October Half Term: What’s on Cornwall
Date September 2025
Locations
October half term is a magical time to escape to Porthleven. One day you’ll be basking in calm sunshine on the beach, the next you might be watching the drama of an Atlantic storm sweeping in. Whatever the weather brings, there’s no shortage of adventures — from blustery coastal walks to pumpkin carving, spooky Halloween fun to traditional apple day celebrations.
Here are some of our favourite ways to make the most of half term in Cornwall…
Visit a National Trust property
Entertain the kids with plenty of activities at our local National Trust properties. Enjoy a wholesome day out exploring the outdoors, get involved in pumpkin carving and collecting apples for the apple press.
A wonderful place to visit any time of year! A welcoming house and garden set in an estate with stunning maritime views and lovely woodland walks. Explore the house and gardens and take a walk down to the Fal River banks before heading to the café for delicious lunch. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/trelissick
Godolphin House National Trust
Find out about the apple harvest, take a walk on the barefoot trail and enjoy apple themed games. nationaltrust.org.uk/godolphinhouse
Sheltered garden bursting with exotic trees and shrubs. Play autumn colour spotting and see how many you can tick off, collect fallen apples or guess the weight of the pumpkin. Treat yourself to some Trengwainton-grown apples and squash (while stocks last), a warming soup or hot chocolate in the café or something special from the shop. nationaltrust.org.uk/trengwainton
Local Cornish Attractions
Halloweden at The Eden Project
If you are happy to travel a little further afield, visit the Eden Project this half term. The Halloweden events over October half term for plenty of fun in the biomes. This October half term see Julia Donaldson’s famous ‘Zog and The Flying Doctors’ come alive in theatre. Cornwall’s favourite ice-ring is ready for you to give it a try from the 18th October. Bookings essential. edenproject.com/october-half-term-halloweden
Silouettes and Shadows at the Maritime Museum
Situated on the harbour in Falmouth, the Maritime Museum offers visitors an exploration of the influence of the sea on history and culture. This October half term join in the fun with eerie shadow puppet stories and songs in the Boat Hall, get creative in magical Make & Take, and join the Museum trail! Be sure to climb the stairs (or take the lift) to the viewing gallery on the fifth floor for spectacular views over the bay to Carrick Roads and to the level below ground for a unique of what goes on below sea level. nmmc.co.uk
Test your wildlife knowledge while diving into a world of frightfully fascinating facts with the Halloween trail and visits from the fantastic creatures of Mark’s Ark – an interactive wild-life encounter.
Wander through the park as you follow the pumpkin trail, discovering curious and spooky tidbits about the animal kingdom at each stop. Time your visit just right and make the most of ‘Meet & Greet’ sessions with some of their star birds, close encounters and the Lorikeet feeding time plus otter feeding and penguin talks. paradisepark.co.uk
This formidable sea fortress sits on a rocky outcrop of Falmouth bay and dates back to Tudor Cornwall. Discover the history of the fabulous place and enjoy acres of green space. Exhibitions, a family trail and cafe are just some of what the castle has to offer.
This October half term enjoy spooky storytelling from a local storyteller and a Halloween Quest along with a tour around the castle. english-heritage.org.uk/pendennis
Activities for the whole family
Ice-cream and pick your own pumpkins – Porthleven
Head over to Methleigh Farm in Porthleven and experience the most delicious ice-creams and milkshakes from Porthcew Dairy.
You can also pick your own pumpkins while you are there! porthcewdairy.co.uk/find-us
E-bikes adventure with Lakeside Cycles, Helston
Hire an electric bike from Helston and see the countryside! Located in next to the Lakeside Café and the ‘boating lake’ in Helston, Lakeside Cycles have a variety of bikes for all ages. They offer heaps of advice on where to go and cycle trails. Take the trail all the way to Porthleven and back through Penrose Estate. lakesidecycles.co.uk/
This wonderful farm is opening its fields to pick your own pumpkins this Autumn. 18th – 19th, 25th – 31st October If you go a long on a Sunday you can enjoy coffee and cakes too! facebook.com/Great-Drym-Farm-Pumpkin
Pumpkin Picking at Trevaskis Farm
Trevaskis Farm near Hayle is set amidst 28 acres of beautiful countryside, and what better way to appreciate Cornwall’s abundance of produce than picking your own pumpkin. Entrance to the farm is free, simply pay for what you pick. You’ll also find handy information signs dotted around the farm park to learn while you wander. trevaskisfarm.co.uk
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