Autumn in Cornwall 2025: Events and Activities Worth the Trip
Date September 2025
Categories
Locations
Cornwall in September and October is bursting with things to see and do. Autumn is a little slower and more tranquil as the summer crowds retreat leaving it open to a different atmosphere with a slower pace. From foodie celebrations to art, music, and gardens showing off their Autumn colours, there’s no shortage of reasons to plan an autumn escape.
Here’s our round-up of what’s happening across Cornwall during the slow(er) season…
Foodie Festivals & Seasonal Flavours
Autumn is Cornwall’s tastiest season, and there are plenty of festivals to celebrate it. Just a short drive from Porthleven, Truro Food Festival (24–28 September) fills the city centre with artisan stalls, chef demonstrations, and street-food markets.
In October, seafood lovers will be drawn to the Falmouth Oyster Festival (9–12 October) marking the start of the oyster dredging season with cookery demos, live music, and maritime fun.
Porthleven’s Harbour Market, at the Porthleven Shipyard, is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays until the end of October with the Butchers Bakehouse bakery and Panchi café. While you are there, visit Pom, where you can buy locally sourced and grown vegetables from their family-run market garden – all organic and delicious!
Gardens, Harvest & Nature Walks
Cornwall’s gardens come into their own in autumn, with mellow light, fiery colours, and harvest celebrations.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan host their Harvest Festival in October, where visitors can enjoy seasonal displays and taste the fruits of the land. Trebah Gardens near Falmouth offers autumn well-being events like beach yoga, storytelling sessions and foraging events.
The National Trust Cornwall are offering Heritage Open Days across their properties in Cornwall. Visit Glendurgan and Godolphin for free from 12th – 21st September.
And right on your doorstep, the Penrose Estate offers wooded walks to Loe Pool, perfect for a crisp day out with the dog.
Arts, Culture & Local Creativity
Autumn is festival season for Cornwall’s cultural scene. The St Ives September Festival (13–27 September) is a 15-day celebration of music, poetry, theatre, and art, with open-studio tours that let you meet makers in their element.
Visit the Old Lifeboat House Gallery perched on the edge of Porthleven harbour. The perfect atmospheric location to view the work of the incredibly talented artists that exhibit there. Exhibits change weekly.
Falmouth is Cornwall’s most exciting and creative town, and the Falmouth Book Festival is right at the heart of it. This delightful festival brings readers, writers and curious minds together in the spirit of conversation and community. While you are in Falmouth, visit Falmouth Art Gallery which has outstanding collection of over 2000 artworks. Its Free to enter and exhibitions change regularly.
With quieter beaches, golden light, and a full diary of food, art, garden, and local events, September and October are the perfect months to explore Cornwall. Book your stay with us this autumn and experience the county at its most authentic.
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