Spook-tacular October half-term and Halloween fun in Bristol
10/09/2011
Categories: Official press releases
Bristol has an outstanding line-up of spook-tacular fun for the whole family this Halloween and October half-term. Test your nerves on a haunted tour, try some gory excitement or just enjoy fancy dress fun and pumpkin carving at your favourite attractions. Also make sure to check out our family hotel offers below that won't break the bank.
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Try these top tips for Halloween and October half-term in Bristol:
Haunted and Hidden Bristol Tours
As featured in TV's 'Most Haunted', enjoy this spooky tour around old Bristol and its ghostly buildings including a 16th Century Church guarded by a ghostly monk, a haunted Coaching Inn visited by Oliver Cromwell and a haunted 17th Century Pub where Daniel DeFoe was a regular! Halloween weekend walks run on Friday 28 October at 8pm, Saturday 29 October at 8pm and Halloween night at 6pm, 8pm & 10pm (advance bookings only). All other tours depart from College Green every Friday night at 8pm and are £4 in advance and £5 on the evening. More about Haunted and Hidden Bristol Tours
Gore Blimey! in At-Bristol science centre
Celebrate Halloween in At-Bristol with thrilling activities in the Dissection Lab from 22-28 October and then finish off the week with a visit from Dr Blood 29-30 October. Dissection Lab gets under the skin of what really makes us so fascinating, then meet Dr Blood to take part in some blood curdling activities with expert haematologist Dr Mumford from Bristol University. It’s sure to be spine-tingling good fun! More about Gore Blimey!
Halloween fun at Bristol Zoo Gardens
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From 22-30 October, enjoy Bristol Zoo Gardens Halloween Festival with Walter the Wizard’s Halloween hunt. Look out for Walter the Wizard and get your claws on a free scratch trail card with yummy treats for those who complete it. On 28 October try the pumpkin carving competition and come dressed in your favourite Halloween costume for the fancy dress competition. Free child entry is available on 28 October with a full paying adult & donated pumpkin. More about Bristol Zoo’s Halloween fun
Monsters take over Bristol Aquarium!
Bristol Aquarium will be taken over by sea monsters as part of a special October half-term event which runs from Saturday 22 October until Sunday 30 October. Among the ‘monsters’ on display will be wolf fish, reputed to be Britain’s ugliest fish. Also see the world’s biggest octopus species and the UK’s most toxic fish. Other activities on offer to younger visitors throughout the week include monster mask making, beastly story tours, mini monsters workshops, terrifying touchboxes and competitions. Sea Rex 3D will also be showing on the IMAX 3D Cinema bringing aquarium visitors on a journey to the prehistoric world of marine dinosaurs. More about half-term at Bristol Aquarium
Pumpkin Day at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm
On 29 October enjoy a fun pumpkin themed day at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm with prizes going to the funniest carved pumpkin competition and see how the animals react with pumpkin made treats. More about Pumpkin Day at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm
Half-term foodie fun at Brunel's ss Great Britain
From 22 to 30 October, meet Mr Brunel, Britain’s greatest engineer (except Wednesday). On 27, 29 and 30 October try ‘I’m a First Class passenger, get me out of here!’ Challenge your taste buds with Victorian food in the first Class Dining Saloon at 11:30am and 2:30pm. Check out the ship's special deals for families and grandparent families. Family tickets include two adults and two or three children. Under fives go free. Events at Brunel's ss Great Britain
Bristol Ferry Boat's half-term pirates!
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Bristol Ferry Boat Company is offering special 2for1 tickets for anyone going on a Bristol Pirate Walk with Pirate Pete! Enjoy a historic harbour tour and then learn about Bristol’s pirating past. Also during October half-term, families can enjoy 'Family Round Trips' for just £10. See offer terms and conditions. More about Bristol Ferry Boat half-term offers
See No Evil- The UK’s largest street art project
Bristol recently hosted the most ambitious permanent street art project ever to take place in the UK. The world’s leading street artists painted the facades of ten multi-storey buildings along Nelson Street as part of ‘See No Evil’ resulting in one of the world's largest outdoor art exhibitions. The kids will love searching for some of Nelson Street’s spook-tacular works of art during October half-term or families can just browse the colourful and creative atmosphere. More about See No Evil
Autumn at Westonbirt
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Autumn at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, becomes a colourful natural playground during October and November. The opportunity to crunch leaves with your wellies, hide amongst trees vibrant in colour and build dens on the arboretum’s natural play trail is enough to get even big kids excited about being outdoors. During October half-term (25 – 28 October), children aged 4+ can take part in the Autumnal Highlights activities to find out why trees change colour. The activity also includes the chance to make crafts using natural materials found in the woodlands, to take home. More about autumn at Westonbirt
Halloween and half-term fun at Ashton Court
On 26 October, enjoy an Owl Prowl at Ashton Court Estate with a magical evening as Ian McQuire summons the tawny and barn owls from the trees to swoop overhead. On 30 October prepare to be frightened as historian, Anton Bantock, tingles spines with his stories of ghostly goings-on in the estate. Also on 30 October try Ashton Court’s Halloween Creative Workshop with witches, wizards and monsters. Families can create special and spooky crafts. More about Halloween and half-term at Ashton Court
Blaise Castle Halloween shows
On Monday 31 October, join Mr Brown’s Pig for spooky stories and Halloween fun. Shows are at 4:30pm with a slightly spookier show at 6:15pm. Prices are £2.50 per person and pre-booking is essential. Contact Blaise Estate office on 0117 353 2266 for details and tickets. More about Blaise Castle
Love Food Festival Halloween Special
On 30 October at the Paintworks Event Space in Bristol, Love Food Festival will host a Halloween special which will transform The Event Space and courtyards into a spooky, food loving, fun-filled festival. Children will be in their element with prizes for the best fancy dress, face painting, toffee apple making, pumpkin carving and themed arts and crafts. More about Love Food Festival Halloween Special
Murder Mystery with Bristol Treasure Trails
Dress up for Halloween and explore Bristol with a Bristol Treasure Trail. The trails are a great way to explore, getting the family out and about with a sense of adventure. Try a murder mystery trail or a treasure hunt! Each trail includes step-by-step walking directions. Armed with everything you need in one handy £5 booklet, each trail has clues to be solved along the way with the answers located on existing buildings, monuments and structures. More about Treasure Trails
Hotel and Accommodation offers during October half-term
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Book hotels online with Visit Bristol
Bristol Marriott CityCentre- 3 nights for £379!
- Address: 2 Lower Castle Street, Bristol, BS1 3AD
Offer: Three nights in Bristol from just £379 GBP! Treat your family to a 3-night break in one of our Bristol Hotels and see all the sights this cosmopolitan city has on offer. Valid through to 31 December 2011.
Hotel description: On the doorstep of the hotel is Cabot Circus shopping centre with over 120 stores, including Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser to name a few. Located near many family attractions, the Marriott offers spacious rooms with air conditioning, high-speed internet access, and 24-hour room service. The Terrace Grill restaurant features a wonderful selection of international cuisine and fine wines and Coffee Shop offers breakfast and lunch in a relaxed setting.
Booking instructions: Reference promotion code UY7 when booking
Phone: 0117 929 4281
Radisson BLU Hotel Bristol- Rates from £99 B&B and attraction discounts
- Address: Broad Quay, Bristol, BS1 4BY
Rates from or package: Rates from £99.00 B&B during October half-term from 22nd October – 30thOctober.
Hotel description: The Radisson BLU Hotel Bristol is a modern and striking blue glass tower that is fast becoming a landmark on the Bristol Skyline. This iconic hotel offers relaxed, contemporary and stylish surroundings in the heart of Bristol’s cosmopolitan city centre. Children can enjoy their own ‘check in’ on arrival to include a goody bag with lots of activities and discounts to some of Bristol’s best known attractions during the half-term holidays. The hotel is just steps from Bristol Aquarium, At-Bristol and other family attractions.
Booking instructions: Please quote 'best available' when making your enquiry
Phone: 0117 934 9500
Mercure Bristol Holland House Hotel- Rates from £85
- Address: Redcliffe Hill, Bristol, BS1 6SQ
Rates from or package: Rates from £85.00
Hotel description: Mercure Bristol Holland House Hotel is a modern contemporary hotel located close to Bristol’s lively Harbourside. The hotel is only a 7-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads Railway station and an easy drive in/out to M4/M5 motorways. Conveniently located walking distance to many of Bristol’s excellent family attractions.
Booking instructions: Reference promotion code 'Visit Bristol' when booking
Phone: 0117 968 9900
The Grand by Thistle- At-Bristol family package
- Address: Broad Street, Bristol, BS1 2EL
Offer: Enjoy a 2-night stay including breakfast with dinner one night and entrance into At-Bristol science centre. 2 adults and 1 child for £190. 2 adults and 2 Children £240.
Description: Located on Broad Street in Bristol, The Grand Hotel (formerly Thistle Bristol) features luxury hotel rooms and suites which, combined with room rate discounts and special offers, are the best value among Bristol hotels. Nearby enjoy the UK’s largest permanent outdoor street art project, ‘See No Evil’, along with several family attractions, Cabot Circus shopping centre, St Nicholas Market and more.
Booking: Reference 'At-Bristol Package' when booking
Phone: 0871 376 9042
Doubletree by Hilton Cadbury House, Bristol- Rates from £109 B&B
- Address: Congresbury, Bristol, BS49 5AD
Rates from or package: Rates from £109.00 B&B
Hotel description: Treat yourself to a family short break at Doubletree by Hilton Cadbury House which has something for all the family to enjoy, including our world famous Doubletree cookies, excellent leisure facilities, children stay free, early bird dining, bike hire and wonderful country walks. Easy access from Junctions 20/21 of the M5.
Booking instructions: Please call the hotel direct and quote 'Family Break BB'
Phone: 0139 483 4343
Ibis Bristol Centre- Rates from £67 B&B
- Address: Explore Lane, Bristol, BS1 5TY (Car Park- Millennium Square - BS1 5LL)
Rates from or package: Rates from £67 B&B during October half-term
Hotel description: Ibis Bristol Centre is located in the heart of the Harbourside quarter, the core of Bristol city centre. The hotel is also walking distance to Bristol’s main bus station, a 20-minute walk to Bristol Temple Meads railway station and Cabot Circus shopping centre. Visitors can also enjoy an easy drive in/out to the M4/M5 motorways. Located steps away from the Bristol Aquarium, At-Bristol science centre and other Harbourside family attractions.
Booking instructions: Reference promotion code "HALF-T1" when booking
Phone: 0117 989 7200
Holiday Inn Bristol-Filton- Half-term family fun package from £89 per night!
- Address: Filton Road, Hambrook, Bristol, BS16 1QX
Offer: Enjoy a half-term family fun package! This great 2-night package includes the following for only £89.00 per night B&B. The first night includes a movie night in with a dinner platter delivered to the room, DVD's to watch (chosen on arrival) with 'Movie Treats'. On the second night, enjoy a games night in with a selection of board games that will be available to guests, and also dinner in the fantastic Junction Restaurant. Valid Thursday-Sunday only between Thursday 20th October 2011 and Sunday 30th October 2011. Based on a minimum 2 nights stay and a minimum of 3 people.
Hotel description: Holiday Inn Bristol-Filton, is set within 11 acres of countryside and conveniently located within easy access of the M32, M4 and M5. A fishing lake, a large car park (parking is free of charge), 2 great restaurants, and complimentary Spirit Health Club facilities are just some of the wonderful features. Bristol's excellent choice of family attractions are just a short journey away.
Booking instructions: Please quote 'Half Term Family Fun' when making a reservation
Phone: 0871 942 9014
Avon Gorge Hotel- Family room + B&B from £129 and tickets to At-Bristol or Bristol Zoo
- Address: Sion Hill, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4LD
Rates from or package: Rates from £129.00 B&B including tickets to At-Bristol or Bristol Zoo for a family of four in a family room
Hotel description: The Avon Gorge Hotel boasts a location second to none, not only in Bristol but most probably within the whole of the United Kingdom. Simply relax and enjoy being surrounded by a wealth of history and staggeringly beautiful views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Bristol. Bristol Zoo is nearby, along with other family attractions.
Booking instructions: Reference promotion code 'Kids to the City'
Phone: 0117 973 8955
The Clifton Hotel's Group- 15% off your stay
- Address: Clifton, Bristol
Package: 'Stay and Save' Offer: Stay 2, 3 or 4 nights and save up to 15% on your accommodation at our 4 hotels.
Hotel Description: All four of The Clifton Group's individually styled and character-filled hotels are located in the Clifton area; the most attractive and affluent area in Bristol. Offering a unique range of hotel accommodation from the most contemporary luxurious rooms to comfortable, simple facilities all situated within beautiful Georgian buildings.
Booking Instructions: Book online or call
Phone: 0117 946 7469
Express by Holiday Inn Bristol North- Rates from £79.99 B&B
- Address: Filton
Offer: The rates are from £129.99 midweek (Monday till Wednesday), the remaining part of the week is from £79.99 on the B&B basis (complimentary continental with hot option buffet). Prices are VAT inclusive and subject to availability.
Hotel description: Conveniently situated within easy reach of the M4, M5 and M32 motorways, providing the ideal base from which to visit Bristol and the West Country. The hotel is less than a mile away from Bristol Parkway railway station, with regular connections to London, the Midlands, South Wales and the South West. Bristol Airport is also only 18 miles away.
Booking instructions: Call or book online
Phone: 0117 317 2700
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