Best Places to Go Trick or Treating in Brighton

Brighton may be best known for Pride and pebbles, but don’t let that fool you — Halloween here is buzzing too. From quirky costumes to cobwebbed porches and pumpkin-lit paths, the city brings its own magic on October 31st.

Whether you’re a long-time local or new to the area, here’s where to trick or treat around town for maximum fun with minimal drama.

The Best Places to Trick or Treat in Brighton

🎃 Hanover

Hanover is Brighton’s rainbow-hued gem — and it doesn’t disappoint at Halloween. Known for its steep hills, artistic vibe, and tight-knit community, this is a top spot for families looking for creativity and energy.

The streets are narrow, so go early to avoid the busiest rush, but don’t miss it: homes often go all-in with DIY decorations, theatrical pumpkins, and even the odd live action “scare.” There’s often a real neighbourly buzz, and kids love spotting the houses with hidden sound effects or surprise treats.

🎃 Fiveways

Arguably one of the most family-focused areas in Brighton, Fiveways is a go-to for safe, well-lit trick-or-treating. The area around Preston Drove, Balfour Road, and Beaconsfield Villas sees high participation, often with themed displays and loads of foot traffic.

Because so many families live here, the vibe is welcoming and warm — think costume parades, parents handing out sweets from folding chairs, and plenty of pumpkins on porches. Expect your kids to fill their buckets fast in this sweet-heavy stretch.

🎃 Preston Park Area

If you’ve got younger kids or want a gentler pace, this is your zone. The Preston Park area, particularly near Beaconsfield Villas and Stanford Avenue, is filled with straight roads, decent pavements, and calm energy.

The homes are close together, so you won’t be trekking too far between stops. Look for homes with teal pumpkins for allergy-friendly treats — and use the Trick or Treat Map to filter those stops in advance.

🎃 Hove (Poets Corner)

Poets Corner in Hove is one of Brighton’s best-kept Halloween secrets. These wide pavements and well-lit avenues are packed with friendly faces and homes that often coordinate for themed streets — past years have included skeleton trails and haunted poetry corners.

Streets like Montgomery Street, Wordsworth Street, and Shakespeare Street are must-visits. Bring a bag with space — families in Hove are famously generous with sweets, and many take the competition for "best display" very seriously.

🎃 Patcham

Further north of the city centre, Patcham offers a more chilled-out experience for those looking to avoid the crowds. It’s popular with families who want a guaranteed good haul without the hassle of parking issues or rowdy crowds.

Look out for well-decorated cul-de-sacs near Ladies Mile Road. Houses often signal their participation clearly with pumpkin displays or lights, and some families offer non-candy options for younger children. It’s also stroller-friendly with good pavement access.

🎃 Elm Grove

Elm Grove may have a studenty reputation, but certain pockets (like Franklin Road and Whippingham Road) come alive on Halloween. It’s a mixed-bag area — expect a combo of quirky student setups and homes with serious Halloween ambition.

You’ll often find creative displays, like DIY haunted windows or themed soundscapes, alongside traditional sweet-giving stops. If you have older kids who want something a little edgier but still safe, Elm Grove is a solid bet.

🎃 Kemptown

Kemptown is vibrant, theatrical, and full of surprises — and that extends to Halloween night. Expect everything from hand-painted signs and light shows to themed front gardens and homemade props.

The area is popular with artists and performers, which makes it one of the most imaginative places to visit. There’s a joyful eccentricity to the whole thing. If you’re after colour, creativity, and the unexpected — this is the place.

🎃 Rottingdean

For a more traditional village feel, head out to Rottingdean. This historic coastal spot mixes cobbled charm with seriously spooky effort. Some streets around The Green and Newlands Road turn into little Halloween havens.

It’s a great pick for a daytime or early evening route with young kids — you can pop by after school, then grab chips on the seafront once the buckets are full. Just keep in mind: things tend to wind down earlier here than in the city centre.

🎃 Hollingdean

Don’t sleep on Hollingdean. Once under-the-radar, this community-driven neighbourhood now sees big participation on Halloween. Streets like Davey Drive and Horton Road usually get involved with decorations and friendly residents welcoming costumed callers.

It’s also close to a few parks and schools, so foot traffic picks up just after 5 PM. The vibe is warm, local, and laid-back. A lovely mid-evening stop if you want something easy and friendly.

🎃 Westdene

Tucked away in the northwest, Westdene offers big treats in a quieter setting. Look for pumpkin-lit homes around Bankside, Eldred Avenue, and Valley Drive. There’s space to park, paths for little feet, and a relaxed feel.

This area often attracts families from surrounding neighbourhoods because it’s so easy to navigate. It's also perfect if you're starting later in the evening — homes here tend to stay open for trick or treaters until around 8:30 PM.

💬 What Brighton Locals Say:

We asked our Trick or Treat community to input into this guide — here’s what some of them had to say!

"Fiveways always delivers. It feels like half the school turns out!" — Emma, mum of two

"Hove’s Poets Corner is wild — one year the whole block did a haunted poem trail. So clever." — Sarah, Brighton parent

"We went to Patcham last year and it was perfect. Safe, sweet-heavy, and not too crowded." — Jay, dad of one

"Rottingdean is magical at sunset — the decorations feel classic and cosy." — Becky, local teacher

Use the Trick or Treat Map!

Brighton’s winding lanes and hilly routes can be confusing after dark — that’s where the Trick or Treat Map comes in.
With it, you can:

Plan your perfect loop, seeing which homes are taking part
Use the social functionality to send thank you's
Filter for standout displays, allergy-friendly stops, and more
Save your favourites so you don’t forget a must-visit house!

Whether you’re after chaotic cobwebs or calm cul-de-sacs, Brighton has the Halloween route for you. Use the map, pack the sweets bag, and enjoy the spooky magic — one glowing pumpkin at a time.

Happy Haunting, Brighton! 🎃