October half term things to do
Whether you’re a local searching for ways to keep the little ones entertained or a visitor seeking a unique experience, Cornwall promises a hauntingly good time this half term!
National Maritime Museum Cornwall
Discover a world of swashbuckling fun at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, where shadowy tales from the old Cornish coast awaits.
Follow the Halloween Trail and find the shadowy scenes around the Museum to explore Cornwall's spooky myths and legends, all while exploring the Pirate exhibition.
In the main hall, shadow pirate puppet stories and songs are guaranteed to captivate the imagination of little ones. Draw inspiration from the exhibition and puppet show to craft your very own Cornish mythical puppet, perfect for crafting your own tales of shadows and suspense.
Newquay's Zombie Crawl
Newquay’s eagerly anticipated Zombie Crawl is set to make a return on Saturday 26th October and promises to be more spooktacular than ever.
While full details of the event are yet to be unveiled, you can already expect a host of spine-chilling activities that will prepare you for an unforgettable day. Start your zombie transformation with face painting sessions and elevate your undead style at zombie outfit making workshops, where you can craft a head-turning costume for the crawl.
Halloweden
Get up close and personal with weird and wonderful creepy crawlies at the Eden Project this October half term. Meet real-life critters from around the world, including Chilean tarantulas and giant African snails. Visit the marvellous bug fair, whizz around the ice rink, embark on a mega bug safari, settle down for spooky campfire stories and toast marshmallows around the fire pit.
Paradise Park
Test your wildlife knowledge while diving into a world of frightfully fascinating facts with Paradise Park’s Pumpkin Quiz. Wander through the park as you follow the pumpkin trail, discovering curious and spooky tidbits about the animal kingdom at each stop. Time your visit just right and make the most of ‘Meet & Greet’ sessions with some of their star birds, close encounters and the Lorikeet feeding time plus otter feeding and penguin talks.
The Milky Way Adventure Park
Families can look forward to a spooktacular time filled with fun rather than fright at The Milky Way. From Saturday 26th October to Sunday 3rd November 2024, the park is adding a dash of Halloween magic to its usual mix of thrilling rides and attractions. Little ones can join the School for Witches and Wizards, where they'll learn spell writing, potion making, and more under the guidance of lively, larger-than-life tutors. For those who love a bit of bumping around, the Spooky Swamp Dodgems await, alongside Merlin's themed show that promises to delight with its special brand of Halloween fun. The atmosphere is sure to be enchanting with the park dressed in its Halloween best.
Camborne Tykes n Trikes
Camborne’s streets will once again be bustling with excitement as the children’s bike race returns for its 4th year on Sunday 27th October. Young riders will have the chance to be armed with free face painting from 8:30am before participating in either the Tots (0-5 yrs) or Tykes (6-10) category and will receive a goodie bag and certificate.
Tots Race starts at 9:30am
Tykes Race starts 10:00am
National Lobster Hatchery
Escape the cold and step into a world of wonder in Lob Tropicana at the National Lobster Hatchery. Explore glowing marine exhibits, immerse yourself in vibrant neon lights and let the lobsters light up your day.
Pendennis Castle
Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out at Pendennis Castle this half term. Follow the quest to solve creepy clues and gather round to listen to spooky stories.
National Trust events
There’s plenty of Autumn and Halloween themed fun to be had at National Trust sites across Cornwall.
Antony
Tue 29 to Thu 31 Oct. 12-4.30pm
Pick up your trail sheet and use the pumpkins as your guide to find various autumn inspired activities around the garden. Do you dare to take on the pumpkin kerplunk, listen to spooky stories in the storytelling area, or take part in the fancy dress competition? Price includes a pumpkin trail sheet and a velvet pumpkin prize.
Price: £2 per trail (normal admission prices apply). Booking not required.
Glendurgan Garden
Sat 26 Oct to Sun 3 Nov (excluding Mon 28 Oct). 10.30am-5pm
Celebrate autumn’s vibrant colours at Glendurgan Garden. Create wild art in the orchard and throughout the garden while experiencing the magic of autumn. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). Booking not required.
Godolphin
Daily from Sat 26 Oct to Sun 3 Nov. 10am-5pm (4pm close from Nov 1)
This October half-term find out more about apple harvest through the years at Godolphin and discover more about apple folklore. Enjoy apple pressing in the Cider House (dates tbc), get crafting, do some apple collecting in the Orchard, make muddy apple pies in the Mud-Pie kitchen, and more!
Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). Booking not required.
Lanhydrock
Daily Sat 26 Oct to Sat 2 Nov. 10.30am-4pm
This October half-term, have an adventure at Lanhydrock as you search for the Cornish Pixies hiding in the gardens. Some cheeky Cornish Pixies have stolen some items from the house at Lanhydrock. Can you find them all and get what they've taken back to where it belongs?
Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). Booking not required.
Tintagel Old Post Office
Daily Mon 21 Oct to Sun 3 Nov. 11am-3.30pm
Take a trip to the Old Post Office in Tintagel and take part in their popular Ultra Violet torch trail around the house to win a prize.
Price: £1.50 per trail (normal admission prices apply). Booking not required.
Trelissick
Daily 26 Oct to 2 Nov. 10am-4.30pm
Soak in the colours of the changing season with an autumnal trail guiding you through the garden at Trelissick.
Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). Booking not required.
Trerice
Daily Mon 28 Oct to Fri 1 Nov. 10.30am-4.30pm
Enjoy dragon themed activities, including storytelling and ‘Trerice dragon school’ where you can learn how to train your dragon.
Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). Booking not required.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Autumn at Heligan is a time to celebrate the harvest and the rich traditions that come with it. This half term, Heligan brings back outdoor family activities that honour this season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. Engage in traditional Corn Dolly workshops, where you can learn the ancient craft, and participate in the Heligan Harvest Big Draw, where artists of all levels can create colorful drawings of the garden's abundant produce.
Young visitors can enjoy harvest tastings, apple pressing, and a spooky family trail that tells the tales of witches from folklore. In The Barn, children can craft potions and wands, while the Screech Owl Sanctuary shares the mystical stories of these birds associated with witchcraft. Don't forget to warm up by the fire pit with toasted marshmallows, and join the lively ceilidhs on October 20th and 27th to round off a week of celebrations. Come dressed for all weathers and be ready to enjoy the magic of the season at Heligan!
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