As leaves drift to the ground and an autumnal glow settles over Cornwall, it’s time to embrace those cosy autumn vibes. With half term nearly upon us, why not make the most of this magical time of year and head to Cornwall for a memorable break with the family?
Kids will love the chance to run wild on blustery beaches, explore magical woodlands, sip warming hot chocolates by the sea, and discover a variety of Halloween-themed activities.
Here are some of our favourite things to do in Cornwall this half term…
Pumpkin picking
Best for: Wholesome family fun
Perhaps one of the most wholesome and picture-worthy family activities for autumn time, a trip to the pumpkin patch is the perfect way to kickstart October half term in Cornwall. Pop along to a pumpkin patch and soak up the autumnal vibes as you pick your favourite and head back to your holiday home for an afternoon of carving. Some of our favourite pumpkin-picking locations include: Trevaskis Farm near Hayle, Splattenridden Farm near Hayle, and the Cornish Maize Maze and Farm in Saltash.
Halloween Maze of Horrors
Best for: Thrill-seekers
Cornish Maize Maze and Fun Farm, Smeaton Farm, Pillaton, Saltash PL12 6RZ
amazingcornishmaizemaze.co.uk
For one night only, on Saturday 26th October, the Cornish Maize Maze will be transformed into a frightful ‘Halloween Maze of Horrors’. Live performers and scare actors will be waiting to terrify you along the route. This immersive event is set to be a spine-chilling experience, not for the faint-hearted! If you make it out of the maze, you can enjoy a barbecue while watching fire jugglers and performers.
Halloweden
Best for: An enchanting experience
Bodelva PL24 2SG
edenproject.co.uk
Discover a whole other world at The Eden Project, where rainforests, tree giants and ice rinks await! As Halloweden returns for another spooky season, little adventurers are invited to explore the bug fair, where countless creepy crawlies wait to be discovered. Be sure to make the most of your visit to Eden with a walk around the famous biomes and gardens, which house an incredible variety of plants as well as some special guests for Halloween. And, of course, don't forget to have a spin on the spooktacular ice rink!
Helston Railway
Best for: Supporting a local charity
Trevarno Farm, Prospidnick, Helston TR13 0RY
helstonrailway.co.uk
Nestled in the countryside near Helston is the UK’s most southerly railway, brought back to life by a group of dedicated volunteers. Running special events throughout the year, this Halloween will see the railway come to life with spooky decorations, pumpkins aplenty and scary costumes! Get in the spirit as you journey along the tracks (by steam on certain days of the week), with special evening trains running on various days for a spooky adventure.
Halloween at the Museum
Best for: Nautical-themed activities
Discovery Quay, Falmouth TR11 3QY
nmmc.co.uk
If your little pirates love all things nautical, head to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth for a swashbuckling adventure this Halloween. The museum's magnificent boat hall will be housing mythical Cornish tales throughout the afternoon and into the evening, while an arts and crafts station is on deck to get the creativity flowing as children make a spooky friend to accompany them during the tour of the museum. Speaking of, the Halloween museum trail is sure to enlighten and frighten all as you uncover hidden secrets for the chance to win a treat... or a trick!
Halloween half-term fun at Wheal Martyn
Best for: Getting crafty
Carthew, St Austell PL26 8XG
wheal-martyn.com
Get creative at the UK’s only china clay mining museum! Set in the heart of clay country in mid Cornwall, discover a landscape that’s thrived for 250 years, thanks to its special ingredient! Discover the secrets of china clay, learn how it impacts our everyday lives, and find out how it shaped Cornwall. This half term, enjoy some Allantide (a celebration of the first day of winter) themed fun with apple-inspired activities and clay crafting; make your very own clay creation to take home!
Healeys Halloween at the Farm
Best for: Tantalising the taste buds
Healeys, Penhallow, Truro TR4 9LW
healeyscyder.co.uk
Head to Healeys this Halloween for a day out that will please the whole family. Discover how cyder has been made for the past 40 years as you tour the cyder house, museums, distillery, and cellars. While adults can indulge in a selection of tastings, kids will love meeting the friendly farm animals and riding on the vintage tractor. For half term only, experience a haunted tractor ride down to the pumpkin patch, where you can select your very own pumpkin to take back to the workshop for carving.
Wickedly Witch Afternoon Brew at The Headland Hotel
Best for: Food-lovers
Fistral Beach, Headland Road, Newquay TR7 1EW
headlandhotel.co.uk
Famous as the film setting for the adaptation of Roald Dahl’s ‘The Witches’, The Headland Hotel will be welcoming a real witch for their spooky afternoon tea: Wickedly Witch Afternoon Brew. Indulge in a selection of scarily good sweet and savoury delights, made from the finest Cornish ingredients. Kids will love being able to order their own little afternoon tea. Just be sure to watch out for the witch wandering the grand hall!
Halloween Fun at Trerice
Best For: Stepping back in time
Kestle Mill, near Newquay TR8 4PG
nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/trerice
Step back in time at this grand, yet modest Elizabethan manor house near Newquay. Trerice has changed little over the centuries and there’s much to be discovered as you step through the impressive entrance. Situated amid tranquil grounds, enjoy a gentle stroll through the Elizabethan knot gardens and apple orchards before having a go at Cornish kayling on the lawn (a type of Cornish skittles). For half term, children are encouraged to dress up in their Halloween best as they take part in a variety of dragon-themed activities, from storytelling to dragon school!
Pendennis Castle Halloween half term
Best for: Embracing local history
Falmouth TR11 4PL
english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/pendennis-castle
Does your little princess or knight love to imagine they have their own castle? Take them to Pendennis Castle in Falmouth and let their imaginations run wild as they dream up fanciful tales - did you know this Cornish castle is thought to be haunted? Discover spiralling stone staircases, historic weaponry, panoramic views, live-action performances and more! For their special Halloween half term event, gather to listen to spooky tales and solve clues on the special Halloween Quest.
Bodmin Jail
Best for: The grown ups
Berrycoombe Road, Bodmin PL31 2PY
bodminjail.org
Immerse yourself in the eerie world of Bodmin Jail – at night! For those brave enough, Bodmin Jail will be hosting a series of nighttime events especially for Halloween, taking place from the evening through to the dead of night! Whether you’re a historian looking for a heritage tour with a spooky difference or a ghost hunter looking for a paranormal experience, be prepared for a spine-chilling evening filled with heart-pounding excitement. On All Hallows' Eve, a sparkling display of fireworks will light up the sky, adding a burst of colour to this fascinating Cornish site and there will be tricks and treats available for all the little ghouls and girls.
Squashbox Theatre – ‘Shivers and Shadows’
Best for: Theatre fanatics
Experience a show like no other at a Halloween special Squashbox Theatre performance. Quirky and innovative, solo performer Craig Johnson combines puppetry, storytelling, history, live music and comedy to create unique shows to delight adults and children alike. Produced especially for Halloween, ‘Shivers and Shadows’ promises a show full of delightful frights, hilarious horrors, ingenious puppetry, comedy, live music, and scary stories. ‘Shivers and Shadows’ is recommended for brave children aged six plus. You can catch the frightfully entertaining show at a few of Cornwall’s top theatres, including The Acorn Theatre in Penzance.
Autumnal walks
Best for: Nature-lovers
For those seeking more traditional autumnal activities, nothing beats an autumnal walk with the family as you enjoy crunchy leaves underfoot and a chill in the air. Whether you choose to explore Cornish woodlands, ramble along the South West Coast Path, or blow away the cobwebs on a beach walk, you’re guaranteed fresh air and all the autumnal vibes. Be sure to include a pit stop for a hot chocolate and a slice of cake!
Seeking a scarily good stay in Cornwall this October half term? Explore our half term cottages in Cornwall and start planning a frightfully fun visit!
Tags: Art | Eden Project | Falmouth | Family | Looe | Theatre | Halloween | Museum |