Best October Half-Term Activities in Cornwall
October half term in Cornwall is one of the loveliest times of year to visit. The beaches are quieter, the countryside is rich with autumn colour, and Halloween adds a sprinkle of spooky excitement for families.
At Orange Roofs in St Ives, we love welcoming families from near and far to our handpicked, family friendly holiday cottages. Whether you’re travelling from across the UK, overseas or just across Cornwall, our friendly local team are always ready with ideas to keep everyone entertained – from tiny tots to teenagers and the young at heart.
Eden Project, near St Austell
This October half term, the Eden Project transforms into a world of dragons, potions and playful challenges. Zog and the Flying Doctors are back, inviting young explorers to join an interactive adventure through the biomes. Hunt for ingredients, meet your favourite characters, and capture the perfect photo with Zog himself at the Pavilion.
The ice rink also opens from 18th October, so you can glide, twirl and maybe even show off a few spooky moves!
The Zog activities run from 25th October to 2nd November.
Children enjoying a Halloween skate at The Eden Project
Paradise Park, Hayle
A family favourite close to St Ives, Paradise Park is packed with wildlife, birds and half-term fun. Between 25th October and 2nd November, follow the Halloween Trail to uncover fascinating facts and claim a spooky treat.
‘Mark’s Ark’ returns with his incredible hands-on animal encounters, featuring creepy crawlies and some truly photo-worthy creatures. Catch him from 10am-12:30pm on 26th, 28th and 31st October, plus afternoons between 1pm-3:30pm on 27th & 30th October.
Also, don’t miss meeting Frank, the orange-eyed Eagle Owl, or the exotic Dracula Parrot. If the weather turns, the indoor Jungle Barn is a great wet weather activity to let the little ones burn off some energy.
Mark’s Ark at Paradise Park in Hayle
Newquay Zoo
Newquay Zoo is adding a frightful twist to its animal encounters this October. From 25th to 31st October, children can dress up in their Halloween costumes and explore the Witches’ Walkway, ‘Pooseum’ (!) and sinister scarecrow trail. Meet the ‘Ranger Things’ team for spooky talks, activities and hands-on fun in the Skeleton Shack.
It’s a fantastic day out for all ages – little ones can enjoy the play areas and feeding sessions, while older kids will love the Halloween-themed activities and hands-on experiences. With plenty of cafés and picnic spots dotted around the zoo, it’s easy to make a full day of it before heading back to your St Ives cottage for a cosy evening in.
Newquay Zoo
Pendennis Castle, Falmouth
Over on the south coast of Cornwall, Falmouth has plenty to offer half-term fun-seekers. Close to beautiful spots such as Swanpool and Maenporth, visitors can also step back in time at Pendennis Castle for a day of eerie tales and ghostly goings-on.
Between 25th October and 2nd November, families can follow a trail of creepy clues, listen to spine-tingling Cornish ghost stories, and take part in the Monster School – a wonderfully silly and spooky experience for children.
Halloween Fun at Pendennis Castle. Credit: English Heritage
National Maritime Museum, Falmouth
The Maritime Museum’s half-term programme is packed with creativity. Enjoy shadow puppet stories and songs in the Boat Hall, join spooky make-and-take craft sessions, and explore the Morgawr sea monster sensory trail.
Plus on 31st October, you can stay late for ‘Halloween at the Museum’ where mythical Cornish tales come to life after dark, with potion making and ghostly storytelling from a mysterious fisherwoman. Half-term activities run from 25th October to 2nd November.
The National Maritime Museum, Falmouth
Pumpkin Picking near St Ives
Half term wouldn’t be complete without a pumpkin or two! Here are some popular local spots that offer great fun and photo opportunities!
Trevaskis Farm, near Hayle, offers a brilliant pumpkin patch and a free-to-enter farm experience. Visit the animals, browse the farm shop and enjoy a treat at The Hut – the doughnuts are a must! Look out for the Trevaskis Cemetery and giant spiders in the strawberry tunnels this year.
Trevaskis Farm, near Hayle
Warne’s Garden Centre, near Camborne, has indoor and outdoor patches, a retro pumpkin-filled Land Rover and a Halloween snow globe for family photos (charges apply).
Trevena Cross Garden Centre, near Helston, adds to the fun with face painting at weekends, hot dogs, chocolate apples and spiced lattes.
Warne’s Plants, near Camborne
Where to Stay in St Ives
If you’re planning an October escape, our family-friendly cottages in St Ives are the perfect base. From spacious seaside homes with gardens to cosy boltholes close to the beach, each property has been chosen for comfort, style and convenience.
Travelling with young children? All of our family cottages provide a travel cot, and a selection also include stair gates, highchairs and booster seats, helping you travel light and enjoy your stay.
Our local team are always happy to recommend family-friendly restaurants, playgrounds and the best beaches for rock pooling or sandcastle building.
Book Your Autumn Break in St Ives
Haven’t made it to Cornwall yet this year? There’s still time to enjoy a seaside getaway before the festive season begins.
Accommodation in St Ives for Christmas and New Year is also filling fast, so get in touch today to check availability and book your perfect Cornish cottage with Orange Roofs.