10 Things to Do in Cornwall This October Half Term
Looking for things to do in Cornwall October half term ? If you’re planning a family break in Cornwall this autumn, there’s plenty to keep everyone busy, whatever the weather.
From sandy beaches and coastal adventures to Halloween events, historic houses and hands-on activities, October is a lovely time to explore this part of Cornwall. After a day out, you can come back to Ekopod for a slower evening around the fire, stargazing or simply enjoying some time together.
All our October half-term guests will also receive a complimentary pumpkin carving kit, so there’s a little bit of Halloween fun waiting for you back at your pod.
Here are ten of our favourite October half term activities in Cornwall and Devon, all within easy reach of Ekopod.
1. Explore the North Coast Beaches
A trip to the beach has to be on our list of things to do in Cornwall during October half term.
We’re around 25 minutes from Bude, where you’ll find Summerleaze and Widemouth Bay, as well as the famous Bude Sea Pool.
There will still be RNLI lifeguard patrols at Summerleaze and Widemouth Bay during October half term, from 26 October to 3 November, between 10am and 6pm.
October is also a particularly good time to bring your dog to the coast. The seasonal dog restrictions at Summerleaze and Widemouth Bay end on 30 September, so dogs can enjoy the beaches with you during half term.
At low tide, explore rock pools, collect shells and discover the coastline. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try surfing or coasteering.
And if you’re bringing your dog, our Dogs Go Free October offer makes it a great month for a dog-friendly break at Ekopod too.
2. Embrace Halloween at a Family Adventure Park
If your children love Halloween, there are some great family-friendly events taking place during October half term.
The Big Sheep – Creepin’ It Real
Around an hour from Ekopod in North Devon, The Big Sheep is running its Creepin’ It Real Halloween half term from 24 October to 1 November.
There will be pumpkin picking and carving, fancy-dress competitions, Monster Glow Parties, live animal shows, rides, jumping pillows and indoor play.
Camel Creek – Pumpkin Fest
At Camel Creek near Wadebridge, Pumpkin Fest runs through the October half-term period.
Children can pick a pumpkin, enjoy seasonal entertainment and explore the House of Horrors, alongside the park’s usual rides and attractions. There is also a Firework Fiesta on Wednesday 28 October.
Lappa Valley – Trains, Fireworks and PAW Patrol
For younger children, Lappa Valley is another lovely option.
Chase from PAW Patrol will be visiting on 25 and 26 October 2026, while the Grand Fireworks Spectaculars take place on 30 and 31 October. There are also trains, boats, outdoor play and indoor soft play to enjoy.
Pennywell Farm
Over the border in South Devon, Pennywell Farm is a good choice for younger children, with different hands-on animal experiences every half an hour (including cuddling piglets), farm rides and indoor and outdoor play.
The farm is open seven days a week through to the end of October half term, and its 2026 calendar also includes Pumpkin Nights on selected October dates.
Trethorne Leisure Park
Much closer to home, Trethorne Leisure Park is just a short drive from Ekopod.
Its Spooky Week returns during October half term, with pumpkin carving, creepy crafts, fancy dress, face painting, live entertainment and a Tunnel of Terror, alongside the park’s usual indoor and outdoor activities.
3. Discover the Darker Side of Cornwall at Bodmin Jail
Bodmin Jail is always atmospheric, but October is when it really comes into its own.
Throughout October 2026, the jail is running its Go Darker Guided Tour, exploring some of the darker stories from its history. The Haunted Gallery is also open throughout the month as part of the self-guided experience.
Some of the Halloween events are aimed at adults, so check age restrictions before booking.
For families, the Go Darker tour offers a way to combine Cornwall’s history with a little Halloween atmosphere.
4. Step into Cornwall’s World of Witchcraft and Folklore
The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle is one of those places that feels completely different from a typical family day out.
It’s a fascinating collection exploring the history and practice of witchcraft, folklore and magic in Britain. It’s better suited to older children who are interested in history and folklore.
The museum is open until 31 October 2026, making it possible to visit during October half term.
Museum of Witchcraft and Magic
5. Experience The Dark Gathering in Tintagel
For something a little different, head to Tintagel on Saturday 31 October for The Dark Gathering.
Beginning at 2pm at the Mayfair car park, this atmospheric event celebrates Samhain and Cornwall’s ancestral traditions through music, song, dance, Morris sides, a Cornish band, procession, Mari Lwyds, ceremony and fire performance.
Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.
6. Visit the Eden Project for Halloweden
Around 40 minutes from Ekopod, the Eden Project is always an impressive day out, particularly when the weather isn’t playing ball.
For October half term 2026, Halloweden runs from 24 October to 1 November.
This year’s programme includes a Magical Miniature Mushroom Trail, an immersive UV forest in the Hidden Glow Room, storytelling in the Mediterranean Biome and Halloween music and games. The ice rink is also returning for 2026 with a Northern Lights-inspired design.
It’s a good option if you’re looking for something that combines a proper day out with plenty to discover indoors.
7. Get Curious at Discovering42
If you happen to get one of those very Cornish rainy days, head to Discovering42 in Bodmin.
This hands-on science, art and sustainability centre uses interactive exhibits, creativity and upcycled materials to get children experimenting and exploring.
It’s now based on Berrycoombe Road in Bodmin, close to the Camel Trail, and has a constantly evolving collection of exhibits.
It’s a particularly good option for curious children who like to touch, build, experiment and work things out for themselves.
8. Explore Cornwall’s History and Autumn Landscapes
Cornwall has no shortage of beautiful historic places to explore, and October is a lovely time to combine a visit with a walk through the surrounding countryside.
Tintagel Castle
Explore the legendary birth place of King Arthur, cross the dramatic footbridge and discover the ruins perched above the Atlantic. Below Tintagel Castle, at low tide, you can discover Merlin’s cave.
Tintagel Castle – English Heritage
Lanhydrock
Lanhydrock is particularly good for families, with woodland, gardens and plenty of space to explore.
This autumn there is a free Stranger Folk digital adventure running from 1 October to 1 November. During half term, families can also hear the Cornish legend of Jan Tregeagle, while a hands-on nature event with Imagine Outdoors Together takes place on 28 October.
Clovelly
Just over the border in North Devon, Clovelly is a beautifully preserved fishing village with cobbled streets, traditional cottages and a fascinating maritime history.
Cornwall at War Museum
Closer to Ekopod, the Cornwall at War Museum near Davidstow is a fascinating option for anyone interested in military history, with a collection of vehicles, aircraft and memorabilia.
9. Take a Spooky Steam Train
9. Take a Spooky Steam TrainFor something that feels a little more traditionally Cornish, hop aboard the Bodmin Railway during October half term.
The railway’s Spook Steam & Halloween event is running during half term, with a special Monster Mash on 30 October alongside its autumn steam services.
It’s also conveniently close to Bodmin Jail, Lanhydrock and Discovering42, so you could combine a couple of attractions for a full day out.
10. Slow Down Back at Ekopod
Of course, you don’t have to fill every day with activities.
After a busy day exploring Cornwall, there’s something rather lovely about coming back to Ekopod and slowing down.
Let the children loose in the play area, with its mud kitchen and pirate ship sandpit. Light the woodburner, toast marshmallows around the firepitd and spend an evening carving your complimentary pumpkin.
When the sky is clear, head outside for some stargazing. Or, if you’re ready for a little grown-up time, book a private session at our Wild Spa, tucked away on its own little island in the woodland.
Find out more about the Ekopod Wild Spa
And if you’re bringing your four-legged friend, October is a particularly good time to explore Cornwall together, with our Dogs Go Free offer running throughout the month.
Planning an October Half Term Break in Cornwall?
There really is plenty to choose from, whether your idea of a good family day out is a windswept beach, a spooky adventure, a historic house or simply getting outside and exploring somewhere new.
And perhaps the nicest thing about October half term is that you don’t need to make every day an adventure.
Sometimes the best memories are made back at your pod — muddy boots by the door, a fire crackling in the woodburner, pumpkins on the table and everyone settling down after a day outside.
We’d love to welcome you to Ekopod this October half term.
Rachael x
