Your October half-term Cornish quest

• Location: Fistral Beach, Newquay
• Mission: Ride waves with your family and feel the thrill of the sea spray
• Where to stay: Compass North, Newquay – Just moments from the variety of beaches in Newquay, this light-filled home is a sociable family escape, perfect for those October half-term adventures.

• Location: Carlyon Bay
• Mission: Explore calm waters, spot seals and navigate secluded inlets.
• Where to stay: Run Ashore, Carlyon Bay – Located along the stunning coastline of Cornwall’s Golden Riviera, this elegant penthouse offers a serene escape for saltwater adventurers. Better yet, no need to pack your own paddleboard – hire one right on the beach.

• Location: The Camel Trail
• Mission: Easy, scenic cycling for all ages, stopping for ice cream along the way.
• Where to stay: Tregonce Farmhouse, Little Petherick – Moments away from the Camel Trail, this Grade II-listed farmhouse near Padstow promises a serene retreat in the countryside, while still ideally situated for those all-important coastal adventures.

• Location: South West Coast Path – Bedruthan Steps to Mawgan Porth
• Mission: Capture breathtaking cliff views, dramatic rock formations and coastal wildlife.
• Where to stay: The Linhay, Engollan – Originally a cowshed, The Linhay boasts an enviable location, where countryside meets coast. Only a short drive from Bedruthan Steps, this quiet rural escape is perfect for families looking for a slice of Cornish peace this October half-term.

• Location: A calm oasis
• Mission: Unwind with the family after morning waves, in your own jacuzzi and sauna
• Where to stay: Skylark, near Port Isaac – Complete with a bubbling jacuzzi, a sauna and calming interiors, this countryside haven offers a place of tranquility for your October half-term.

• Location: Your very own Wimbledon
• Mission: Family tournaments await at a private tennis court.
• Where to stay: Rockabye, Wadebridge – Game, set, match! Beautifully designed by Gems Interiors, this majestic barn perfectly brings together north Cornwall’s elegant surroundings, from the soft furnishings reflecting the shades of the countryside, to the wildflowers surrounding the tennis court. That’s a true grand slam.

• Location: The big screen
• Mission: Popcorn, blankets and your own movie theatre experience after a day of discovery.
• Where to stay: One Skidden, St Ives – After a day exploring the nearby cosmopolitan town of St Ives, return to this quirky townhouse, just a short walk from Porthminster Beach, complete with a cosy movie room.

• Location: An at-home alfresco restaurant 
• Mission: Outdoor kitchen or BBQ terrace – prepare or hire a chef to feast under the stars.
• Where to stay: Shangri La, St Agnes – Creatively designed by Gems Interiors, this Polberro Gem offers an ideal hub for an autumn stay, with stylish bedrooms, an outdoor kitchen and incredible sea views.

• Location: Jam Jar, Crantock
• Mission: Enjoy wood-fired pizza, just a short walk from the beach.
• Where to stay: Polview, Crantock – Tucked away in the beautiful village of Crantock, this eco-conscious retreat is ideal for lovers of the outdoors, with its sweeping countryside views and short walk to the coast.

Image by Jam Jar

• Location: Nancarrow, St Allen
• Mission: Enjoy beautiful surroundings and a fresh meal from the farm kitchen.
• Where to stay: Treetops, near Perranporth – Hidden away from the bustle of the sand and sea, this first class country inspired home has been flawlessly created for a dreamy October half-term.

Images by Nancarrow

• Location: Fowey
• Mission: Fish and chips on the harbour wall – salty, fresh and unforgettable.
• Where to stay: Porth Vu, Fowey – Located on Fowey’s heart, this elegant duplex apartment has been modernised into a chic and restful retreat, with refined details and luxurious touches throughout.

• Location: Your Gem
• Mission: Savour a Cornish feast without lifting a finger; relax while the family enjoys local flavours. We recommend our friends at Yhangry.
• Where to stay: Col Ros, Mullion – Complete with a chef’s dream kitchen, this sea view sanctuary atop the coast path offers ample space for friends and family to get together and experience a real taste of beautiful Cornwall.

• Location: Eden Project tropical biomes
• Mission: Explore, play and gather seasonal treasures.
• Where to stay: Meva Seas, Mevagissey – Experience stunning sea views from the hot tub, wake in stylish bedrooms and enjoy long lunches or celebratory dinners with the family, all just a short walk from Mevagissey.

• Location: National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth
• Mission: Set sail on interactive family adventures.
• Where to stay: Sea Song, Falmouth – Complete with blue views for miles, this elegant coastal apartment soars above Gyllyngvase Beach, ideal for keen sea swimmers.

• Location: Tintagel Castle
• Mission: Explore Merlin’s Cave and discover Halloween tales steeped in history.
• Where to stay: Little Cutmadoc Farm, Lanhydrock – Ideally located for accessing the wonderful landmarks of Cornwall, this majestic farmhouse in the historic estate of Lanhydrock offers seclusion for the whole family.