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Half-term is that precious time before Christmas where you can appreciate some time away before the chaos commences. While Cornwall offers a safe haven away from the hustle and bustle all-year round, October is a wonderful time to visit with plenty of special events, quieter roads, cosy pub lunches and crisp autumn walks.
This year October half-term break falls over the spookiest time of the year with Halloween weekend being Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October, and there’s plenty of freaky events happening in the Duchy.
While we can’t promise glorious sunshine, we can guarantee you’ll never be bored in beautiful Cornwall.
Lifeguards have packed up their flags, seasonal dog bans have been lifted, and you won’t find many buckets and spades on the beach, but what you will appreciate is Cornwall’s beaches looking in more of a natural state of beauty. Embrace a stomp across the beach, and head to a local pub to refuel or a warming hot chocolate at a beachside café.
Perhaps you’re a competent swimmer but yet to join the open-water swimming craze? Half-term is the last chance to enjoy Penzance’s art deco Jubilee Pool, or Bude’s tidal sea pool is free to enjoy all year round but be aware there are no lifeguards.
27th-29th OctoberÂ
Join The Lost Gardens of Heligan for a Carved Pumpkin tale with Giant pumpkins like you’ve never seen before, all creatively carved into thrilling characters sure to give you a Halloween spook! The family trail is open by both day and dusk… just keep an eye out for giant spiders!
Trevaskis Farm near Hayle in west Cornwall is set amidst 28 acres of beautiful countryside, and what better way to appreciate Cornwall’s abundance of produce than picking your own pumpkin. Entrance to the farm is free, simply pay for what you pick. You’ll also find handy information signs dotted around the farm park to learn while you wander.
Cornwall’s iconic Minack Theatre in Porthcurno annually offers family friendly shows during October half term. This season, shows include Madagascar Jr, a youth production by the British Theatre Academy. Get a taste of the wild life with Alex the lion and friends on this immersive musical adventure.
Cornwall has hundreds of weird and wonderful pubs, full of charm and character, with many dating back as far as the 12th century. After a meander around the Duchy’s quaint towns and villages, or perhaps a stomp along the coast path, a good pub lunch is in order. And if the weather is miserable, there’s nothing quite like a roaring log burner in the distance.
A trip to Tate St Ives always comes recommended, but even more so when it’s the last chance to see an exhibition is near. Finishing at the end of the year, before it’s too late see the major Casablanca Art School expedition. Tate St Ives will be the first museum in the UK to explore the intense period of artistic rebirth that followed Morocco’s independence, forged by the experimental teaching methods of the school in the 1960s and 1970s.
Camelot Castle invites you to enjoy its carefully curated Cornish afternoon tea menu, in a sublime coastal setting. Camelot Castle honours the beloved British tradition of ‘a cup of tea’ with an abundance of freshly baked scones and delectable cakes, providing a delightful experience.
Falmouth is a sailing enthusiast’s dream! This October half term things are getting rather spooky at the National Maritime Museum, with shadow puppet workshops, mystery trails and eerie songs and performances taking place.
There’s also 15 galleries over four floors to explore. Families can jump aboard boats, climb the 100-foot Lookout Tower, watch boat-building, go underwater in the Tidal Zone, discover stories of ocean adventures and survival, and sail miniature boats on the waterfront boat pool. Best of all… entry is free.
The Eden Project is often at the top of most families Cornish bucket list, and October half-term is a particularly special time to visit with its Halloweden adventure. This year (from 18th-29th October 2023) The Eden Project invites visitors to embark on a special quest to protect the world’s forests, guided by the legendary Tree Giants. On your magical adventure to become a forest guardian, you’ll discover the Tree Giants’ ancient wisdom, hear extraordinary tales and witness enchanting performances.
Wickedly Witchy Afternoon Brew at The Headland Hotel
The Headland Hotel, Newquay, a grand-yet-imposing Victorian building that looks proudly over the north Cornish coast, returns to its former situation as the home of ‘The Witches.’ Terrifying treats are on the menu as the iconic hotel introduces the Wickedly Witchy Afternoon Brew, an immersive themed afternoon tea
