Things to do in Cornwall this October Half Term

Halloweden returns to the Eden Project from 24 October to 1 November 2026, turning the gardens and Biomes into a playful celebration of nature, folklore and Halloween.

This year's programme includes a miniature mushroom trail, an immersive glow room, storytelling in the Mediterranean Biome and family-friendly music and games. Eden's ice rink also returns for the season, giving families another reason to make a full day of it.

For families who prefer a little more adrenaline, coasteering is an unforgettable way to experience Cornwall's coastline. Guided sessions combine rock scrambling, sea swimming and carefully managed jumps, opening up coves and sections of coast you would never reach on a normal beach day.

Our friends at Makai run sessions around the Lizard Peninsula and Mousehole. Check age requirements, weather conditions and availability before booking.

October can be a brilliant time to surf in Cornwall. The water is cooler than summer, but the beaches are often quieter and autumn swells can create excellent conditions for lessons and confidence-building sessions.

Fistral, Perranporth, Gwithian and Mawgan Porth all have surf schools where equipment and tuition can be arranged. Always follow local safety advice and choose a session suited to your family's experience.

Near Penzance, Trengwainton Garden is running autumn-themed family activities from 18 October to 1 November 2026.

Families can collect fallen leaves for bunting, try seasonal games, follow a sensory trail and visit the pumpkin patch. It is an easy way to combine fresh air, autumn colour and hands-on activities without needing to plan a full-scale adventure.

October transforms Cornwall's gardens and estates, with golden woodland, quieter paths and special half-term programmes adding another layer to a day out.

For 2026, Godolphin is running an autumn family trail from 24 October to 1 November, Glendurgan has its own October half-term programme, and Trerice is leaning into Cornwall's supernatural stories from 26 to 31 October. At Lanhydrock, families can also combine woodland walks with cycling and nature-based activities.

A wet forecast does not have to mean a lost day. In Falmouth, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall is running its Nautical Nasties programme from 24 October to 1 November 2026, with family crafts, a hands-on trail and spooky storytelling during the week.

Tate St Ives is another good option when the weather closes in, while Paradise Park near Hayle combines wildlife with indoor play. Keep one or two wet-weather ideas in reserve and you can stay flexible rather than planning the whole week around the forecast.

Cooler temperatures make autumn a great time to discover Cornwall by bike.

The Camel Trail is a family favourite, with a largely traffic-free route linking Wadebridge and Padstow beside the estuary. The Coast to Coast Trail runs between Portreath and Devoran, while the Clay Trails around St Austell offer a completely different landscape shaped by Cornwall's industrial heritage.

Choose a distance that suits the youngest rider, check opening times for bike hire and leave room for a cafe or pub stop along the way.

October is a particularly good month to explore Cornwall with a dog, as many seasonal beach restrictions have ended and the coast feels noticeably quieter.

Pair a windswept beach walk with woodland time at Tehidy Country Park or Cardinham Woods. Restrictions vary by beach, so always check local signage before letting your dog off the lead.

Bringing your dog for the week? Browse our dog-friendly holiday homes in Cornwall.