Bristol brings its creative flair to Halloween. From paper lanterns to hand-carved pumpkins, this city turns spooky season into an art form. Whether you’re planning a full-blown house-to-house haul or a short and sweet loop with little legs, there’s a neighbourhood for you.
The Best Places to Trick or Treat in Bristol
🎃 Bishopston / Gloucester Road
If you want full-on Halloween vibes, Bishopston is where it’s at. Gloucester Road is known for its buzzing atmosphere, but it’s the side streets — like Brynland Avenue, Seymour Road, and Oak Road — where the magic happens.
Families here go all out. You’ll spot string lights, smoke machines, themed setups, and the odd ghost popping out from behind a wheelie bin. Expect generous sweet hauls and a lot of “oohs” and “ahhs” from the kids — and maybe you too. It’s a Bristol classic for a reason.
🎃 Redland
Redland is the definition of wholesome Halloween. Tree-lined streets, charming Victorian homes, and loads of family participation make this a perfect pick for trick-or-treaters aged 3–10.
It’s known for its safety, and there’s often an informal parade of parents pushing buggies and toddlers wobbling around in pumpkin onesies. Some streets even leave out “help yourself” bowls for those starting early. Redland’s trick-or-treat scene feels like stepping into a Halloween postcard.
🎃 Westbury-on-Trym
A little further north, Westbury-on-Trym offers a more residential Halloween route — and one that’s well worth the short drive. Roads around Stoke Lane and Canford Lane tend to be full of action, with families often coordinating decorations in advance.
You’ll spot groups of neighbours chatting in costume, and some cul-de-sacs even set up hot chocolate stands for parents. It’s this sense of community that makes Westbury-on-Trym so special — it’s the kind of place where your child might get sweets and you get a new local friend.
🎃 Southville
If you love a bit of Halloween creativity, Southville is where it’s at. This arty neighbourhood gets into the spirit with themed houses, pumpkin trails, and the occasional spooky soundtrack drifting from open windows.
Streets near North Street — including Dean Lane, Stackpool Road, and Greville Road — are known for creative costumes and coordinated front garden displays. Southville is a great stop for kids who enjoy the theatre of Halloween, from zombie graveyards to spider-web-covered swings.
🎃 Henleaze
Henleaze is calm, classy, and candy-friendly. Homes near Henleaze Road and Kingsholm are typically decorated with traditional Halloween style — think glowing pumpkins, window silhouettes, and friendly faces at the door.
This is a favourite for younger families, especially if you're looking for a slower pace and shorter walking distance between stops. There are usually a few stand-out homes with animatronics or light shows, but overall, Henleaze offers a balanced, relaxed route with lots of sweet moments (and sweets).
In recent years, Henleaze has seen more homes going “theme-first,” with porches dressed as haunted libraries, witchy kitchens, or monster labs. It’s creative but never too scary — perfect if you’re trick-or-treating with sensitive little ones.
🎃 Knowle / Wells Road
Knowle is a mixed bag, but when you find the right street — it’s golden. Wells Road and the surrounding avenues often have pockets of great participation, especially those near Broad Walk and Redcatch Park.
Some streets even post up community pumpkin maps in advance, helping guide your route. The key here is to go where the pumpkins lead — houses that are “in” tend to go all in. Bonus tip: stop by the Redcatch Community Garden earlier in the day for themed Halloween activities.
🎃 St Andrews
St Andrews is a brilliant under-the-radar pick. Close to Bishopston but often a little less crowded, it’s full of family homes with a strong community vibe. Roads like Belmont Road and Effingham Road are worth exploring.
There’s often a pumpkin trail here, with neighbours coordinating displays and leaving out chalkboards for kids to count how many ghosts or bats they can spot. It’s the kind of place that surprises you — relaxed, generous, and full of friendly locals who love to join in.
🎃 Bedminster
Bedminster blends urban buzz with Halloween fun. It’s walkable, central, and lively — perfect for older kids who want a bit more pace and energy in their trick-or-treating adventure.
Check out the streets just off East Street and around Victoria Park. You’ll often find a mix of family homes and younger residents getting involved with quirky decorations and extra enthusiasm. Bedminster’s vibe is fun, fast, and full of sugar highs.
It’s a great post-dinner loop, especially if you want to grab snacks or hot drinks nearby afterward.
🎃 Stoke Bishop
Looking for a quieter route? Stoke Bishop offers spacious homes, peaceful roads, and polite trick-or-treat etiquette. Roads around Druid Hill, Parrys Lane, and Coombe Lane tend to participate, and it’s a solid option for families with toddlers or kids sensitive to noise.
Decor tends to be tasteful — think LED-lit pumpkins, hanging lanterns, and autumnal wreaths — and the sweet bowls are often very well stocked. It’s an ideal “first Halloween” area for little ones or just a calm detour for those needing a break from busier loops.
🎃 Brislington
Brislington is a bit of a dark horse when it comes to Halloween — but it’s definitely gaining momentum. Roads around Sandy Park Road, Broomhill Road, and Wick Road have a growing reputation for participation.
Decorations here are often DIY, with families pulling together creative setups using whatever they’ve got — but that’s part of the charm. You’ll find bat-filled windows, spooky cardboard cut-outs, and plenty of happy trick-or-treaters. It's a lovely stop to finish your night if you’re heading back toward the A4.
Use the Trick or Treat Map!
Bristol is full of surprises — don’t waste time walking empty streets. Use the Trick or Treat Map to:
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!
It’s the best way to plan your route without missing out on the magic.
💬 What Bristol Locals Say:
We asked our Trick or Treat community to input into this guide — here’s what some of them had to say!
“Redland’s always a vibe. It’s like a friendly flash mob of costumes and candy!” — Tom, dad of two
“Bishopston goes all in. Last year someone turned their garden into a pirate ship.” — Mel, local artist
“Stoke Bishop is calm and cosy — my toddler was mesmerised by the lanterns!” — Reece, first-time Halloween dad
“We found a street in Brislington where every single house was in. The kids thought it was magic.” — Soph, parent of three
From Redland's glow to Southville’s spectacle, Bristol proves it knows how to do Halloween right. Whether you want a gentle stroll or a full candy-fuelled adventure, there’s a route with your name on it.
Happy Haunting, Bristol! 🎃
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