Updated: September 2023
It seems that as soon as one school holiday ends, we immediately start thinking about the next. As the sun sets on another exciting – if slightly rainy – summer season, we look ahead to some of the amazing things to do during October half term. Fingers crossed for dry weather, but come rain or shine, the autumn break is a fantastic time for a family getaway in Cornwall.
Here are some of our favourite October half-term activities and attractions:
In a steep valley near Bodmin is this Forestry Commission park, where a series of mountain biking trails have been cut into the hills. This challenging off-road centre at Cardinham Woods is an exciting mix of switchbacks, burns, bumps and fast, downhill singletrack. Best for kids of ten years and over, this biking adventure will get everyone puffing uphill and whooping down. If you don’t want to brave the two-wheel tracks there are four glorious walking trails, as well as a great café for hearty snacks and homemade cakes.
What better way to celebrate Halloween than to visit Newquay’s Headland Hotel, where Roald Dahl’s The Witches was filmed? Take a stroll around this luxury hotel, built at Fistral Beach during Victorian times. Then stop for an afternoon tea in the sea-view conservatory to indulge in very tasty sandwiches, scones and cakes. Once you’re fuelled up take a stroll down to Little Fistral cove for some sea-glass hunting and rockpool rambling.
This family theme park is just a few miles from Padstow and has a huge range of rides for all ages. There are rollercoasters, carousels, big drops, slides and log flumes, as well as animal petting areas and displays. During half term, the park organises a range of Halloween events to keep everyone spookily entertained.
Eden Project is a fantastic place to visit at any time. But during half term, the attraction puts on its annual Halloweden series of events and activities. As well as spooky storytelling, crafty capers and scary encounters, this year the legendary Tree Giants need your help on a special quest to protect the world’s forests. As you uncover their hiding places and discover ancient wisdom, extraordinary tales and enchanting performances, it’s a great opportunity to explore the wonderful gardens – with a fright or two lurking in the foliage.
Walk down to Padstow harbour and hop on a boat for a tour along the Camel estuary and surrounding coastline. It’s beautiful to see the coast from a boat and there is a great chance of encounters with marine wildlife such as dolphins, seals and sea birds. From wildlife watching to fishing, there are plenty of boat trips to choose from.
The Better Extreme trampoline park in Newquay, offers oodles of fun and activity for youngsters. Here you’ll find the space to jump freely over trampoline beds and bouncy walls; while adrenalin junkies will enjoy the high-tower foam pits and obstacle course. The trampoline park is part of a huge leisure complex, with a swimming pool, fun pool and gym, situated next to the Concrete Waves skate park.
Whatever the weather, October half-term is the perfect time to learn to surf. The waves are more consistent, the water is still warm-ish and there are less surfers in the water – making it the perfect season to increase your wave count and work on your technique. Get lessons from KingSurf in Mawgan Porth, or nearby Harlyn Surf School, both of which use the most high-tech kit and expert instructors to ensure you’re king of the waves in no time at all.
You don’t have to get wet – or even dip a toe in the ocean – to come face-to-face with Cornwall’s marine life. Undercover at the Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay, you can encounter the likes of sea cucumbers, spider crabs and sea turtles, in displays that take you from the craggy Cornish shores to exotic coral reefs. You can watch the giant octopus at feeding time and learn more about the sea creatures through informative talks, but the highlight is the underwater tunnel where you can eyeball stingrays, reef sharks and all sorts of colourful fish.
Check availability for half term and book you holiday home in Padstow. It’s the perfect place for family fun and adventures. We have some spaces at a range of cottages, houses and apartments in Padstow and nearby villages for the last week in October. Check availability here.
Need Help?
Call - 01841 533402