October Half Term in Cornwall.

Cornwall is one of the best places for an autumn break, especially during the October half term holidays. We know we are biased, but there is simply so much to do in Cornwall at this time of year! Find out more below in the Cornish Escapes guide to October half term in Cornwall.

Things to Do during October Half Term in Cornwall.

October half term has the added fun of Halloween falling during the holidays. There are plenty of spooky goings-on across the county this October, while Cornwall’s milder climate means that waterfall walks and pumpkin picking are extra appealing.

Family Days Out in October Half Term.

Crash-bang-thump! Zog and the Flying Doctors are landing at the Eden Project for October half term week. Expect lots of Zog-themed quests and workshops, along with the chance to meet Julia Donaldson’s famous dragon himself. Eden’s popular ice rink is opening on Saturday, 18 October this year and look out for special play sessions for toddlers. National Trust properties across Cornwall are hosting a great variety of Halloween-themed and seasonal events over the half term week. Expect nature trails, autumnal art and spooky storytelling and we are looking forward to the dragon-themed programme at Trerice near Newquay. Don’t miss the pumpkin patch in the kitchen garden at Trengwaiton (Penzance) and take one home to carve.

In Falmouth, it is the fabulous “Silhouettes and Shadows” week at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall (it is also a great opportunity to see their superb surfing exhibition). While you are in Falmouth, head up the hill to Pendennis Castle for “a ghoulish day out” in the creepiest of settings. Do you dare listen to the chilling tales of ghosts and hauntings as you explore the darker corners of the castle? We have a full guide to haunted places in Cornwall, to make your October Half Term even scarier!

If you are a family of animal lovers, “Spooky Zooquay” (usually known as Newquay Zoo) is promising all sorts of thrilling adventures over half term and Halloween. Paradise Park in Hayle will be running its Halloween and Wildlife Heroes quizzes and as always, the much-appreciated Jungle Barn indoor play centre will be open throughout half term (remember to book your slot in advance).

Outdoor Adventures during October Half Term in Cornwall.

One of the best bits about autumn? A kick through the leaves on a sunny day, stopping for hot chocolate or (this being Cornwall) a restorative pasty. Cornwall’s warmer climate extends our summer with 15 degree days and mild nights. Just pack your waterproofs and wellies, in case the weather gets wetter. 

Explore the paths and cycle trails at Cardinham Woods near Bodmin or hire a bike at nearby National Trust Lanhydrock, which has miles of wooded paths to discover. Further west, enjoy a family walk through the Steeple or Trevaylor Woods or feed the squirrels and ducks at Tehidy Woods (both like oats). Hack through the falling leaves on horseback with a local riding school or hire an e-bike to explore the Cornish lanes on two wheels.

Make the most of the quieter beaches for a sandy stroll and possibly a paddle. Hardy souls can continue with surfing lessons (weather and tide permitting) and seasoned swimmers simply don a thicker wetsuit and carry on as normal. For a warmer dip, the geothermal lido at the Jubilee Pool in Penzance is open until Sunday 2nd of November.

And the absolutely essential outdoor activity for Halloween week? Pumpkin picking of course! Try Trevaskis Farm near Hayle, we also recommend a delicious home-cooked meal in their fabulous restaurant.

October Half Term in Cornwall with The National Trust.

The National Trust has an abundance of family events over half term and here in Cornwall, we’re lucky to have so many houses and gardens to explore. If you’re not a member already, it’s worth joining to make the most of all the family-friendly attractions in Cornwall.

Highlights for October include the dragons at Trerice, piskies in Lanhydrock and scarecrows at Cotehele. Try your hand at pressing apples in Godolphin or leafy arts at Trengwainton. There are children’s trails and pumpkin crafts galore, and this being the National Trust, there’ll always be a comfy cafe for a pit stop during your adventures.

Halloween Fun in Cornwall.

There’s an excellent choice of Halloween-themed family events across Cornwall this October and as always, the Eden Project pulls out all the spooky stops. 

The “Halloweden” event is an annual highlight. This year, they’re putting the crawly into creepy with a minibeast-themed week. Explore the fascinating world of minibeasts across the whole site and don’t miss the show from ZooLab. As a real bonus, Eden’s fabulous ice rink will be open over half term this year.

Eden’s sister attraction, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, celebrates Halloween and the half term holidays with a series of traditional and outdoor activities. There’s a spooky trail through the beautiful gardens, corn dolly crafts, and potion and wand-making workshops. Heligan has teamed up with Screech Owl Sanctuary for tales of wings and witchcraft.

The National Maritime Museum in Falmouth repeats its successful Shadows and Silhouettes event from last year, and the fantastic Pirates exhibition is on until January. Just up the road, Pendennis Castle (English Heritage) hosts a week of ghoulish fun among naturally spooky surroundings.

Theatre during October Half Term in Cornwall.

Don’t stray from the path in Rogue Otherworld’s woodland show, The Dead of Night Dance. Rogue’s immersive performances in Tehidy Woods are like nothing else in Cornwall (or indeed, anywhere) and we can’t wait to see this year’s Halloween production. Theatre, music, dancing and storytelling combine in the evocative woodland setting, where “spirits of all ages” are welcome.

Pack a mac and a rug for We Will Rock You at the unique Minack Theatre, or if you prefer an indoor performance, family-friendly shows at the Regal in Redruth include The Littlest Yak and Halloween Spooktacular. Beautiful Art Deco cinema The Ritz in Penzance is reopening after years of closure in September 2025, and you can catch a performance of Halloween Spooktacular here, too. The combination of comfy auditoria and an excellent restaurant at Newlyn Filmhouse makes this one of our favourite autumn and winter nights out.

For more information about the theatre in Cornwall, check out our guide.

Cosy October Half Term Evenings in Cornwall.

You have picked your pumpkin along with some seasonal local produce, and you are all set for a cosy night in your Cornish holiday cottage. Carve your pumpkin then enjoy a mug or two of warming mulled cider (try something from award-winning St Ives Cider or Polgoon). 

If you prefer to eat out, Cornwall has more than its share of cosy pubs with inviting fires and hearty local dishes. Mousehole, Porthleven and St Ives all have inviting harbourside pubs, bars and restaurants where you can watch the waves while feeling smugly warm and snug.