Main image: Glampers around their Yurt fire pit at our luxury Yurts near Newquay, sleeping 3-6 (some dog-friendly)

October can be lovely in Cornwall and, even if it rains, there’s always so much to do! So, if you’re thinking of booking one of our holiday cottages or glamping Yurts for October Half Term, think no more!

October at our glamping Yurts is a great time for getting out and about. You can toast marshmallows on your firepit, carve pumpkins, enjoy welly walks and conker collecting in the leaf strewn woods on site, and feast on warm and hearty Cornish goodness.

Of course, October half term is also great for getting all scary, ghoulish and frightful at the nearby Halloween events! To help you plan your cottage or Yurt stay, read on to discover 20 awesome October half-term activities in Cornwall.

1. Tricks & Treats at The Lost Gardens

Where: The Lost Gardens of Heligan, B3273, Pentewan PL26 6EN; www.heligan.com/events/heligan-halloween-tricks-treats
When: Saturday 23rd - Sunday 31st October 2021
Details: For a true taste of autumn look no further than the Lost Gardens of Heligan. With over 200 acres to explore there are heaps of welly walks and hours of fun to be had. Dog friendly.
Halloween Highlights: This Halloween Heligan, marvel at the wonderful display of Heligan grown pumpkins, come face to face with stunning owls, and toast marshmallows on the firepits. Swing into action on the East Lawn Play Tent to join one of the have a go workshops, expertly facilitated by the spellbinding Pokya circus troupe. The tricks that you might learn will include poi, diabolo, hula-hoop, tight wire, juggling, unicycle, stilts and so much more.
How much? All activities are free with garden admission – see website for prices. There is a special discount available for guests staying at our Glamping Yurts.
Stay nearby: Luxury Yurts, Colan (16 miles) | sleeps 3-6 (some dog-friendly)
Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (26 miles) | sleeps 2-6 (dog-friendly)

2. Rocky Horror at Carnglaze Slate Caverns

Where: Carnglaze Slate Caverns, St Neot, Liskeard PL14 6HQ; www.carnglaze.com
When: Open all year (closed Sundays); 10am - 5pm
Details: This former slate mine makes a magical autumn day out for your family in all weathers. Take a self-guided tour of the underground cavern and discover how the mine was worked, ending at the underground lake with its crystal clear blue/green water. Experience an enchanted woodland walk through the lovely Dell too – your little’uns will love to count the faeries along the way!
Halloween Highlights: Why not book tickets for The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the underground cinema, The Rum Store, Carnglaze Caverns on Saturday 23rd October (arrive 7pm for film at 8pm (tickets £12).
How much? For the caverns: Adults £8.00, Children 3 to 15 £5.00, Concessions £6.00, Family Saver Ticket (2 Adults plus 2 Children) £22.50
Stay nearby: Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (6 miles) | sleeps 2-6 (dog-friendly)
Luxury Yurts, Colan (25 miles) | sleeps 3-6 (some dog-friendly)

3. Halloweden at Eden Project

Where: The Eden Project, Bodelva, PL24 2SG; www.edenproject.com
When: Saturday 23rd - Sunday 31st October 2021; 9am - 6pm
Details: Eden Project is a fantastic place to visit at any time. But during half term, you can go on a mystical journey through the Biomes with a fright or two lurking in the foliage! And, even if it’s bucketing down outside, you won’t care once you’re inside this famous eco-attraction.
Halloween Highlights: Enjoy a magical Halloweden adventure full of tricks and treats. See the award-winning Bakehouse Factory’s show, based around their fabulous 3m tall owl in the Citrus Grove. Meet some amazing owls, from the Screech Owl Sanctuary, and get the whole family involved in solving creepy clues in a special puzzle trail. Book your spot on the Halloweden Potion Making Workshop and book a spin on the spooky ice rink for the perfect half-term day out. Dogs can enjoy miles of outdoor paths at Eden, but unfortunately cannot go in the Biomes or other undercover areas.
How much? Activities are included in admission, with an additional cost for the Potion Making Workshop and the ice skating sessions – see website for prices.
Stay nearby: Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (17 miles) | sleeps 2-6 (dog-friendly)
Luxury Yurts, Colan (18 miles) | sleeps 3-6 (some dog-friendly)

4. Lanhydrock Halloween Trail

Where: Lanhydrock (The National Trust), Bodmin PL30 5AD; www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock
When: House open 11 - 5pm, garden 10.30 - 5pm daily
Details: Lanhydrock is the perfect historic country house and estate, and, even if it’s pouring, a day out here certainly isn’t boring! Pick up a house trail and explore the Victorian interiors above and below stairs, thoughtfully set up with things for children to pick up and touch. Or head straight to the huge park and explore the woodland area. Kids will love balancing on fallen tree trunks, throwing sticks in the river or finding the giant monsters along the Sculpture Trail. It’s great too for bird spotting and mini beast safaris with a large adventure playground to burn off that last bit of their energy! Dogs on leads are allowed in the grounds.
Halloween Highlights: There will be a Halloween Trail in the garden this year – please look for updates on their website very soon. There are also geocaches on site, if hidden treasure’s your thing.
How much? Free entry into the garden for National Trust members. Tickets for the house and garden are priced at £16 per person, £8 per child, family (one/two adults) £24/£40
Stay nearby: Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (12 miles) | sleeps 2-6 (dog-friendly)
Luxury Yurts, Colan (18.5 miles) | sleeps 3-6 (some dog-friendly)

5. Pencarrow House & Garden

Where: Pencarrow House & Garden, Washaway, Bodmin PL30 3AG; www.pencarrow.co.uk
When: House tours every half hour 11 - 2pm, garden 10.30 - 5pm up to and inc. Friday 29th October 2021 (except Saturday 23rd October). No need to pre-book.
Details: With a history and a family stretching back to the Elizabethan times, this beautiful and quirky Georgian house with its wide and varied gardens is still privately occupied by the Molesworth-St Aubuyn family. The very friendly and welcoming staff welcome children who visit for free. On a guided tour of the house, you can expect to see hidden passageways, portraits with eyes that follow you and statues sporting top hats – it’s not your usual country home. Pencarrow is well-known for its love of dogs and is guaranteed to charm your whole pack, so don those sensible shoes for a walk in the magnificent grounds. The Peacock Café is a great resting place afterwards for a light lunch, coffee and cake. Next to the cafe, you will find a small wooden adventure play area.
How much? Tickets for the house and garden are priced at £12.50 per adult, £9.75 concessions. Gardens only £6.95/£5.25. Under 16s go free.
Stay nearby: Luxury Yurts, Colan (18 miles) | sleeps 3-6 (some dog-friendly)
Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (18 miles) | sleeps 2-6 (dog-friendly)

6. Peppa Pig at Lappa Valley

Where: Lappa Valley Steam Railway, St Newlyn East, Newquay, TR8 5LX; www.lappavalley.co.uk
When: Open daily until 31st October (pre-booking essential)
Details: Lappa Valley Steam Railway pride themselves on being a dog friendly attraction, allowing the whole family to have a great day out! Set in the Lappa Valley, there are three separate miniature railways to enjoy. Much more than just a train ride, you can also enjoy the awesome boating lake, maze, crazy golf, play areas, woodland walks and nature trails and a 9 hole golf course.
Halloween Highlights: Come and see Peppa Pig at Lappa Valley on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th October. Peppa will make personal appearances throughout each day. Celebrate the end of the season with a bang at the grand fireworks display on 30th October 2021 (7.20pm from Benny Halt).
How much? Please see their website for pre-booking and prices.
Stay nearby: Luxury Yurts, Colan (5 miles) | sleeps 3-6 (some dog-friendly)
Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (30 miles) | sleeps 2-6 (dog-friendly)

7. Bodmin & Wenford Railway

Where: Bodmin General Station, Harleigh Road, Bodmin PL31 1AQ; bodminrailway.co.uk
When: Tickets are now available to book up to 31 October 2021 with trains running on currently runs trains on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday of each week.
Details: Discover the excitement and nostalgia of steam travel with a journey evocative of a 1950’s branch line with many attractions along the way. Relax in style with a leisurely 13-mile round trip from Bodmin General Station through the Glynn Valley to Bodmin Parkway, then through the Camel Valley to Boscarne. Hop off at Colesloggett Halt for a picnic and nature trails. This line warmly welcomes your pooch aboard with his very own dog ticket.
How much? Please check the website for more details and prices. All tickets will need to be booked in advance.
Stay nearby: Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (12 miles) | sleeps 2-6 (dog-friendly)
Luxury Yurts, Colan (17 miles) | sleeps 3-6 (some dog-friendly)

8. Pumpkin Carving at Healey’s

Where: Healey's Cornish Cyder Farm, Penhallow, Truro TR4 9LW; healeyscyder.co.uk
When: Open daily throughout October; 9am - 6pm
Details: As well as their well known Healey’s and Rattlers Cyders, this traditional cider brewery produces Scrumpy, spirits, wines, fruit juices, preserves and sauces. Providing a great day out for the whole family, join in a guided tour on the art of cyder making, hop on a tractor trailer ride around the fruit orchards, visit the first distillery and combined cellars in Cornwall for 300 years, explore the shop and meet the friendly farmyard animals. Friendly dogs on a lead are very welcome.
Halloween Highlights: From the 16th of October through to the 31st, the Rattler Bar will be transformed into a spooky pumpkin carving family workshop (£6 per child).
How much? Please check the website for details and prices. It is best to prebook as you will save 20%.
Stay nearby: Luxury Yurts, Colan (12 miles) | sleeps 3-6 (some dog-friendly)
Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (36 miles) | sleeps 2-6 (dog-friendly)

9. Wheal Martyn Clay Works

Where: Wheal Martyn, St Austell, PL26 8XG; www.wheal-martyn.com
When: Open daily 10am - 5pm
Details: For a slice of Cornish heritage, Wheal Martyn is hard to beat. The brilliant museum and country park is set within 26 acres, with woodland walks and nature trails amongst the preserved remains of two former Victorian Clay works. Telling the fascinating story of Cornwall's billion-pound China Clay industry, you can discover how China Clay has shaped the world we live in today - from toothpaste to the gloss on magazines. Families and their dogs on leads can explore the ancient buildings and climb to the peak of the site to discover a spectacular view of a modern working clay pit with monstrous machines in action.
Halloween Highlights: ‘Owdyado Theatre (Associate Artists at Hall For Cornwall) are back at Wheal Martyn by popular demand! This time with Twisted Tales Volume 2, a new collection of darkly comic tales…perfect for Halloween! October 28th at 5pm.
How much? Please check the website for details and prices.
Stay nearby: Luxury Yurts, Colan (13 miles) | sleeps 3-6 (some dog-friendly)
Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (21 miles) | sleeps 2-6 (dog-friendly)

10. Bodmin Keep

Where: Bodmin Keep: Cornwall’s Army Museum, The Keep, Bodmin PL31 1EG; bodminkeep.org
When: Open October 22 - 23rd, 26th - 30th October 2021; 10am - 4:30pm
Details: Bodmin Keep is over 160 years old and is the historic home of the Army in Cornwall. This former headquarters of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry houses the finest military museum in the South West, covering more than 300 years of military history. The 12,000 collection items include weapons, uniforms, and artwork from Napoleonic times to the present day, mostly donated from veterans themselves. Each has its own story to tell - about the battles that have been fought, weapons that were used or personal letters that were written on the battlefield. Dog friendly throughout.
Halloween Highlights: They have a great October Half Term lined up with activities for all the family! From 'Make Do and Mend' and 'Weapons from the Second World War' to a Second World War re-enactor and games!
How much? Please check the website for details, prices and to pre-book your visit.
Stay nearby: Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (12.5 miles) | sleeps 2-6 (dog-friendly)
Luxury Yurts, Colan (17 miles) | sleeps 3-6 (some dog-friendly)

11. Jamaica Inn

Where: Jamaica Inn, Bolventor, Bodmin Moor, PL15 7TS; www.jamaicainn.co.uk
When: Open all year, museum open 8am - 9pm
Details: With a piratical skull and crossbones as its logo, this Cornish Inn, made famous by Daphne du Maurier, is one of England's most haunted pubs. High up on the wild and beautiful Bodmin Moor, this historic coaching house opened in 1750, and was a regular stopping point for smugglers. Explore the farm shop, gift shop, the fascinating Daphne du Maurier Museum and Smugglers’ Museum where tales of wreckers, murderers and villains are brought to life. The inn provides easy access to lots of beautiful walks on Bodmin Moor, including a gentle amble to Dozmary Pool "Excalibur"~ Lady of the lake. You can reward yourself with a cream tea, meal or a relaxing pint by the superb log fire in the olde worlde bars. Dog friendly.
How much? The museum is £3.95 adults, £2.95 child/OAP, or family passes for £7.95/£9.95 (1/2 adults, 2 children)
Stay nearby: Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (12 miles) | sleeps 2-6 (dog-friendly)
Luxury Yurts, Colan (27 miles) | sleeps 3-6 (some dog-friendly)

12. Adrenalin Quarry

Where: Adrenalin Quarry, Menheniot, Liskeard PL14 3PJ; www.adrenalinquarry.co.uk
When: Open every day during half term; 10am- 5pm (23rd- 31st October 2021)
Details: Thrill-seekers should make for the flooded quarry experience at Adrenalin Quarry this half term. It is a completely different and memorable family experience and suitable for all ages. Hurl your loved ones down the UK’s biggest, maddest 150 ft zip wire off the quarry cliffs. Ride the UK’s tallest giant cliff top swing which hoists and then plunges 3-at-a-time over the lake. Just when you think there’s no turning back, you pull out of the dive, briefly experience zero gravity, before doing it all again – backwards. After all that, you may need to refuel in their on site café! Dogs are allowed at Adrenalin Quarry and must be kept on leads at all times.
How much? Please check the website for details and prices.
Stay nearby: Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (10 miles) | sleeps 2-6 (dog-friendly)
Luxury Yurts, Colan (32 miles) | sleeps 3-6 (some dog-friendly)

13. Scaryland at Dairyland Farm Park

Where: Dairyland Farm Park, Tresillian Barton, Newquay, TR8 5AA; www.dairylandfarmpark.com
When: Open daily from 10am - 5pm
Details: Dairyland Farm Park is an all-weather adventure park with farm animals plus outdoor and indoor play areas, including the Bull Pen large indoor play centre. There is an indoor milking parlour, farm museums and an indoor pet corner. The farm also offer pony and tractor rides.
Halloween Highlights: Over October half term there will be lots of spooky goings on at Dairyland Farm with a packed week of fun and fang-tastic activities. Activities include the creepy craft workshop, pick your own pumpkin (from their pumpkin patch) and pumpkin carving (you make the design, and it will be carved by their terrifyingly talented team, ready to take home!)
How much? Please check the website for details and prices.
Stay nearby: Luxury Yurts, Colan (4 miles) | sleeps 3-6 (some dog-friendly)
Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (28 miles) | sleeps 2-6 (dog-friendly)

14. Halloweek at Camel Creek!

Where: Camel Creek, St Issey, Wadebridge, Cornwall, PL27 7RA; camelcreek.co.uk
When: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st October 2021
Details: 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.
Halloween Highlights: Get ready for a spooktacular week of Halloween fun and terrifying thrills at Camel Creek this October half-term. They’ve got a host of spooky activities, interactive experiences and spooky encounters planned for this year, with brand new scare zones, Trick or Treat, Bug Ball, plus much more!
How much? Pre-booking online is essential. A ticket for anyone over 105cm is £21.95. 92-105cms £16.95, under 92cm are free. Members are free but must also pre-book a ticket. Other pricing options are available.
Stay nearby: Luxury Yurts, Colan (11 miles) | sleeps 3-6 (some dog-friendly)
Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (30 miles) | sleeps 2-6 (dog-friendly)

15. Witches Afternoon Tea at The Headland

Where: The Headland, Fistral Beach, Headland Road, Newquay TR7 1EW; www.headlandhotel.co.uk/the-witches-afternoon-tea
When: Limited edition afternoon tea experience 1st - 31st October 2021
Halloween Highlights: 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 a Witches Afternoon Tea in The Samphire for wickedly wonderful cakes and treats, including white chocolate mice, pumpkin cheesecake, treacle tart and blackberry and apple trifle, alongside scones with clotted cream and jam, and some delicious autumnal sandwiches. The Grand High Witch will be visiting 16th – 31st October inclusive.
How much? £29 per adult, £14.50 per under 12 years
Stay nearby: Luxury Yurts, Colan (6 miles) | sleeps 3-6 (some dog-friendly)
Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (32 miles) | sleeps 2-6 (dog-friendly)

16. The Wizards of Once at Pendennis Castle

Where: Pendennis Castle, Castle Drive, Falmouth TR11 4LP; www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/pendennis-castle
When: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st October 2021; 10am - 5pm
Details: This coastal fortress is one of Henry VIII's finest handiworks, built to protect the strategically important opening of the Fal estuary in Tudor times. Resting majestically atop a hill above the Carrick Roads estuary, the castle is noted particularly for its vital role during World War I and II. A place of guns, cannons and fascinating stories, there’s exhibitions to explore, emotive re-enactments and panoramic coastal scenery. This is another dog and family friendly favourite.
Halloween Highlights: For a fantastical day out this Halloween half-term, explore the grounds on a brand-new adventure trail inspired by Cressida Cowell’s bestselling Wizards of Once series. Will you find the ingredients for the Spell to get rid of Witches and uncover the location of the Cup of Second Chances? Come along in frightful fancy dress and snap a picture to enter their competition on social media. Plus, get up close to a host of real-life 'beasts' with Zoolab!
How much? Please check the website for details and prices.
Stay nearby: Luxury Yurts, Colan (28 miles) | sleeps 3-6 (some dog-friendly)
Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (28 miles) | sleeps 2-6 (dog-friendly)

17. Screech owl sanctuary

Where: Screech Owl Sanctuary, Goss Moor, nr. Indian Queens TR9 6HP ; screechowlsanctuary.co.uk
When: Open daily 10am - 5pm
Details: Founded in 1990, this attraction holds one of the largest collection of owls in the South West featuring over 44 different species from across the world. Screech deals with the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured owls in the county and, where possible, returns the birds to their former locations. It’s a great chance for kids to get up close to owls and learn about wildlife conservation. You can also see miniature Shetland ponies, Pygmy goats, emus and alpacas in the petting zoo. If you fancy some extras, there are guided tours and flying displays. Flying experiences are wonderfully popular and need to be booked in advance. You've also got a lovely little outdoor adventure play area.
How much? Check the website for daily activities, special events, admission prices & discount vouchers
Stay nearby: Luxury Yurts, Colan (6.5 miles) | sleeps 3-6 (some dog-friendly)
Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (23 miles) | sleeps 2-6 (dog-friendly)

18. Newquay’s Trampoline Park

Where: Newquay Leisure World, Trenance Park, Newquay TR7 2LZ; www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/cornwall/newquay-leisure-world/newquay-trampoline-play-park
When: Open daily 7am - 6pm
Details: Bounce into Action at Newquay’s Better Extreme trampoline and play park in Newquay. Offering oodles of fun and activity for a family excursion, there is a huge main jump arena and soft play park. You'll find a range of cool things to enjoy, including a fidget ladder, slackline, high-tower foam pits and bouncy walls - so dive in and master those acrobatic tricks. There is also a dedicated soft play area for under 12s.
How much? Please check the website to book a 1 hour session, for details and prices.
Stay nearby: Luxury Yurts, Colan (4.5 miles) | sleeps 3-6  (some dog-friendly)
Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (31 miles) | sleeps 2-6 (dog-friendly)

19. Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay

Where: Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay, Towan Promenade, Newquay, TR7 1DU; www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/newquay
When: Open daily 10am - 5pm
Details: This underwater adventure is set right on Towan beach and has a shark tunnel and giant octopus among over 40 displays. The aquarium is divided into different sections over two floors, from local Cornish sea creatures to more exotic marine life found in the Amazon, cold and tropical seas. There are talks and events throughout the day as well as interactive sessions. There’s also information on conservation and a captive breeding programme, so plenty to educate all ages. It’s also handy if you’ve got mixed weather and need somewhere to find somewhere in the rain!
Halloween Highlights: The Aquarium usually runs a special half term trail and scary craft activities. Please check their website nearer the time for updates.
How much? Please check their website for e-tickets, last admissions, latest updates and information prior to your visit.
Stay nearby: Luxury Yurts, Colan (4.5 miles) | sleeps 3-6 (some dog-friendly)
Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (31 miles) | sleeps 2-6 (dog-friendly)

20. Cornwall Gold

Where: Cornwall Gold, Tolgus Mill, Nr Redruth TR16 4HN; www.cornwall-gold.com
When: Open daily 10am - 4pm
Details: Explore Cornwall's last original tin mill and discover how mining waste is transformed into precious tin and jewellery. You can try your luck panning for gold and even get to keep what you find. Nestled amongst 18-acres of beautiful grounds you’ll find Cornish jewellery, a host of family activities and the destination's award-winning Cornish Pantry. A day out at Cornwall Gold promises a uniquely Cornish experience. Dog friendly.
How much? Free parking and admission.
Stay nearby: Luxury Yurts, Colan (19 miles) | sleeps 3-6 (some dog-friendly)
Killigorrick Farm Cottages, near Looe (42 miles) | sleeps 2-6 (dog-friendly)