Best Things To Do in Cornwall this October Half Term

Bring your boots – in October’s the coast path flaunts its golden glory – and there’s a walk for all ages and abilities. From Padstow, follow the estuary out to Stepper Point for lungfuls of Atlantic air and landscape drama. Or tackle the short stretch from Mawgan Porth to Bedruthan Steps, pairing views of sea-sculpted stacks with just-baked scones at Carnewas Tearooms. 

Seeking more shelter? Swap the coast for the valley and wend to St Mawgan through the Vale of Lanherne – there are ponies, the Off The Path coffee pitstop and The Falcon Inn for a pint at the end. 

Consistent waves, a summer-warmed sea and none of the heaving August crowds – autumn is the best time of year to hit the waves. Ten minutes from Padstow, Harlyn is sheltered from the prevailing winds, lighting up with a range of beginner-friendly waves to fast, hollow barrels for experts. Harlyn Surf School is at the ready with kit hire and lessons.

A short hop further towards Newquay, you can become king of the waves with KingSurf at Mawgan Porth – a sandy beach that catches every ripple of Atlantic swell. 

Hire bikes in Padstow and follow the Camel Trail along the estuary to Wadebridge and beyond – this old railway line is flat, traffic-free and entirely doable with small legs. You can hire bikes, trailers, child seats and even e-bikes from Trail Bike Hire at the start of the route.

For hills, bumps and berms, head for the family-friendly mountain bike trails at Lanhydrock, or tackle the Bodmin Beast at Cardinham Woods – an eight-miler with switchbacks and all, that’s best for ten-plus riders who want a challenge.

Yes, you might get blazing beach days perfect for picnics, paddling and building castles in the sand during October half term. But even if you don’t, North Cornwall’s beaches are made for family days out in any weather. Pack your waterproofs and explore the low-tide rockpools at Constantine, brave a sea dip at Mother Ivey’s Bay while the water’s still warm from summer, and stand beside the lighthouse on Trevose Head where you might spot dolphins one day, and storms scud in over the Atlantic the next. 

From Padstow harbour, hop on a boat trip to explore the estuary and beyond. The Black Tor ferry crosses to Rock, while Camel Ski School runs private boat charters, wakeboarding and waterskiing sessions throughout October. Or, you can strap in with Padstow Sealife Safaris for a full-throttle adventure to spot seals, dolphins and seabirds, while the autumn light works its magic on the coastline. 

Looking for a high-adrenaline family day out on land? Pit yourselves against your fellow family members and put your foot down at St Eval Kart Circuit, the Southwest’s largest outdoor go-kart track. It’s just 15-minutes drive from Padstow with a range of levels delivering competitive, all-weather fun for a half-term day out.

There’s no need to brave the sea to ride the waves on Cornwall’s only FlowRider at Retallack Resort, a 15-minute drive inland from Padstow. Ride the standing waves of this surf simulator on a stand-up board or bodyboard. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or it’s your first time, expert instructors will get you up and gliding in no time. 

You don’t even have to get your feet wet to dive into underwater life in Cornwall. Come face-to-face with black-tip reef sharks in the glass tunnel at Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay, meet the world’s smallest caiman crocodile, and look out for the resident loggerhead turtle. If the weather is on your side, you can step straight onto Newquay’s Towan Beach for rock pooling, paddling and ice cream with your toes in the sand. 

Not just a rainy-day rescue, any visit to Padstow warrants ducking into the National Lobster Hatchery on South Quay. Here you can see baby lobsters in the nursery, giant lobsters in the tanks, and learn how Cornwall’s fishing community is helping restock the seas. You can even adopt your own lobster and track its release back into the sea. Plus there are spooky Halloween-themed trails and activities for October half term. 

For a fun-filled family day out whatever the weather’s doing, Camel Creek near Wadebridge packs over 45,000 square feet of indoor play alongside its rides, rollercoasters and animal encounters – so a downpour barely dents the day. October brings its own autumn spirit to the park too, with a Pumpkin Fest and ghostly entertainment to add some chills and thrills into your visit.

Sometimes the best half term days out start with no plan at all. Wander the shops and galleries tucked into Padstow’s back streets, go crabbing off the harbour wall and find a window table at a harbourside café for coffee and cake. Or head back to your holiday cottage, light the fire, and let the afternoon slip into evening over a board game and book time. 

However you spend your days – chasing swell, ducking into the aquarium, or watching a storm roll in through the window – our holiday cottages in Padstow are made for a cosy October half-term holiday. 

Browse our last-minute October half-term cottages in Padstow