Top things to do in Autumn
As autumn arrives, Cornwall comes alive with seasonal activities for all ages. From scenic woodland walks and peaceful beaches to spooky Halloween events and vibrant food festivals, there's plenty to enjoy.
October half term
There’s plenty to see and do to keep everyone from tots to teens occupied this October half term. At the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, your little ones can jump aboard for some swashbuckling fun, while at the Eden Project, things get creepy as you come face to face with all sorts of fascinating bugs and insects. Over at Pendennis Castle, families can enjoy a ghoulish quest followed by spooky stories. For a fun and fright-free Halloween experience, head to The Milky Way Adventure Park, where little ones can join the School for Witches and Wizards, try the Spooky Swamp Dodgems, and enjoy Merlin's Halloween-themed show.
Whether it’s learning, exploring, or just having some seasonal fun, Cornwall has it all this half term.
Click below to explore events during October half term.
Mars: War and Peace
This autumn, step into space inside the soaring nave of Truro Cathedral. Luke Jerram’s awe-inspiring installation Mars: War and Peace suspends a seven-metre glowing sphere above the floor, created using detailed NASA imagery and accompanied by a haunting soundscape. Entry is free, with donations supporting the cathedral’s ongoing art programme. An unforgettable encounter with the Red Planet right in the heart of Cornwall.
Woodland Walks
Welcome the changing season with a woodland walk and watch as the leaves turn from lush greens to hues of red and orange. Cardinham Woods is a great choice for families, alongside a massive 650 acres of woodland to explore, they’re currently hosting party-themed activities, games and an interactive trail to celebrate The Gruffalo turning 25.
Just a stone’s throw from the coast, Tehidy Country Park offers over 250 acres of peaceful woodland and lakeside walks. This park is perfect for those looking to combine a woodland wander with wildlife watching. As the leaves begin to fall, the squirrels become more active, and you might even spot swans gliding across the lake.
For a romantic escape, stroll along the peaceful banks of Frenchman’s Creek. Tucked away on the Helford River, this tranquil spot provided the setting for Daphne Du Maurier’s famous novel, Frenchman’s Creek, and it’s easy to see why.
A Feast for Foodies
If autumn makes you crave hearty flavours and cosy evenings, Cornwall is the place to be. This season is all about rich harvest produce, fresh seafood and creative cooking - and you’re invited to taste it all. From bustling street-food markets to intimate chef-led banquets, these events are perfect for anyone who loves good food and wants to savour Cornwall at its most delicious.
Truro Food Festival
Truro’s streets come alive as the city’s much-loved Food Festival returns. Over five days, Lemon Quay transforms into a feast of sizzling street food, local drinks and artisan treats. Watch top Cornish chefs work their magic in the Chef’s Theatre, sample craft beer, cider and Cornish gin, and soak up the lively atmosphere with live music and after-parties at Skinner’s Brewery. A true celebration of Cornwall’s vibrant food and drink scene.
Adam Handling Collection Food Festival
Celebrate the close of summer with Chef Adam Handling MBE’s very first Food Festival. Set in the beautiful countryside between Truro and Newquay, this weekend of food, firepits and live music brings together the entire Adam Handling Collection for the first time. Sample £10 dishes from award-winning restaurants including Frog, Ugly Butterfly and The Tartan Fox, sip cocktails and Cornish gin, and watch masterclasses from Adam and his team of chefs and chocolatiers. Wine tastings, cocktail demos, and a Saturday night feasting banquet complete the line-up, promising two unforgettable days of flavour and fun.
MasterChef Night at The Idle Rocks
Join MasterChef: The Professionals 2024 winner Dan Merriman for an exclusive eight-course tasting menu at the award-winning Reef Knot Restaurant in St Mawes. Dan teams up with Head Chef Carla Jones to craft a seafood feast celebrating the finest Cornish day-boat catch, each course paired with optional wines. With stunning harbour views, meet-and-greet opportunities and Michelin-level creativity, it’s a one-night-only dining experience not to be missed.
The Million Pound Murder at Budock Vean Hotel & Spa, Falmouth
In an attempt to return to her super-star status, and get revenge on those who abandoned her, the fallen screen idol Tracey Monroe has written a novel titled ‘Friendly Secrets’ in which she lists intimate and detailed accounts of her wild partying and many affairs from her earlier ‘glory days’.
Blackmail is on the agenda!!! Tonight she has invited many guests along to her ‘special party’ and several in attendance, including a government cabinet minister, the well-known leader of a London organised crime syndicate, the owner of a ‘famous house of ill repute’, a popular TV Celebrity and the owner of a large agency are fearful of exactly what details will be included within the chapters of her new book. Will she succeed in her million pound blackmail attempt?
… and if you’d like to stay over after the murder mystery save 15% on b&b.
Heligan Autumn Harvest
Step into the season of abundance at The Lost Gardens of Heligan, where the Autumn Harvest celebrates Cornwall’s rich produce and changing landscapes. Wander through vibrant gardens, discover the brand-new fox sculpture hidden among the foliage, and enjoy tastings, talks and family-friendly activities that bring the spirit of harvest to life.
Falmouth Oyster Festival
A highlight of the seafood calendar, the Falmouth Oyster Festival is a four-day celebration of the town’s rich maritime heritage and its famous native oysters. Expect cookery demos from leading chefs, bustling food stalls, live music and plenty of freshly shucked oysters paired with local ales and sparkling wines.
Paws in the Sand
As we say goodbye to summer and the pace of life slows, our shores have transformed into peaceful retreats, perfect for those who prefer a quieter escape, with long stretches of coast almost entirely to yourself.
With seasonal dog bans now gradually lifting, your four-legged friends can now join you for beach adventures, whether it's a brisk morning walk along the shore or a leisurely afternoon paddle. Although the temperatures may have dipped, there's still plenty of fun to be had – from kite flying in the autumn breeze to enjoying a hot chocolate while watching the waves crash on a secluded beach.
The Lobster Lollop
Lace up for a fun run with a difference as the Lobster Lollop returns to the Camel Trail. Choose from 2.5k, 5k, 10k or 10-mile distances on this scenic out-and-back route, all in support of the National Lobster Hatchery. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just fancy a jog for a good cause, it’s a lively way to enjoy Cornwall’s coastline while helping to protect its marine life.
Autumn with the National Trust
If you have a National Trust membership, autumn is the perfect time to make the most of it. Cornwall’s gardens, woodlands and coast paths are at their most colourful, with crisp air and quieter trails to enjoy. Stroll through historic estates, crunch through leaves in ancient woodlands, or take in sweeping sea views on a blustery cliff walk.
Many sites also offer cosy cafés for a warming drink after your adventure. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed weekend outing or a full day of exploring, these special places are ready to welcome you this season.
Wildlife Watching
As the days draw in and the weather cools, wildlife across the Cornish coast and countryside begins to prepare for the winter ahead. Along the rugged coastlines seabirds soar overhead, preparing for their winter migration, while closer to the ground, seals bask on the rocks, particularly at places like Godrevy, where a large colony of seals can often be seen lounging on the beaches below the cliffs. If you’d prefer to see them up close, visit the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek. Between September and March the Sanctuary historically rehabilitates over 70 seal pups, offering plenty of opportunity to meet cute seal pups alongside opportunities to see the puffins, sea lions and even paddock animals that all call the Seal Sanctuary their home.
In the woodlands and countryside, squirrels can be seen busily gathering nuts, preparing for the colder months. If you’re lucky, you may even spot deer grazing amongst misty woodland. Cornwall wetlands also come alive with migrating birds arriving for the winter, making it the perfect time for birdwatching.
Celtic Beer Festival
Returning on Saturday, 22nd November, the Celtic Beer Festival is Cornwall’s largest event for beer enthusiasts. With over 100 ales, stouts, lagers, and craft beers on offer, many of which are limited-edition brews created specifically for the festival, it’s a celebration of all things beer. Alongside the brews, festival-goers can enjoy delicious Cornish food and live music from local artists. Not only does this event bring people together for a day of fun, but all profits are donated to the St Austell Brewery Charitable Trust, supporting important causes throughout the South West.
The North Cornwall Book Festival
25th - 28th September
The North Cornwall Book Festival, hosted by Endelienta Arts, is a must-attend for literary lovers. Held annually at St Endellion, this intimate festival offers a mix of author talks, workshops, and live music. With its welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great place to engage with your favorite authors and discover new ones. Whether attending workshops or simply browsing the artisan market, the festival promises an enriching and inspiring experience.
Falmouth Book Festival
20th - 26th October
The Falmouth Book Festival is a vibrant celebration of literature, bringing together renowned authors, poets, and storytellers. Set across various locations in Falmouth, the festival offers engaging talks, workshops, and family-friendly events. From fiction and poetry to discussions on the creative process, there’s something for all ages and interests.
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