Coast & Country Parks Cornwall Cornwall

family friendly events in cornwall this half term

Spooky season has arrived in Cornwall…

Spooky season has arrived in Cornwall. The evenings are drawing in, the pumpkins are out, and this October half term there’s a good mix of family Halloween days out within easy reach of Notter Bridge.

Cornwall’s schools break up for half term from Monday 26th to Friday 30th October 2026, with the weekends either side making a full nine days. We’ve rounded up five events worth planning around, from lantern-lit trails to pumpkin picking, with the drive time to each one from the park.

The best bit? After a day of witches, zombies and sticky toffee apples, you come home to the quiet of the Lynher valley. No arcades, no late-night entertainment. Just the river, the woods and a well-earned cuppa (dogs very much included).

Pumpkin Fest at Strawberry Fields, Lifton

3rd – 31st October · 22 miles · about 40 minutes

The closest on our list, and technically just over the border in Devon, but we’ll let that slide. Strawberry Fields’ Pumpkin Fest is a proper pumpkin patch with a maize maze, displays for photos, live music and entertainment shows through the day. Pumpkins are priced by size, so bring a budget and a strong pair of arms.

Good to know: tickets are needed, and food, drink and the barrel train cost extra. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Halloweden at The Eden Project

24th October – 1st November · 28 miles · about 50 minutes

Eden’s Biomes and gardens get a seasonal makeover for Halloweden, with spooky surprises for all ages and the gardens in full autumn colour. The ice rink is also back for the season, if the little ones still have energy to burn (skating is charged separately).

Good to know: Halloweden is included in standard admission. Pre-booking is recommended during school holidays.

halloweden-the-eden-project-cornwall-october

Halloween half term fun at Trerice

26th–31st October · 40 miles · about 55 minutes

This Elizabethan manor near Newquay keeps things gentle and imaginative. Children are invited to come dressed in their Halloween best, with dragon-themed activities including storytelling and a ‘dragon school’. Ideal for younger children who prefer magic to monsters.

Good to know: the activities are free, but normal National Trust admission applies (members go free). No booking needed. Note that Trerice’s separate evening event, The House Remembers, is aimed at teenagers and adults.

Spooky Creek at Camel Creek

22nd October – 1st November · 38 miles · about 1 hour

Camel Creek near Wadebridge has gone full Halloween for half term with its new Spooky Creek event, on top of more than 40 rides and attractions. A full day out for families with energetic children, with indoor play if the weather turns.

Good to know: check what’s included in your ticket and whether outdoor rides are running on your date

Spooky Newquay Zombie Crawl (Cancelled due to weather)

Saturday 24th · 42 miles · about 1 hour

One of the biggest Halloween events in the county, and it’s free. Free family workshops run across Newquay from 11am to 2pm, including face painting, wound-making and pumpkin carving. Then at 3pm, hundreds of zombies shuffle from Oakleigh Terrace to Sainsbury’s car park. Fancy dress very much encouraged.

Good to know: Newquay gets busy, so arrive early to park. A Spooky Newquay passport trail runs all week (24th–31st October) if you can’t make the Saturday.

Planning your spooky half term from Notter Bridge

Book ahead where you can. Eden, Healeys and Pumpkin Fest all sell tickets online, and half term is their busiest week.
Pair a big day with a slow one. After a day of rides and ghouls, a lazy morning by the River Lynher does wonders. The park’s woodland walks and fishing pond are right on your doorstep.
Keep the closer ones for short days. Pumpkin Fest and the Eden Project are both under an hour away, so they’re easy to fit around a late breakfast.
Check the dog rules. Notter Bridge is dog-friendly throughout, but policies vary by attraction. Check before you go if you’re planning to bring them along.
Pack for Cornish weather. Wellies, waterproofs and a spare layer cover most eventualities, and most of these events run rain or shine.