Your Guide to October Half-Term Fun in and Around Falmouth
As October half-term and Halloween draw near, Falmouth and its surrounding areas are gearing up to offer exciting activities and events for families and children. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do during the October half-term in Cornwall 2024. Whether you’re in Falmouth, The Lizard, or venturing further up towards Land’s End, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy outdoor family adventures in the stunning Cornish landscape, or indulge in creative indoor activities for a cosy and memorable afternoon. There’s plenty of fun awaiting you this half-term!
Silhouettes & Shadows at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall
Date: Throughout October Half-Term
Location: Falmouth
Embark on a magical journey at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall with the enchanting “Silhouettes & Shadows” event. Watch the mesmerizing shadow puppet show, Myths in the Mist, featuring ancient Cornish legends of giants, mermaids, and buccas (Bucca is a male sea-spirit in Cornish folklore). After the show, children can get creative at the ‘Make & Take’ workshop, crafting their own mythical puppets. Don’t miss the Halloween Trail, where you can uncover spooky Cornish legends. With 15 interactive galleries, hands-on activities, and seasonal treats at the Waterfront Café, this is an event the whole family will enjoy. Best of all, it’s included with the Museum’s annual admission—pay once and return all year!
Dare to explore the Falmouth Maritime Museum after hours? With a few tricks up their sleeve, the museum offers a thrilling Halloween experience that will leave you spooked and entertained.
Halloweden at the Eden Project
Date: October Half-Term
Location: St Austell
The Eden Project is always a great destination, with its two vast biomes showcasing an incredible variety of plants, alongside captivating art exhibitions, a fantastic shop, and diverse dining options. This Halloween, get ready for a spooky botanical adventure at Eden’s annual ‘Halloweden’. This year’s theme is Creepy Crawlies and it is all included in your locals pass or general admission! Explore the Bug Fair and take part in activities to entertain the whole family, from sticky spider slingshots and slimy snail racing, to teeny tiny crafts., you can be sure it will be a fun-filled experience for all ages. Lace up your skates – Cornwall’s only ice rink is back! Add an extra bit of sparkle to your half-term – gather your loved ones and head to our glittering ice rink for your first skate of the season. Additional charge applies and all skaters require valid Eden admission. It’s a must-visit for families seeking a unique Halloween outing. If you’re visiting before November 2nd, you can also catch Cornelia Parker’s thought-provoking exhibition, featuring her work The Future, which explores the future through the eyes of primary school children.
Trick or Treat Week at Flambards Theme Park
Date: Saturday, 26th October – Sunday, 3rd November
Location: Helston
Flambards Theme Park is going all out with its Trick or Treat Week. There’s a feast of fang-tastic family fun on offer throughout the October Half-Term holidays. From spooky pumpkin hunts to the famous Fireworks Spooktacular, there’s something for visitors of all ages to sink their teeth into.
Spooky Shadow Puppets at Telegraph Museum Porthcurno
Date: Tuesday, 22nd & Thursday, 24th October
Location: Porthcurno
Get creative at the Telegraph Museum in Porthcurno. Discover the magic of light and shadow and create your own fantastical shadow puppets to tell spine-tingling tales. Explore different shapes and props to add extra magic to your spooky scenes! Drop in during session hours—no booking required! Explore the museum in a family-friendly way with Paul, the Learning Facilitator at PK. Take a look at Going Mobile—a new exhibition from the Mobile Phone Museum and PK Porthcurno, Museum of Global Communications, sponsored by Vodafone UK. Explore the 40-year history of the mobile phone and its extraordinary evolution from an expensive status symbol to a precious best friend.
Fairy Tales & the Deep Dark Forest and October Open Studios at CAST
Date: Saturday, 26th October and Sunday, 27th October 2024
Location: Helston
Let your imagination run wild at CAST’s free “Think and Make” family session. Venture into the deep dark forest and explore twisted fairy tales with dress-up costumes available—or bring your own fairy tale costume! It’s a fun and creative way to spend a Saturday with the family. The entire CAST building, including CAST Café and Clay Trap, will be open for the Golden October weekend. There will be free printmaking and pottery activities too. Drop in anytime between 10 am and 4 pm for a crafty family activity. Wander around the CAST building to catch a glimpse of working artists’ studios and have a go at making a clay creation.
Apple Harvest at Godolphin Estate
Date: 26th October to 31st October 2024
Location: Helston
Celebrate the apple harvest at the picturesque Godolphin Estate. This ancient and atmospheric estate features a medieval garden and a historic house. Enjoy apple pressing in the Cider House, get crafty with cool apple-themed activities, learn about apple folklore, and walk through the mining landscape of Godolphin Woods with a knowledgeable guide. This beautiful estate offers a perfect autumnal day out for families.
Get out on the water at Trevassack Lake
Location: Lizard Peninsula
For those who love the water, Trevassack Lake is a must-visit. Hire paddleboards, kayaks, or even mega SUPs at this fully accessible lake. The on-site café, run by the Children’s Sailing Trust charity, offers hearty brunches and delicious cakes. Since 1997, the trust has provided sailing classes for thousands of children, and now their state-of-the-art facility ensures everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy watersports. Specialised equipment is also available, so do get in touch with them directly.
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens
Location: Penzance
Looking for a walk with a twist? Visit the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens in Penzance, an ideal spot for children to run around and explore the blend of nature and art. The gardens are also home to one of Cornwall’s largest purpose-built art galleries. They have a lovely restaurant on site offering breakfast, lunch and Sunday roasts loaded with fresh ingredients. During half-term, you can catch the Newlyn Society of Artists Autumn Exhibition, showcasing the work of over 85 members. This exhibition offers a vibrant and thought-provoking glimpse into the art scene in Cornwall during the 2020s. Entry to the gallery is free.
Find out more here
One for the Adults – Ghostly Tales of the Cornish Landscape at The Poly
Date: October 25th & 29th 2024
Location: Falmouth
This October, The Poly in Falmouth is hosting a variety of thrilling events for adults, starting with Ghostly Tales of the Cornish Landscape on the 29th, where Keith Wallis will explore eerie legends from across Cornwall, including phantom hounds and ancient apparitions. Earlier in the week, on Friday the 25th, Cirqulesque: Freaky Fright Night Cabaret returns with a spooky blend of creepy circus acts, eerie performances, and a touch of Boo-lesque, hosted by comedian Tom Rodgers. Whether you’re into chilling tales or frightful fun, The Poly offers great evening entertainment this October.
Find out more here
