Where to Go Pumpkin Picking in Cornwall 2024
Get into the spirit of spooky season by going pumpkin picking in Cornwall this October! Wondering where to go...
Whether you’re seeking a calming autumnal break or a spooky holiday full of thrills and chills, you’ll find a host of Halloween events in Cornwall this October half term!
Not just a high season destination, Cornwall makes an ideal spot for a family getaway in October, especially during half term. Make your break even more exciting by tying in one of our top 10 Halloween half term activities that the whole family will find thrilling!
Amidst exploring fantastic beaches, rocky headlands and rolling moorland, there is a wealth of family days out in Cornwall this October half term. We’ve hand-picked our top 11 things to do throughout October half term, from scenic and spooky adventure trails to magical moments at museums.
Use the quick links below to navigate the content, or read on for our top 11 things to do in October half term in Cornwall:
Embrace autumn’s magic at The Lost Gardens of Heligan this October half term, with an enchanting Halloween Trail where you can learn all about witches while walking the historic gardens!
As you journey, learn fascinating tales about Heligan’s history and meet the dedicated gardeners who keep the grounds thriving throughout all seasons. Once the trail is complete, head to the Reserve Yard event tent for seasonal craft activities, including potion and wand making!
No autumn visit would be complete without gathering around the warm firepit, so save time to toast marshmallows, sip hot chocolate and share spooky stories.
Book your Lost Gardens of Heligan tickets here!
Step into a world of wonderful weirdness this Halloween at the Eden Project. Experience an unforgettable October half-term adventure where spine-tingling fun meets fascinating science, and to top it off, you can also enjoy the dazzling ice rink (pre-booking required).
Get ready for close up encounters with some incredible minibeasts in the daily creature features, presented by the expert team from ZooLab. Steel your nerves and prepare to meet a wealth of creatures including huge African snails and Chilean tarantulas. You can also visit the spectacular Bug Fair for a jam-packed line up of creepy-crawly entertainment including spider slingshots, slippery snail races and insect-inspired crafts.
Book your Halloweden ticket here.
Dive into mysterious maritime tales this October half term, as shadows and stories come alive at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth. From puppet shows and creative crafts to an eerie trail, learn tales of Cornwall’s much loved maritime history. Specific Halloween events at the museum include:
Myths in the Mist – Shadow Puppet Shows
Show times: 11am, 1pm and 3pm daily
Join Falmouth Fisherwoman Maggie Maggots in the Boat Hall for shadowy spectacles of Cornish coastal tales! Watch ancient stories of giants, mermaids, and buccas come to life through enchanting puppetry, music, and verse.
Magical Make & Take
Crafting times: 12:30pm – 3:30pm (last entry 3:15pm)
Create your own mythical Cornish puppet and bring it to life on a mini stage. If you’re feeling creative, then be sure to put on a special performance for your family and friends.
Halloween Trail
Follow the mysterious shadow scenes throughout the Museum to uncover Cornwall’s spookiest myths and legends. Find all five hidden scenes before making your trick or treat choice!
All half term activities are included in standard museum admission, making this good value for money.
Book your National Maritime Museum ticket here.
Experience an enchanted evening, where Tehidy Woods transform into a magical Halloween wonderland.
As darkness falls, the ancient woodland comes alive with spellbinding entertainment for all ages. A theatrical Halloween adventure, the Rogue Theatre experience is unforgettable and much loved by children and grown-ups of all ages.
From spooky stories and mystical woodland performances to live music, dance and interactive ghost tales, the magic will be found in abundance. Bring torches, wear suitable footwear, and dress for the weather because the magic happens rain or shine!
Book your Dead of Night Dance ticket here.
Saturday 26th October
Get ready for Cornwall’s biggest and most thrilling Halloween zombie crawl as the town of Newquay transforms into a zombie paradise. This year’s Zombie Crawl promises to be the most spectacular yet, taking over the town centre for an unforgettable day of spooky family fun.
There will be pre-crawl preparation from 10am, including professional zombie makeup stations, costume creation workshops, zombie-walking tips, group dance tutorials and photo spots.
After this, the main event will begin, with hundreds of zombies shuffling through Newquay’s streets in this family-friendly parade. Here there will be live entertainment en-route, street performances, music and prizes for the best zombie costumes! There’s also a full entertainment schedule available to read here.
This is a free event for all ages, you simply need to attend with a scary zombie attitude!
Learn more about the Newquay Zombie Crawl here.
Although worth visiting at any time, the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle is a must-visit during the first half of October half term (it closes after October 31st). Explore this fascinating independent museum, housing exhibits around folk magic, Wicca, Freemasonry, and many more mystical cultures from around the world. You can also purchase magical merchandise from their shop, so you can take a little spookiness away with you.
Visit the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic website to plan your visit.
Definitely one of the must-see Halloween events in Cornwall, Bodmin Jail is the ultimate scary spectacle. This October half term, brave the shadows of Britain’s most haunted jail and uncover stories that have haunted Cornwall for centuries. Step through the imposing doors of Bodmin Jail, where 18th-century stone walls hold secrets of justice, punishment, and the supernatural.
Book your slot on the ghost walk experience and immerse yourself in our award-winning interactive experience as you walk in the footsteps of former inmates. Journey through authentically restored cells and corridors where history comes alive through cutting-edge technology and atmospheric storytelling. Feel your pulse quicken as you witness the daily lives, desperation, and final moments of the jail’s most notorious residents.
Special Halloween half term activities at Bodmin Jail include:
● Bone-chilling storytelling sessions
● Historical guides for spine-tingling tours
● Discovering the jail’s most infamous prisoners and their fates
● Witnessing dramatic recreations of Victorian prison life
● Learning about historical crime and punishment in Cornwall
The after-dark experience is for the truly daring. Join the expert paranormal team for an evening ghost hunt and investigation within the haunted walls. Using professional equipment, explore areas of paranormal activity and perhaps encounter something from beyond…
Due to the popularity of the Halloween events at Bodmin Jail, advance booking is strongly recommended.
Visit their website to secure your place at one of Cornwall’s most chilling Halloween experiences.
National Trust properties well and truly shine in the spectacle of autumn and, as you would expect, are hives of activity across Cornwall. From pumpkin trails to apple harvesting, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to visit at least one of the following:
Tuesday 29th – Thursday 31st October, 12:00pm – 4:30pm
Join the Halloween spectacular, featuring:
● An illuminated pumpkin trail through enchanted gardens
● Giant pumpkin kerplunk challenge
● Spellbinding tales in a cosy storytelling corner
● Fancy dress competition, with each trail participant receiving a special velvet pumpkin prize!
Saturday 26th October – Sunday 3rd November (closed Monday 28th October) 10:30am – 5:00pm
A true celebration of autumn’s spectacular colour, expect to enjoy:
● Natural art installations in the historic orchard
● An autumn photography trail
● Leaf-inspired craft activities
● Exploring the garden’s seasonal transformation
Saturday 26th October – Sunday 3rd November 10:00am – 5:00pm (4:00pm closing from 1st November)
Experience traditional apple harvest festivities at Godolphin:
● Participate in apple pressing demonstrations in the historic Cider House
● Learn fascinating apple folklore and traditions
● Help collect apples in the heritage orchard
● Get creative in the popular mud-pie kitchen
● Family-friendly craft sessions
This English Heritage attraction offers plenty of Cornwall activities for families, including a bundle of fun Halloween happenings! Discover spellbinding stories and haunting histories this October half term at one of Cornwall’s most magnificent and mysterious fortresses. Aside from exploring the castle and grounds, there is also a Halloween agenda to enjoy:
Listen as master storytellers bring ghostly tales to life within the castle’s ancient walls, with a full daily schedule of storytelling shows. There are also a host of other castle activities to enjoy this half term, including:
● Halloween-themed castle trail
● Historic ghost hunting equipment display
● Spooky photo opportunities
● Seasonal treats in the castle café
● Haunted history exhibits
Pendennis Castle is perfect for families with children of all ages, especially those a little younger – scary enough to thrill but not terrify!
Book your Pendennis Castle ticket here.
Among the many October half term ‘things to do’, be sure to take a little quiet time to enjoy a unique theatrical experience. Where better to do this than at Cornwall’s famous Minack Theatre, nestled in the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in South West Cornwall? This year’s performance, running throughout the October half term, is Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest in a Teacup’, suitable for both children and adults. Booking is essential, so head to the Minack Theatre website to secure your tickets.
Halloween at Camel Creek is one of our favourite things to do in October half term in Cornwall, especially if you’re in search of a day of action-packed fun. Camel Creek offers plenty of activities for families in Cornwall, with fun rides to enjoy around every corner, as well as animal encounters.
As part of the pumpkin paradise fest, you will receive a free pumpkin for every child that visits (whilst stocks last). To assist with super spooky crafting there will be professional pumpkin carving demonstrations daily, and a pumpkin decoration station where you can get creative if you’re inspired.
Other spooktacular activities include a haunted tractor trail, a family-friendly ghost walk through the woods, a creepy crawly corner, face painting and trick or treat. Our top tip is to visit during the twilight sessions (4pm-6pm) for extra atmospheric lighting and special effects.
Book your Pumpkin Fest ticket today!
It’s not just Halloween half term activities you can look forward to. Cornwall is bursting with amazing experiences, from the best boat trips in Cornwall to scenic Cornish castles, and amazing Cornish walks!
Secure your stay in a fabulous holiday cottage this October Half Term in Cornwall with Cornish Cottage Holidays.