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Whether seeking a calming Autumnal break or a spooky holiday full of thrills and chills, you’ll discover a host of Halloween events in Cornwall this October half term in 2023!

Not just a high season destination, a Cornwall holiday cottage makes an ideal spot for a family getaway in October. Make your break even more exciting by tying in a host of Halloween half term activities that you and your little ones are sure to find thrilling!

Amidst exploring the fantastic beaches, rocky headlands and rolling moorlands, pick from a host of things to do in Cornwall for families.

We’ve picked out some of the best things to do in the October half term for you to choose from and add to your itinerary. From scenic and spooky adventure trails to magical moments and museums, there’s something for everyone.

Read on to find out 9 of the best things to do in October half term 2023 in Cornwall…


1. The Headland, Newquay

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Celebrate Cornwall October half term 2023 with a spooky trip to The Headland in Newquay. This beautiful hotel is famous as the hotel featured in the film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s ‘The Witches’.

Take afternoon tea with a witchy twist! Devour “wickedly wonderful cakes and terrifying treats”.

Little ones can meet the Grand High Witch herself who will be visiting throughout October! Grown ups can celebrate their Halloween in Cornwall with spooktacular cocktails and pumpkin spiced lattés.

From 1 October – 5 November

Booking is essential.


2. Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Boscastle near Tintagel

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Although worth visiting at any time of year, the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle is a must-visit during the Cornwall half term 2023.

Explore this fascinating independent museum housing exhibits around folk magic, Wicca, Freemasonry and many more magical cultures from around the world. You can purchase magical merchandise from their shop too!


3. Bodmin Jail, Bodmin

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Definitely one of the must-see Halloween events in Cornwall, Bodmin Jail is the ultimate scary spectacle!

Experience their ‘Dark Walk’ attraction by day and be transported into the horrors of 18th and 19th century prison life.

For truly hair-raising hysteria, over 18s can embark on the ‘After Dark Experience’ by night if you dare. This all-night paranormal journey is on a whole other level to the usual ghost hunting tours in Cornwall.

Along with the Scary Cinema, private tours and the Bodmin Jail Hotel, there’s plenty to get eerily excited about. A visit to Bodmin Jail is certainly one of the best things to do in Cornwall in October.

Booking is essential.


4. National Trust’s Antony House, Torpoint near Kingsand

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The scenic 18th century house and grounds of the National Trust’s Antony House offers plenty of fun things to do in Cornwall for families in the October half term.

  • Welly Throwing Competition
  • Den Building
  • Conker and Spoon Race
  • Fancy Dress Competition

From 24 October – 2 November


5. National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth

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Walk among the mystery monsters of the deep in the National Maritime Museum Cornwall at their Halloween At The Museum event!

This October half term in Cornwall 2023 can see you and your little ones get dressed up in your Halloween costumes for a torch-lit trail around the museum.

Enjoy tricks and treats, along with a crafty Halloween workshop and a pirate ghost ship trail.

Kids can also enjoy a shivery timbers spooky storytelling, hearing mythical Cornish tales told by a ghostly Fisherwoman.

Check out the museum’s Monsters of the Deep exhibit, combining science, legend and folklore to provide an interactive experience – an educational Halloween half term activity!

On 31 October

Booking is essential.


6. Pendennis Castle, Falmouth

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This English Heritage attraction offers plenty of Cornwall activities for families, including Halloween happenings!

Head here during your half term Cornwall 2023 escape and enjoy Halloween Half Term at Pendennis Castle.

Hear spooky child-friendly stories of sea monsters and ghostly kings as ghouls cook up magical positions in a mighty cauldron.

Complete a booklet of activities throughout the day and become a witches apprentice!

From 21 – 29 October

10AM-5PM

Booking is essential.


7. Minack Theatre, Porthcurno

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Among the many October half term things to do, why not enjoy a unique theatrical experience? Of course we’re talking about Cornwall’s famous Minack Theatre, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in South West Cornwall.

Squashbox Theatre’s first ever Halloweeen-themed show, Shiver & Shadows brings ghoulish and gruesome to the live stage. Expect ‘delightful frights and hilarious horrors’ through spooky stories and terrifying tales, with live music and songs to enjoy.

Book your tickets for a few surprises that might make you jump!

From 29 October

Booking is essential.


8. Camel Creek Adventure Park, near Wadebridge

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Halloween at Camel Creek is one of the best things to do in October half term for Halloween in Cornwall.

Camel Creek offers plenty of activities for families in Cornwall, with fun rides to enjoy around every corner as well as animal encounters! If you visit during Halloween, expect new scare zones, Trick or Treat, and lots more spooky, special activities!

2023 brings three new experiences, including Face your Fears, the Morgelyn & The Magical Mishap live show and a Spellbinding Activity Trail. Are you brave enough to come face-to-face with creepy crawlys, slithering snakes or slimy snails?

From 21 – 29 October

Booking is essential.


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!


Image credits: Chris Allen – CC BY-SA 2.0; Steve Parker – CC BY 2.0.