9 top things to do in CORNWALL this October half term
Spooky season is upon us!
It’s October half term, and if you’re in Cornwall – whether you’re a tourist or local – you’ll be glad to know that there are loads of things to do here this week.
I’ve put together a full list of the best October half term events in Cornwall that I’ve found! I’ve also got a list of Devon half term events here.
West Cornwall
Pendennis Castle, Falmouth
For Halloween half-term, Pendennis Castle is running the “Great Pumpkin Party”.
This is included in standard admission, which is free for English Heritage members – and non-members can get 15% off when booking online. Take a look at English Heritage membership here.
The “Great Pumpkin Party” also includes storytelling, games, a themed trail and a daily fancy dress competition at noon.
The event runs from 24th October to 1st November.
Take a look at my full Pendennis Castle post here.
Family English Heritage membership (for two adults and up to twelve children) is £12.42 monthly, and for one adult and up to six children, it’s £7 monthly. It’s definitely worth doing if you often visit English Heritage properties, including Tintagel in Cornwall! Read more about memberships here.
Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is running a bugs and mini-beasts trail throughout half term, with creepy crafts!
Plus, there’s always the chance to see the seals who have made the sanctuary their home and possibly visit the hospital to see some newly rescued seals (if they’re up for visitors!).
You can get 20% off tickets if they’re booked two or more days ahead by clicking here.
Paradise Park, Hayle
Hayle’s Paradise Park is running “Claws, Jaws and Roars” throughout half term! There’s a spooky Halloween dino-cave where you can meet some of the rangers, a claws jaws and roars quiz and the chance to meet the owls – along with all the other attractions, of course!
This runs from 24th October to 1st November 2026!
Mid Cornwall
Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm, Penhallow
While there is a lot of cyder on Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm, there’s plenty for little ones to do as well!
From 10th – 31st October 2026, you can take a haunted vintage tractor ride to a pumpkin patch, where you’ll be able to choose your own pumpkin. Adults can even swap their pumpkin for a pint of Rattler/ Rattler zero!
Tickets are extra to normal admission, more information here
Trerice, near Newquay
An event called “The reign of the wyrm and the witch” is running at Trerice from 26–31 Oct 2026.
This includes spooky challenges and dragon storytelling four times a day. You will have to pay for entry if you aren’t a National Trust member. Family membership is £14.70 a month, and it is worth doing if you do a few of these! Click here to read more about membership.
Plus, you can visit the house (it’s a National Trust property). There’s also an evening event on 31st October called “The house remembers: a Halloween experience at Trerice,” which is a “haunted house” experience aimed at teenagers and adults (with a few jump scares!).
Bodmin Jail
Bodmin Jail is running a full Halloween programme throughout October!
First up, the Haunted Gallery is a new exhibition about Victorian post-mortem photography and the history behind some Halloween traditions (included in standard entry).
To learn about dark history, there’s the Go Darker Heritage Tour.
Plus, there’s a 1.5 hour ghost walk, an after-dark paranormal investigation experience and a sleepover – where you sleep inside the jail!
On 30th October, there’s an 80s horror disco (I think this one’s for the grown-ups!).
More information about it here
Newquay Family Friendly Indoor Workshops
The popular Newquay Zombie Crawl has been CANCELLED due to the weather forecast, on 24th October.
Indoor events, including pumpkin carving, face painting and storytelling, are still going ahead.
East Cornwall
Eden Project, Par
Eden Project is running an event, “Halloweden”, daily from 24th October to 1st November. The event is included in general admission, but pre-booking is advised. Take a walk on the Freaky Fungi Trail, see the UV “Glow Room” Fungi Experience and take a seat to listen to the in-house Halloween band “The Scarecrows” who are playing four setes a day.
On 31st October, there will be a Halloween Party (called the “Biome BOOgie”) in the Mediterranean Biome.
Cornish Maize Maze and Fun Farm Saltash
Not too far from Plymouth is the Cornish Maize Maze, where you’ll find a spooky Halloween maze and a Halloween quiz, PLUS the chance to pick your own pumpkin!
You can also meet the farm animals and there are plenty of opportunities for Autumnal photos!
I’ve recently launched a new Facebook group where you can ask questions about visiting the South West and myself or other SW locals and frequent travellers will answer! If you’d like to join, the link is here.
