristol Improv Theatre (October 31)

Get uncomfortable, as your societal fears and personal demons inspire a singular new show. Katy Schutte creates a horror sub-genre movie live on stage, accompanied by improvised lights, sound and original score. Get ready for visceral, scary, funny and moving. You may lose some sleep. Shows run from 2pm - 4pm and 8pm - 10pm.

How to book: Book tickets here.