fbpx

October Half Term activities in Cornwall and Devon

October Half term activities in Cornwall

October Half Term activities in Cornwall and Devon

October Half Term activities in Cornwall

Looking for October Half Term activities in Cornwall and Devon?  Why not escape to Ekopod where you can enjoy the magic of nature while creating unforgettable memories.  We believe that the great outdoors provides a natural playground that boosts creativity and encourages exploration!  At Ekopod, you’ll have plenty of chances to connect with nature and create those special memories, whether it’s toasting marshmallows by the fire, spotting shooting stars in the dark sky, or relaxing after a day of adventure.  Also all our half term guests get a complimentary pumpkin carving kit, so you can also get creative of an evening.

We’re in Cornwall but close to the border so surrounded by a wide array of local activities on both sides of the border.  Here’s our guide to provide a bit of inspiration for some half term adventures.

 

Explore the North Coast’s Beaches

A short drive from Ekopod, the beaches of Bude are perfect for a family day out. At low tide, the coastline reveals a treasure trove of marine life hidden in rock pools—crabs, starfish, and other sea creatures waiting to be discovered. Your children will love exploring the pools with nets and buckets, learning about sea life while enjoying the fresh sea air.  For those who love the water, the famous Bude Sea Pool offers a sheltered spot for a dip.  For the older kids who are looking for more adrenaline surfing lessons and coasteering (Cornish Rock Tors Port Gaverne) are available throughout the half-term holiday. After a day of seaside fun, enjoy a stroll through Bude’s independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. (30 mins)

Bude Sea Pool

Family friendly theme parks

Take a trip to The Big Sheep, where kids can meet farm animals, enjoy family friendly rides, and bounce on giant jumping pillows. This all-weather family attraction offers indoor soft play areas, live animal shows and Halloween-themed events during October. Fancy dressed encouraged!  (1 hr)

Alternatively visit Camel Creek Family Adventure Park  who are hosting ‘Pumpkin Fest’.  Each child gets a free pumpkin, and the park is full of haunted attractions and spooky surprises. With rides, indoor play areas, and animal encounters, Camel Creek has something for everyone. Be sure to check out the brand-new Merlin’s Magical Playground and Shipwreck Shores Adventure Golf for even more excitement! (45 mins)

Another option is Lappa Valley35 acres of grounds full of trains and playparks await.  Along with soft play, trampolines and a boating lake.  On Thursday 31st and Friday 1st November there are evening fireworks. (50 mins)

Finally, and the furthest from us, is one for the animal lovers.  Pennywell farm doesn’t have rides (except tractors and a mini train) but it has a packed schedule of animal based activities throughout the day.  From feeding deer and pampering ponies to walking goats.  The highlights are cuddles with the mini pigs and the pig racing.  In addition, over half term their pumpkin patch is open. (1 hr 15)

Celebrate Halloween

Love Halloween? We’ve got some perfect places to really embrace it.

Bodmin Jail is a great option, where older children will enjoy delving into Cornwall’s haunted past with ghost stories and eerie corridors to explore. They also have some spooky film nights held in the Jail.  Some of their events are seriously spooky though so check the age restrictions on your event before booking.  (35 mins).  Closer to home check out the new Launceston Ghost Walking Tour Extours – Ghost Walks, Booking, Ghost Walks (15 mins)

For younger children you could hop aboard the Bodmin Railway’s Halloween train, where kids in costumes ride for free. It’s a perfect blend of Cornwall’s history and Halloween fun, offering an unforgettable experience for the family. (35 mins)

Other Halloween fun for younger children can be had at Halloween Fun at Lifton Farm Shop’s Pumpkin Patch and Autumn Fun For an autumn-themed adventure, head to Lifton Farm Shop. Here, your kids can pick their own pumpkins, enjoy magic shows, and roast marshmallows by the fire. Don’t forget to take a ride on the Barrel Train or test your navigation skills in the maize maze.  (20 mins)

Alternatively get into the spooky spirit at Trethorne Leisure Park, where your children can enjoy Halloween-themed games, pumpkin carving, and face painting. The park offers plenty of other fun activities alongside the festive entertainment including a huge soft play and outdoor play park, ensuring there’s something for every member of the family. (10 mins).

To

For Halloween themed food check out Tre Pol and Pen’s Scream Tea. Perfect for full fledged witches as well as younger coven members.   Finally, for something a bit different if you’re with us on the 26th October head to Tintagel for the Dark Gathering.  Where there will be music, song and dance to celebrate Samhain with a special 10th anniversary ceremonial performance for Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations. (30 mins) Some of the evening costumes maybe a little scary for younger ones.

 

Hidden Valley Puzzle Park

Fifteen minutes from Ekopod you can test your family’s puzzle-solving skills at Hidden Valley Puzzle Park which opens up again for half term. With outdoor trails, the mysterious Forbidden Mansion, and a challenging maze, this park is packed with mental and physical challenges that will engage both kids and adults. It’s a fun, interactive experience where teamwork and brainpower come together for a unique day of family fun.   Younger kids will love riding the mini railway,  watching the model railway, exploring the fairy village and their fab new play park. (15 mins)

Explore the Eden Project

No family trip to North Cornwall would be complete without a visit to the world-famous Eden Project.  The Eden Project is a really impressive attraction that combines nature, science, and adventure into one unforgettable experience.  Known for its iconic biodomes, which house the largest indoor rainforest in the world, the Eden Project is more than just a stunning botanical garden—it’s an educational playground for kids and adults alike.  Visiting the domes while staying in your own domes makes it even more special for kids!

This October half-term, the Eden Project is hosting their special Halloweden event, which brings an extra dash of spooky fun to your family visit.  This year it focuses on Minibeasts, with this exhibit letting your kids get up close to variety of insects.  The ice rink will also be open (extra charge) for those who want to have a go at skating. (45 mins)

October half term activities in Cornwall - The Eden Project

Step back in Time

If you have any budding history lovers in the family, you’ll find plenty to explore in North Cornwall. Visit Clovelly (50 mins), a beautiful village with cobbled streets, donkeys, and fascinating museums. The evocative ruins of Tintagel Castle (30 mins) are rich with Arthurian legends, and at Lanhydrock (35 mins), children can experience life as a Victorian child, complete with nursery games. This half term, Lanhydrock is also hosting a Cornish Piskie Hunt in the gardens—perfect for adventurous little ones and has a lovely playground and bike hire for its mountain bike trails (all levels).  Close to us is the fascinating and friendly Cornwall at War Museum with its collection of vehicles, planes and clothing memorabilia 10 mins).  Please note neither Clovelly or Tintagel are pushchair friendly.Family friendly activities in Cornwall this summer

Plymouth Aquarium

Just over an hour from us you’ll find the maritime City of Plymouth the home of the National Aquarium.  This is the UK’s largest with huge display tanks.  There are four different zones to explore with marine life from all over the world.  Onsite there is also a café and soft play (1 hr).  Each ticket at the aquarium allows unlimited return within a year.

Unwind at Ekopod

After each adventure-filled day, return to Ekopod. Relax in our cozy pods, take a soak in an outdoor bath with stunning views, and gaze up at the stars in our designated dark sky area. We hope you and your family can really recharge, reconnect, and enjoy the simple pleasures of nature in this break before the busy run up to Christmas.   I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of October Half Term activities in Cornwall and Devon and get to visit some of them on your trip!

 

Rachael x

Top Ten Family Friendly Activities in Cornwall October Half Term 2023

 

Eden project photo by Matt Jessop

Other Posts

Recently Added

Wild Spa at Ekopod featuring Sauna

Half Price Wild Spa for bookings made in January (stay anytime in 2025)