8 things to do in Cornwall this October Half Term

Autumn and Halloween come together in spectacular style at Halloweden, returning to the Eden Project from 24th October. Included with standard admission, this much-loved seasonal event transforms the famous biomes and gardens into an immersive Halloween adventure, complete with spooky outdoor trails, giant pumpkins, seasonal displays and family-friendly activities. It's the perfect blend of autumn fun and outdoor exploration, with plenty to entertain little ones throughout the day.

If your family prefers adrenaline over spooky Halloween quests, coasteering offers an unforgettable way to experience Cornwall's coastline. Our friends at Makai run guided sessions around the spectacular Lizard Peninsula and Mousehole, taking you beyond the beaches to explore hidden corners of the coast.

Expect exhilarating cliff jumps into crystal-clear waters, adventurous scrambles across rugged rocks, sea swims through secluded coves and plenty of opportunities to discover Cornwall from a completely different perspective. Surrounded by dramatic scenery and the sound of crashing Atlantic waves, it's an experience you'll be talking about long after your holiday ends.

October remains one of Cornwall's best-kept secrets for surfing. The water may be a little cooler, but the beaches are quieter, the waves are often more consistent and you'll have plenty of space to build your confidence.

Whether you're trying surfing for the first time or looking to improve your technique, popular beaches including Fistral, Perranporth and Gwithian all offer excellent lessons with warm wetsuits and beginner-friendly boards provided.

Alternatively, our friends at Kingsurf in Mawgan Porth offer expert tuition in one of Cornwall's most picturesque surfing locations, making it the perfect place to embrace the Atlantic this autumn.

Nothing says autumn quite like pumpkin picking, and Trevaskis Farm near Hayle is one of Cornwall's favourite places to embrace the season. 

Wander through colourful pumpkin patches filled with every shape, size and variety imaginable before choosing your perfect pumpkin to carve, decorate or cook at home.

Afterwards, warm up with a luxurious hot chocolate or settle into the award-winning farm cafe for a hearty lunch featuring fresh, locally grown produce. It's an autumn tradition the whole family can enjoy.

Autumn transforms Cornwall's gardens and historic estates into a spectacular display of colour. Wander beneath golden trees at Penrose, enjoy sweeping estuary views from Trelissick or explore the magnificent grounds and woodland cycle trails at Lanhydrock. In West Cornwall, Trengwainton Garden remains vibrant well into autumn thanks to its unique sub-tropical planting, creating an unexpected burst of colour against crisp blue skies. These peaceful landscapes offer the perfect opportunity to slow down and experience Cornwall's quieter season.

As the evenings draw in, Cornwall's food scene comes into its own. October is the perfect time to swap beach picnics for long, leisurely dinners celebrating the very best seasonal produce.

Keep an eye on the calendars at The Hidden Hut for their famous fireside beach feasts, where guests gather around open fires overlooking the sea. The Cornish Place hosts atmospheric banquets in its beautiful Glasshouse, while Nancarrow Farm offers unforgettable communal dining experiences showcasing ingredients grown and reared on the farm itself. These seasonal feasts capture everything that's special about autumn in Cornwall: exceptional food, warm hospitality and memorable surroundings.

Image by The Cornish Place

Cooler temperatures make autumn one of the best times of year to discover Cornwall by bike.

The Camel Trail remains one of the county's most popular family-friendly routes, winding between Wadebridge and Padstow through beautiful riverside scenery.

The Coast to Coast Trail links Portreath with Devoran, taking cyclists across Cornwall from the Atlantic to the south coast through historic mining landscapes.

Around St Austell, the Clay Trails reveal an entirely different side of Cornwall, weaving through fascinating industrial heritage and peaceful countryside that's especially beautiful as autumn colours begin to appear.

October also marks the welcome return of many of Cornwall's beaches to four-legged visitors. With seasonal restrictions lifted in many locations, dogs can once again race across the sand, splash through the surf and enjoy the freedom of the coastline alongside the whole family.

If you'd rather swap the beach for the woods, Tehidy Country Park offers miles of peaceful woodland trails, while Cardinham Woods provides beautiful forest walks, family-friendly cycling routes and cosy cafe stops surrounded by autumn colour. It's the perfect season to wrap up warm and head outdoors together.