What's On In Cornwall This October Half Term 2026
While we love a bracing beach walk or a cosy afternoon tucked away in a local pub, Cornwall is bursting with brilliant seasonal events this week. But if you are a bit tired of the standard, commercial Halloween setups, you are in luck. From tracking down paranormal radio waves deep in a wartime cliff bunker to dancing the night away or ghost hunting inside a Victorian prison, we have rounded up some of the most unusual, quirky, and genuinely fun things happening right on our doorstep this autumn. Let's dive into what's on in Cornwall this October half term 2026...
The Haunted Bunker Experience at PK Porthcurno, 24th October - 2nd November
If you haven't been down to Porthcurno, it is a stunning spot, but it also hides some incredible history. Right by the beach is the PK Porthcurno Museum, which sits on top of old wartime communications tunnels. For half term, they are turning their genuine WWII cliffside bunker into a bit of a ghost hunt. Instead of standard jump-scares, kids get to head underground into the dark tunnels to track down "paranormal" radio signals and messages from the past. It is brilliant, interactive, and a really clever way to mix a bit of history with spooky season fun.
Skeletons of the Sea at the National Lobster Hatchery, 17th October - 1st November
If your kids are a bit older, or if they just prefer cool animal facts to plastic skeletons, head over to Padstow. The National Lobster Hatchery does incredible conservation work, but for half term, they are running a "what lies beneath the shell" theme. It is a look at the actual science of marine skeletons, pincers, and deep-sea creatures. It is a bit quirky, a little bit creepy, and you get to see tiny baby lobsters while learning about the weird anatomy of the ocean.
Hilloween Presents: Bad Science at Patchwork Studios, 24th October
This one is definitely for older teenagers or adults looking for something totally different. Up at Patchwork Studios on the Rame Peninsula, they are hosting a "Bad Science" night. During the day, they have wacky, alternative games like "tug of guts" and "escape the virus." Then, as it gets dark, it turns into a music night with some epic bands and an experimental DJ set. It has a fantastic, creative, local community vibe that you won't find anywhere else.
Naughty Knockers and Corn Dollies at Godolphin House, 24th October - 1st November
If you fancy a beautiful autumn walk but want to keep the kids entertained, the National Trust grounds at Godolphin are doing something lovely. Instead of American-style Halloween themes, they are leaning into proper, old-school Cornish folklore. They have trails themed around "knockers"—the mischievous spirits from old Cornish mining myths—and traditional corn dollies. It is a very peaceful, traditional way to celebrate the harvest and get out into nature.
Spooky Evening Steam Trains on the Helston Railway, 28th & 29th October
There is something incredibly atmospheric about a steam train at night, especially when the autumn mist starts rolling in. The lovely volunteers at the Helston Railway are running special evening trains with a spooky theme! The vintage carriages are all decked out with pumpkins, and because it is pitch black outside in the countryside, the whole ride feels quite magical. Everyone usually dresses up, and it is a massive hit with younger kids.
Halloween at Bodmin Jail, throughout October
If you're looking for Halloween events in Cornwall this October, look no further! Prepare to be enveloped by the stories of past inmates, where dimly lit corridors echo with unsettling whispers and the air is charged with mystery and suspense. From ghost hunts to lantern lit jail tours, ghost stories, family activity trails and even paranormal sleepovers - if you want to be spooked, you know where to go!
Before you pack up the car and head out for October half term fun in Cornwall, don't let cold feet or a sudden downpour ruin the day! Pop into our shop near Portreath or browse online to get half-term ready with our latest ladies autumn boots, snug men's autumn footwear, and a gorgeous new season cosy coat to keep the chill at bay.