October half term highlights 2026

Events Monday 12th October 2026

A pile of orange and white pumpkins sit on a field of hay

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

A cocapoo dressed as a pumpkin sits on a bale of hay, surrounded by pumpkins.

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

Running every weekend through October, as well as every day from Saturday 24th to Saturday 31st October, families can visit the maize maze for pumpkin picking and a Halloween-themed short maze, along with all the usual farm activities, including play areas and rare breed animals. For one night only, on Saturday 31st 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 promises a spine-chilling experience, not for the faint-hearted! If you make it out of the maze, you can enjoy a barbecue and live entertainment.

Halloweden

The famous Eden Project biomes

Best for: An enchanting experience

Bodelva PL24 2SG

Visit The Eden Project this October half term to embark on a nature-inspired adventure that leads you into the world hidden beneath your feet, only from 24th October – 1st November. Follow The Freaky Fungi Trail as you set out on a quest around the famous biomes and gardens, or visit the Glow Room to celebrate the beauty of fungi. Why not conclude the day with a magical session on the ice rink, which is open for the winter season from 17th October – 21st February, bigger and more spectacular than ever!

Bodmin Jail

Best for: Spooky adventures!

Berrycoombe Road, Bodmin PL31 2PY

Immerse yourself in the eerie world of Bodmin Jail for a truly frightful experience, where modern technology transports you back in time to Cornwall’s murky past. Offering both guided and self-guided tours, as well as after-dark events for those brave souls, you’ll learn all about the jail’s dark history! Throughout October, visitors can enjoy The Haunted Gallery, where the world's biggest and most curious hauntings are on display, or visit between Saturday 17th and 31st October for the famous Trick or Treat Activity Trail. Bring the whole family along for a spooky adventure through Bodmin Jail! Solve fun challenges, spot ghostly figures, and complete the trail to claim a FREE reward from the gift shop. For 2026, you can also enjoy a selection of ghost tours, spooky sleepovers, and supernatural encounters - the perfect itinerary for a Cornish Halloween!

Helston Railway

A girl looks out of the carridge at Helston Railway

Best for: Supporting a local charity

Trevarno Farm, Prospidnick, Helston TR13 0RY

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, with special evening trains running on Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th October for a spooky adventure.

Halloween at the Museum

The wooden exterior of the National Maritime Museum Cornwall with the harbour in the background

Best for: Nautical-themed activities

Discovery Quay, Falmouth TR11 3QY

If your little pirates love all things nautical, head to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth for a swashbuckling adventure this Halloween. Throughout the half-term week, the Nautical Nasties exhibition invites curious minds to delve beneath the waves to uncover a world of sea monsters. On Saturday 31st October, the museum comes alive with a host of Halloween events, from mythical Cornish storytelling to potion-making, while an arts and crafts station is on deck to get the creativity flowing as children make a fun bag for trick-or-treating.

Halloween half-term fun at Wheal Martyn

Best for: Getting crafty

Carthew, St Austell PL26 8XG

Set in the heart of clay country in mid Cornwall, discover a landscape that’s thrived for 250 years, thanks to its special ingredient - clay! Discover the secrets of china clay, learn how it impacts our everyday lives, and find out how it shaped Cornwall. This half term, a spooky trail awaits; kids will love discovering all the curious eyes hiding across the site. Special workshops will also take place throughout the half term, including themed pottery painting and mask making.

Healeys Halloween at the Farm

The golden sign at Healeys Cyder Farm in Cornwall

Best for: Tantalising the taste buds

Healeys, Penhallow, Truro TR4 9LW

Head to Healeys this Halloween for a day out that's fun for 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

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

Trerice House in the autumn sunshine

Best For: Stepping back in time

Kestle Mill, near Newquay TR8 4PG

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, from 26th - 31st October, 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

A bench in front of Pendennis Castle in Cornwall

Best for: Embracing local history

Falmouth TR11 4PL

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 games - made all the more fun by coming dressed in your best Halloween costume!

Autumnal walks

A small child splashes in a puddle in the woods.

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!