Best things to do in Cornwall in October Half Term 2025
In October, Cornwall sees less footfall, making it the ideal time to enjoy a more peaceful side of the county. Crisp autumnal days make for perfect hiking weather with fewer people on the South West Coast Path, and wide, empty beaches provide plenty of space for dog walks and swimming.
In many ways, October is one of the best times to get outdoors in Cornwall – it’s a great time to forage, waves return to the coast, and the water is at its warmest. There are plenty of events and family friendly days out to enjoy during the half term, and it’s a wonderful time for wildlife watching.
Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Cornwall this October and October half term. Plus, family-friendly days out and other activities to enjoy throughout the month.
The best things to do in Cornwall October Half Term 2025
The October Half Term (Friday 25th October to Monday 1st November) promises plenty of seasonal activity at some of Cornwall’s best-loved visitor attractions.
Pumpkin picking at Trevaskis Farm
Pumpkin field, Trevaskis Farm
Throughout October, Trevaskis Farm welcomes visitors to pick their own pumpkin each year – adding a fantastic outdoorsy element to pumpkin carving and Halloween fun. Roam the fields looking for your prized gourd, whilst getting to know the farm animals in the surrounding pens. Afterwards, browse the farm shop for local breads, cheeses, preserves and other artisan treats. Don’t forget to visit the café for a hearty meal or to take your pick of their infamous cake counter – the stuff of legend in our local area.
Halloween Half Term at Pendennis Castle
Pendennis Castle and grounds
When: Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025
Make your way to this mighty Falmouth fortress for a day out with the kids this October half term. In addition to the usual exhibitions on historic weaponry and the castle's role throughout historic skirmishes, there’s also a spooky Halloween itinerary. Including a creepy quest and interactive tours, you’ll discover a local performer telling Cornish ghost stories and a Monster School for more ghoulish fun.
Half Term at Paradise Park
Paradise Park, Hayle
When: Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025
Discover wonderful wildlife including over 130 birds, plus otters and red pandas at Paradise Park this October. Amongst the highlights are the majestic macaw displays, getting up close to penguins, lorikeets and otters during their feeding times, and further aerial displays from eagles and cockatoos. Plus, during the half term, children can participate in meet and greet sessions with star birds and discover fascinating facts along the Pumpkin trail.
Silhouettes and Shadows at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall
National Maritime Museum at dusk, Falmouth
When: Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025
Prepare to be amazed by beautiful ocean-themed projections and shadow puppet stories at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall each day at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. Amongst the museum's regular exhibitions on 100 years of surfing in Cornwall, model boat racing and boats which have changed the course of history, half term visitors can also participate in creative make and take workshops and a special museum trail.
Other things to do in Cornwall October 2025
If you plan to visit Cornwall any other time in October, don’t miss out on these activities and events.
Falmouth Reggae Festival
Falmouth Reggae Festival Stage
When: Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th October 2025
Where: Princess Pavilion
Bringing good vibes and good people together, Falmouth Reggae Festival promises to bring you the best of Caribbean music across 3 stages. Dance your socks off to live performances and DJ sets, just a stone’s throw from the sea. Afterwards, head to the Cornish Bank in Falmouth town for the after-party and an eclectic fusion of African, South American and Caribbean tunes mixed with hip hop, house and heavier beats.
Making a Killing at the Minack Theatre
Minack Theatre, Cornwall
When: Sunday 5th October to Thursday 9th October
Enjoy the last performance of the Minack Theatre this year, with a dark comedy about justice, corruption and the cost of survival. Based around the story of a hangman and his new apprentice, and inspired by the head executioner of Nuremberg in the 16th century, this promises to be a thrilling experience – particularly given its jaw dropping cliffside location overlooking the wild Atlantic Ocean.
Nerina Pallot at the Poly
The Poly, Falmouth
When: Friday 10th October 2025
Don’t miss out on this ethereal live performance from Ivor Novello-nominated singer-songwriter Nerina Pallot at the Poly in Falmouth as part of her UK tour. Expect lyrics that tell a story and a heartbreaking voice, which promises a captivating evening in an intimate venue. You may recognise some of Nerina’s work including her critically acclaimed album Fires and tracks she’s written for other artists including Kylie Minogue.
Falmouth Oyster Festival
Falmouth Oyster Festival
When: Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th October 2025
Where: Church Street car park
A celebration of Cornwall’s rich maritime and foodie culture, Falmouth Oyster Festival is one of the best things to do in Cornwall in October. Expect exciting chef demonstrations showcasing fresh seafood, alongside stalls brimming with local produce, including everything from artisan spirits and cheeses to handmade crafts. Fresh oysters flow freely, paired perfectly with live music that fills the air throughout the day. As night falls, the festival transforms into a ticketed event, offering everything from foot-stomping ceilidhs and lively brass bands to pop favourites and rock-inspired performances.
Farm Supper at Nancarrow Farm
Nancarrow Farm, Cornwall
When: Thursday 16th October 2025
Celebrate the harvest season with a delicious supper at Nancarrow Farm. Based on a working farm near Truro, food is the heart and soul of what they do and autumn brings some of the finest produce to the table. Including hand-reared meats, seasonal veg and plenty of other local goodies all to be enjoyed as part of a three course meal in a converted oak barn, there are also sumptuous deserts and sharing snacks. Don’t miss out on this one.
Scented Aromatherapy Candle Workshop
Candle Making Workshop
When: Saturday 25th October 2025
New to The Cornish Place, we are now hosting creative workshops from our newly created gorgeous glasshouse. Join Bryluen Botanicals for a wellness workshop where we will use essential oils to create our own aromatherapy candles. The glasshouse is the perfect location for this, as we are surrounded by nature yet protected from the elements. Take your candles with you afterwards to turn your homes into a scented sanctuary.
Foraging and Wild Food Day at 7th Rise
Foraged and Wild Food at 7th Rise
When: Wednesday 29th October 2025
Enjoy a full day of foraging and wild food cooking with expert instructors on the scenic banks of the River Fal. The October foraging and wild food event is the final 7th Rise session of the year and will focus on hunting for fungi, guiding you through the art of identifying and gathering edible varieties. Once you’ve collected your finds, you’ll learn to prepare and cook them under expert guidance, then sit down to enjoy your creations in a stunning outdoor setting – surrounded by trees and overlooking the peaceful, silent creeks.
Family-friendly days out in Cornwall October 2025
For more family-friendly days out in Cornwall in October, check out these unique events and activities.
Mars Celestial Heights Tour at Truro Cathedral
Truro Cathedral, Cornwall
When: Wednesday 15th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025
Make your way to the beautiful Truro Cathedral for a guided tour and unique celestial exhibition. Start off by exploring hidden corners of the cathedral, including its spiral stone staircase and roof space. From here, you’ll be able to gaze down on a huge spherical sculpture of Mars, seeing its north pole, the largest volcano in the solar system and the planet’s craters. Suitable for children over 11, tickets also include the Mars by Night session where you can see Mars lit up in this stunning venue.
Pirates Love Underpants at Hall for Cornwall
Hall for Cornwall, Truro
When: Monday 6th to Tuesday 7th October 2025
Head to the Hall for Cornwall for swashbuckling fun at Cornwall’s premier performance venue. Suitable for tiny tots and children, Pirates Love Underpants follows a band of pirates as they hunt for Pants of Gold and a hidden treasure chest. Filled with music, puppets and everything that makes theatre great, this promises to be entertaining for the whole family.
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
Seals at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary
Autumn is pupping season for Cornish grey seals, which means it’s when the Cornish Seal Sanctuary is at its busiest tending to seals in need. Set in the beautiful Helford River, visitors can see rescued seals in the pup hospital, and in the rehabilitation pools. There are also woodland walks, farm animals and even a colony of cute puffins. The Seal Sanctuary is dog-friendly too, making it a great day out for the whole family.
Where to stay in Cornwall in October
With a whole host of nearby events and activities to choose from, The Cornish Place is one of the best places to stay in Cornwall in October. A quiet sanctuary surrounded by nature, our self-catered holiday cottages are also perfect for catching up on relaxing and restoration. In the evenings, cosy up next to the log burning fire or head outdoors to use our woodfired hot tubs.
Book your October half term stay today and enjoy the best of Cornwall this autumn.