Cornish Keepers Luxury Cottages Cornwall have picked our 10 favourite October half-term activities that celebrate Autumn in Cornwall, come rain or shine. Grab a toasty warm coat and get ready for a sensational week of family-friendly activities – all within easy reach of your holiday home.
The Camel Trail
We’re kicking things off with a cycle or walk along the picturesque Camel Trail – a disused railway line that runs between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge, and Padstow.
Following the turquoise waters of the Camel Estuary, from Padstow to Wadebridge, then winding through the spectacular countryside of the Camel Valley to Bodmin, this trail is run with both conservation and the environment in mind. Keep an eye out for otters, kingfishers, little egrets, and marsh orchids, amongst many other interesting species.
Completely free to use, this 18-mile, traffic-free route is smooth surfaced and virtually level, making it ideal for family bike rides and walks. Bring your own bikes or seek out one of the licensed bike hire centres along the trail.
Surf School
Whilst the kids may be glad of a break from regular school, you won’t be able to keep them away from lessons at one of Cornwall’s legendary surf schools. With renowned surf spots across the county, notably on the North coast, Cornwall is one of the leading surf destinations in the UK.
Check out Surf’s Up Surf School in Polzeath which has been at the forefront of surf coaching since 1995. Lessons are available daily for ages 5+, and whether you are looking for beginner, improver, or elite tuition – the highly qualified instructors at Surf’s Up ensure a fun and progressive learning experience.
High-quality wetsuits and boards are provided, so all you need to bring is lots of enthusiasm!
And when you’ve finished your surf session, why not retreat to one of Polzeath’s eclectic cafés for a well-earned bite to eat – feeling salty and content!
The Minack Theatre – Horrible Histories
Nestled into the granite cliffs at Porthcurno lies the world-famous, open-air Minack Theatre. Hand built in 1929 and literally right next to the ocean, you’d be hard-pushed to find a more dramatic setting to watch a theatre production.
Running from 22-26th October, The Minack brings us Terrible Tudors – by Horrible Histories. Gather the family together and let the Horrible Histories cast share some fascinating “history with the nasty bits left in.” A stage show that is guaranteed to captivate people of all ages. Just don’t forget a warm blanket and a flask of hot chocolate – as the show goes on no matter what the Cornish weather brings!
Lanhydrock – National Trust
Enjoy an abundance of activities at Lanyhdrock with your normal National Trust admission. Cycle the woodland trails and take in a rainbow of autumn colours, choosing from easy, moderate, and difficult tracks, then explore the balance bike track or pump track, depending on your biking prowess.
With 900 acres of parkland, bike hire, and a popular café where you can eat in or take away, Lanhydrock promises a day out full of fresh air and discovery.
This half term, Lanhydrock also brings us the Penny Dreadful Halloween Experience on 31st October. Creepy characters from the Victorian Penny Dreadful stories have come to life in the Lanhydrock Nursery – can your children seek out the haunted treasure and avoid the ghostly curse? You will also find other Halloween activities, a printing workshop, and spooky treats at The Stables tearoom and shop.
Crabbing in Fowey
Crabbing is what childhood memories are made of. One of life’s simple pleasures that children love. And best of all – inexpensive!
You can find crabbing locations all over Cornwall, but one of our fondest spots is in Fowey in South Cornwall. We love whiling away the day on the riverside, watching the boats come and go, as we wait for a crab to grab hold!
All you need is a crab line, a bucket, and some bacon – preferably with lots of rind! Several retailers in Fowey sell the kit you need – look out for a crab line with a small bait net and a weight – then plunge your line into the water off the harbour wall. Just take care of young children as it’s a long drop into the water.
Fowey Visitor Information recommends several crabbing spots in and around the town. Perhaps you could try a few to see how they compare?
The Witches Afternoon Tea
Home to the spooky 90’s film, The Witches, by much-loved children’s author Roald Dahl, The Headland Hotel, overlooking Fistral Beach in Newquay, is celebrating its iconic film location with The Witches Afternoon Tea, running from 1-31st October.
Children can tuck into Halloween-themed cakes and treats (plus Cornish cream teas and sandwiches for the grown-ups.)
There will also be visits from the Grand High Witch between the 15th and 30th of October – if you’re feeling brave enough to meet her!
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
A visit to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary will instil a life-long love of seals. For over 60 years, this inspirational charity has rescued, rehabilitated, and released seals back into Cornish waters.
Set in the scenic Helford Estuary in South Cornwall, the Seal Sanctuary is open daily and looks after around 60 seal pups each year, plus a number of resident seals that wouldn’t survive back in the wild.
With seal pools, underwater viewing tanks, frequent talks and feeds, and even a seal hospital – you will learn so much about the invaluable work this charity does.
The Sanctuary also nurtures a number of otters, beavers, and penguins – creatures that all share a love of water. And with a playground and some lovely walks, the Seal Sanctuary makes a fantastic day out.
Spooky Season at Newquay Zoo
From lemurs to lions and snakes to sloths, Newquay Zoo protects and cares for 130 species of the world’s most rare and endangered species.
In the 13 acres of lush, sub-tropical gardens, your family has the opportunity to see animals they wouldn’t otherwise encounter, and kids can also spend the day exploring the outdoor play areas and Tarzan Trail to burn off some energy.
From 22-30th October, the zoo is laying on a range of Halloween-inspired games, activities, and crafts, as part of its Spooky Season event.
Pumpkin Picking at Trevaskis Farm
Could there be a better way to spend an Autumn afternoon than sauntering through a field full of pumpkins? Don your wellies, borrow a wheelbarrow, and load up with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes!
Located between Redruth and Hayle, Trevaskis Farm has a popular pumpkin patch, a farm shop, and a restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner. And when you’ve picked and feasted to your heart’s content – take your pumpkins home for a creative carving session!
Halloweden at The Eden Project
Last, but not least on our half-term list is the brilliantly named Halloweden at The Eden Project near St Austell. If you haven’t visited already, The Eden Project is an eco-attraction that celebrates plants and the natural world – whilst exploring the interconnection between all living things.
This October half term, as part of Halloweden, Eden is staying open late, until 8 pm and you can venture into the rainforest biome at twilight for a “Bewitching Torchlit Trail.”
You will also find a spooky ice rink, weave-a-web workshops in the tipi, witchy puppet shows, and wild and wonderful stories told in the pumpkin patch.
On the 29-30th October, Pumpkin Weekend is taking place, which teaches us about seasonal crops (including, of course, the pumpkin!) – and you can even take one home with you. Additionally, expert pumpkin carvers will be demonstrating their skills, providing inspiration for your at-home Halloween Jack-o’-lanterns!
Wishing you a wonderful half-term break.
We have some October availability at luxury holiday home, High Bank, in stunning St Mawes for a last-minute getaway.
Contact Cornish Keepers to enquire – we’d be delighted to hear from you.