What’s on this October Half Term in Cornwall

For visitors, it’s another lovely time to come to Cornwall. It’s obviously a little bit colder than the summer, but nowhere near as busy so you will have space to explore the stunning seascapes and amazing attractions. What’s more, there’s also plenty going on over October half term as many local businesses put on special events to keep visitors entertained.

Here’s our pick of the best things to see and do in Cornwall this October half term.

Take a Long Walk on the Beach

Make the most of the space and enjoy a stroll along the beach. The weather is often still good at the end of October, so you shouldn’t be too cold for a walk. Perranporth Beach is perfect for a long walk on the sand. Go the whole three miles to the end or turn around early and explore the caves and rockpools. Finish with a hot chocolate in the beachside Watering Hole pub or Alcatraz café. Other recommended local beaches include Holywell, Crantock and Porthtowan.

Try Apple Bobbing at a Cider Farm

This year Apple Week coincides with October Half Term, so why not celebrate the autumn’s apple harvest by visiting a working cider farm? Located just down the road from Perranporth, Healey’s Cyder Farm will put on a week-long programme of events and activities to celebrate Apple Week. Here you can learn about apple production with a tractor ride or walk around the 20 acres of orchards, get stuck into some apple bobbing or have a go at apple pressing.

Join the Grand High Witch for a Spooky Afternoon Tea

The movie of Roald Dahl’s The Witches was filmed at Newquay’s The Headland Hotel. In the run-up to Halloween this October half term, the Grand High Witch will be on stage in the hotel’s ballroom. Pay her a visit if you dare and also book in for a spookily delicious Witches Afternoon Tea for that extra special treat.

Hear Autumnal Tales in a Woodland Garden

The National Trust’s Trengwainton Garden near Penzance is holding a special day of storytelling on Thursday 24th October. Here storyteller Mark Harandon will spin stories of giant turnips, apples and lost shadows in a giant bell tent in these impressive botanical gardens overlooking the sea.

Splash Out on a Surf Lesson

The sea temperature is not as cold as you might think at the end of October. It’s perhaps the last opportunity of the year to go surfing in Cornwall without catching a chill. Surfing is a great half-term activity for all the family. With two excellent surf schools, Perranporth is the ideal place to try this sport for the first time.

Jump Around a Trampoline Park

There’s a brand, new trampoline park in Newquay, called Better Extreme, where you can bounce over trampoline beds, rebound off soft walls, spring over an obstacle course or launch yourself off a platform into a massive foam pit. The kids will love this exciting indoor activity.

Hop on Board a Minature Steam Train

There’s also Halloween fun to be had at Lappa Valley near St Newlyn East, just fifteen minutes from Perranporth. Kids will love it here for rides on the miniature trains, adventures in the maze or a round of crazy golf. But for half term, there will also be Halloween themed events and activities including pumpkin carving and fancy dress.

Have a Frightful Time at Eden

The Halloween theme continues at The Eden Project which puts on its annual Halloweden event at this time of year. Expect a frightful time as spooky characters entertain visitors as they walk around the fantastic biomes of this first-class garden attraction. Kids can join craft workshops and listen to scary tales from Eden’s resident storyteller. Come face to face with some very unusual animals, including the extremely rare Mongolian Death Worm and the lovable Giant Beast. See these mythical monsters up close and learn more about them from our specially trained handlers, including the opportunity to ask questions and care for the animals. Get hands-on and make marvellous potions using the finest botanicals and some extra special secret ingredients. Plus join a pumpkin carving master class and meet the magnificent owls from Screech Owl Sanctuary.