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Halloween Events in Cornwall this October Half Term
Halloween at Bodmin Jail
Do you believe in ghosts? Just 35 minutes’ drive from Padstow, step into the haunted cells of Bodmin Jail this Halloween. Lantern-lit tours wind through corridors that once held inmates, ghost-hunting sessions run after dark, and the truly brave can book an overnight paranormal investigation with a sleepover thrown in. Little sleep guaranteed.
Kalan Gwav at Trelissick
Get swept away in Cornish folklore and the myths of Kalan Gwav – the Cornish marking of winter’s start – with storytelling, displays and a family garden trail from Dark Cornwall. Halloween costumes are encouraged as you encounter dragons, giants and faefolk, and explore realms where fantasy artworks sit alongside spooky activities.
Camel Creek Pumpkin Fest
Grab a mini wheelbarrow and head to the pumpkin patch, brace yourself for spooky surprises and family-friendly frights in the House of Horrors, then knock on Trick or Treat Doors and dare to see who’s behind them. Buckets of Halloween fun alongside the white-knuckle rides and indoor play of Camel Creek Family Adventure Park.
Skeletons of the Sea
Right here at the National Lobster Hatchery in Padstow, discover the creepy crustaceans lurking beneath the surface this half term. Hunt for clues along a themed trail, learn how ocean creatures protect and support their bodies, and get hands-on with Halloween activities built for curious young explorers.
Eden Project Halloweden
Uncover the weird and wonderful side of nature in a spellbinding autumn adventure at the Eden Project. Follow the Magical Miniature Mushroom Trail, step into an immersive UV forest where you can become part of the humungous fungus, cast a spell on the dancefloor with the in-house band’s spook-tacular sounds, and lace up your skates for a session on an ice rink inspired by the Northern Lights.
Halloween at Heligan
Step into the darker side of the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Medieval myth meets frightening falconry by day, and you can settle in for storytelling drawn from the Brothers Grimm’s most macabre tales. As dark falls, venture beyond the garden gates for chilling encounters in the ancient woodland, or follow the lantern-lit trail to the pop-up Folk Horror Film Festival, if you dare.
Stranger Folk at Lanhydrock
Track goblins and other creatures lurking around Lanhydrock estate on an interactive quest inspired by British folklore. Simply download the Stranger Folk app and team up with the family – one phone is all you need to work together and heal the rift between the human and spirit worlds.
Spooks, Steam & Halloween at Bodmin Railway
All aboard for a frightfully fun Halloween fun at Bodmin Railway this October half term. Glowing pumpkins, autumn leaves, cobwebs and lanterns adorn the station and coaches, with spooky surprises to spot as you steam off on a family adventure by train. Dress for the occasion and don’t forget to grab an activity sheet before the whistle blows.
The Dark Gathering
Head to Tintagel for Halloween, where Cornish Osses come head-to-head with the Welsh Mari Lwyds, in a unique folkloric event that moves from light-hearted performances in the afternoon to darker rituals and fire displays as night falls. Morris dancers, magic and ancestor ceremonies blend tradition, myth and performance into something both haunting and celebratory.
Book Your Half Term Break in Padstow
However you spend the half term – chasing ghost stories through Bodmin’s cells or watching the tide roll in from your window – the adventure’s never far from your Padstow holiday cottage.
Discover more things to do in Cornwall for half term and check out our last-minute October half-term cottages in Padstow.
