If you’re planning October half term breaks in Cornwall this year (Saturday 25 October – Sunday 2 November 2025), you’re in for a treat!
From epic adventures with literary heroes to spooky seafaring tales and wild woodland walks, Cornwall is the perfect place for a family getaway. The October half term in Cornwall for 2025 promises a spectacular lineup of events and activities across the county, with plenty to keep the whole family happy.
Let our local guide help you discover the very best things to do in Cornwall this October half term. Many of our St Ives holiday cottages are dog-friendly too, so don’t forget to bring your furry friend.
Events and activities during October half term in Cornwall
The whole of Cornwall is bursting with autumn and Halloween fun. You’ll find exciting indoor and outdoor activities that capture the magic of the season. We’ve rounded up a selection of must-visit attractions across the county, from Falmouth to Hayle, to make your family’s Autumn holiday memorable.
Fly High with Zog at the Eden Project
Hooray! Zog and the Flying Doctors have landed at the Eden Project this October half term. From 25 October – 2 November 2025, families can embark on an exciting adventure with Zog, Princess Pearl, and Sir Gadabout, solving playful challenges and hunting for hidden ingredients across the Biomes and Outdoor Gardens.
What’s On at Eden:
- The Zog Quest: Join the characters on a botanical quest filled with potions, pumpkins, and playful challenges, suitable for younger adventurers.
- Autumn Splendour: Wander among the quirky, colourful pumpkins grown at Eden, celebrating the season in style.
- Ice Skating: Cornwall’s most well-loved ice rink will be open from 18 October 2025, just in time for half-term fun (additional charge applies)
Spooky Half Term Fun at Pendennis Castle
Head to the magnificent coastal fortress of Pendennis Castle in Falmouth for a day of ghoulish fun!
From Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November 2025, this English Heritage site offers a spooky Halloween itinerary alongside its usual historical exhibits.
What to Expect:
- Creepy Quest: Join an interactive trail to uncover ghoulish secrets of the castle.
- Monster School: Fun and interactive tours, perfect for little monsters to learn how to be truly terrifying.
- Cornish Ghost Stories: Discover local folklore with a performer telling chilling Cornish tales.
Silhouettes & Shadows at National Maritime Museum Cornwall
Things are about to get spooky at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth this half term (25 October – 2 November 2025). The museum is stepping into a world of “Silhouettes & Shadows,” featuring mysterious tales from the old Cornish coast.
What’s On at the Museum:
- Shadow Puppet Stories: Enjoy interactive shadow puppet shows and songs in the Boat Hall, including the new show White Horses and Whale Tales.
- Museum Trail: Set off on a mysterious museum trail, hunting for clues across the 15 galleries and four floors.
- Maritime Fun: Explore the Tidal Zone, climb the 100-foot Lookout Tower, and sail miniature boats on the waterfront pool.
Go Rogue in the wild woods for the Dead of Night Dance
Rogue Otherworld returns to the sparkling dark heart of Tehidy Woods (North Cliffs, near Hayle) with the Dead of Night Dance 2025.
This woodland Halloween celebration is designed for brave adventurers of all ages, promising a playful, comic, and spooky experience.
What to Expect:
- Immersive Theatre: Follow an enchanting path through the woods into the land of the dead, meeting ghouls and otherworldly characters along the way.
- New Stories: Enjoy a collection of wild and bewitching new stories brought to life on Mrs Logan’s underworld stage.
- Dead of Night Dance Disco: The adventure ends in the undercover big top tent with a dance party led by ghosts and ghouls. (We still recommend sturdy footwear and waterproof layers!)
Wildlife and Play at Paradise Park
For a fantastic family day out near St Ives, Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary in Hayle is hosting special events from Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November 2025.
What to Discover:
- Wildlife Quizzes: Children can participate in Halloween and Wildlife Heroes quizzes and follow the Pumpkin Trail.
- Animal Encounters: Get up close to over 130 species of birds, otters, and red pandas, with majestic macaw displays and close-up feeding times.
- Indoor Play: The popular JungleBarn indoor play centre is open throughout the half term, offering a perfect rainy-day solution (remember to book your slot in advance).
Celebrate Autumn Harvest and Bats at Godolphin Estate
Celebrate the seasonal splendour at the beautiful National Trust Godolphin Estate (near Helston) this half term, from 25 October – 2 November 2025.
This year, there are two great seasonal themes to explore:
- Autumn Apple Celebration: Join the annual tradition with apple pressing in the Cider House (check specific dates for volunteer availability), crafting, apple collecting in the Orchard, and making muddy apple pies in the Mud-Pie kitchen.
- Bat-Themed Fun: Find out more about the bats who make Godolphin their home through fun games and activities as you explore the medieval gardens and historic grounds.
St Ives October Half Term: Art, Coast, and Culture
St Ives comes alive during the autumn months and is a fantastic base for your St Ives October half term holiday. While exploring the town’s cobbled streets and enjoying the beautiful dog friendly beaches, you’ll find that many of our local attractions put on special seasonal events just for the break.
Imagination and Play at the Tate St Ives
St Ives’ reputation as an art mecca is alive and well this half-term, with several dedicated family-friendly activities:
Tate St Ives: STUDIO DO: Leap Then Look Takeover
- What: A hands-on, imaginative workshop series for families. The theme is to “Imagine, play and make.” This is a fantastic opportunity for children to engage with modern and contemporary art in a playful way.
- When: Running for the duration of the half-term holiday, specifically Saturday, October 18th – Sunday, November 2nd, 2025.
Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden
The museum remains open, offering a unique chance to explore the home, studio, and garden of one of Britain’s most important 20th-century artists. The outdoor sculpture trail is a great way for children to interact with art in a natural setting.
Leach Pottery
No trip to St Ives is complete without a visit to the historic Leach Pottery, and this October half-term provides the final opportunity to see a special show: ‘The Leach Pottery: One & All’.
This free exhibition, running in the Entrance Gallery until Saturday, November 1st, 2025, is a celebration of the collective creativity of studio pottery today. It’s a wonderful way to appreciate the continued legacy of Bernard Leach and the vibrant future of studio pottery in St Ives.
Top Tip: The exhibition is running in the Entrance Gallery, which is usually free to enter, making it a fantastic, low-cost activity for art lovers.
You can also visit the adjacent Museum and Shop (separate admission applies) to see the historic kiln and take a guided tour (Thursdays at 11 am) to fully immerse yourself in the story of this world-famous studio.
While at the Leach Pottery, don’t miss the ‘Students Over a Century: Roots & Branches’ exhibition in the Cube Gallery, which runs until the end of October. (Note: Museum admission is typically required for the Cube Gallery.)
Local Galleries and Workshops
Penwith Gallery have exhibitions running, including the Members Autumn Show and other featured artists like Glyn Macey (until October 27th), which are great for older teens and adults.
Barnoon Workshop: Look out for specific half-term sessions. Previous offerings have included “Draw St Ives” (outdoor drawing) and “Watercolour St Ives” workshops suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Coast & Nature
The stunning coastal setting provides plenty of natural and structured activities for families:
Surfing & Paddleboarding: October still offers good waves, particularly on beaches like Porthmeor. Surf schools remain open and provide warm wetsuits for lessons, catering to all skill levels.
Boat Trip to Seal Island: Vessels depart from St Ives Harbour daily (weather permitting) to visit the local colony of seals, offering incredible views of the rugged coastline.
Rock Pooling & Crabbing: The beaches, especially at low tide, are perfect for classic seaside fun. Bamaluz Beach is often cited as a good spot for this.
Porthminster and Porthmeor are great for family sandcastle building without the summer crowds, complete with a warming hot chocolate afterwards in either of the beach cafes.
St Ives Community Orchard & The CORE: Free Wild Wellbeing and nature-based creative sessions are being offered for parents and children (aged 5-12) linked to the ‘5 ways to wellbeing.’ This is a great, free option to connect with nature.
When: Thursday, October 30th (with morning and afternoon sessions).
Plan your trip with The Cottage Boutique
Ready to plan your next adventure? We have a stunning range of self catering cottages perfect for October half term breaks in Cornwall, especially if you’re looking to stay in the beautiful St Ives area.
Browse our collection of St Ives holiday cottages and get in touch with the friendly local team at The Cottage Boutique to start planning your next trip.
We can help you find the perfect base for exploring all the fantastic things to do in Cornwall this October half term!
