The Ultimate October Half-Term: Our Guide to 2026

The Ultimate October Half-Term: Our Guide to Spooky & Seaside Fun in North Cornwall

October half-term is one of our favourite times of the year here in North Cornwall. The summer crowds have gone, the sunsets are golden, and the air is crisp with that autumn feeling. Best of all, there’s a unique kind of magic in the air, especially with Halloween just around the corner.

As a local, family-run business, we know all the best spots to enjoy this special time. We’ve put together our personal guide to help you and your family have the perfect October half-term, blending seaside adventures with spooky seasonal fun.

In this guide, you’ll discover our favourite picks for:

The Best of the Spooky Season
Iconic Cornwall Experiences
Rainy Day Rescues
Your Half-Term FAQs

The Best of the Spooky Season

October half-term is all about getting into the Halloween spirit. We’ve rounded up our top picks for some brilliantly spooky fun.

The Eden Project: Spooky & Magical

Every year, The Eden Project puts on a spectacular display for half-term. They truly embrace the spooky season with themed activities, captivating trails, and enchanting decorations. It’s an incredible way to explore the biomes and get into the Halloween spirit all at once. It’s always one of our personal highlights.

Bodmin Jail: A Walk on the Dark Side

Got a family of history buffs or thrill-seekers? A trip to Bodmin Jail is an absolute must. Their ‘Dark Walk’ experience is genuinely spooky and immersive, telling the stories of Cornwall’s past in a unique way. It’s an unforgettable day out for older children and a fantastic option for a rainy afternoon.

Pumpkin Picking at Local Farms

This has become one of our favourite family traditions. There’s nothing quite like heading to a local farm to find your perfect pumpkin. It’s such a simple, joyful activity and the perfect way to spend a golden autumn afternoon. We recommend Travaskis Farm, Trevathan Farm Shop and The Cornish Maize Maze.

National Trust’s Halloween Trails

The National Trust does a wonderful job with their themed half-term events, and there are some real gems close to us.

Trelissick is hosting an immersive journey through Cornish folklore and myths with their All Hallows Tide event.
Over at Tintagel Old Post Office, you can take part in a popular UV torch trail to solve a spooky puzzle around the house and win a prize.
And at Trerice, they have a week full of enchanted dragon-themed fun, with storytelling and even a ‘Trerice dragon school’.

These are all fantastic ways to explore some beautiful local sites while celebrating the spooky season.

Iconic Cornwall Experiences

Some things are just meant to be enjoyed year-round, especially with the coast to yourself.

Surfing Lessons on Polzeath Beach

The sea is often at its warmest in autumn, and the waves are fantastic. There’s no better time to try a surfing lesson! The local surf schools on Polzeath Beach are brilliant and will have you and the kids catching a wave in no time. It’s an invigorating and memorable activity. We recommend George’s Surf School for one to one and small private group surf coaching.

Cycling the Camel Trail from Wadebridge

This is one of our all-time favourite family activities. The Camel Trail is a completely traffic-free path, perfect for a gentle bike ride alongside the beautiful estuary. It’s a great way to enjoy the autumn scenery and get a breath of fresh air.

Exploring Rock Pools at Polzeath, Daymer Bay & Greenaway

At low tide, our beaches transform into a treasure trove of hidden worlds. Grab a net and a bucket and spend hours discovering crabs, anemones, and other fascinating marine creatures. It’s a timeless and free activity that kids absolutely love.

Walks along the Coast Path

The South West Coast Path takes on a new kind of beauty in October. Take a walk from Polzeath to Pentire Point or stroll along the sands at Daymer Bay. The air is crisp, the views are breathtaking, and it’s a wonderful way to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Rainy Day Rescues (and Other Indoor Activities!)

Don’t let a spot of rain put a damper on your holiday. We’ve got you covered with some brilliant indoor options.

Family-Friendly Indoor Climbing at Tide Climbing Centre

Need to burn off some energy indoors? The Tide Climbing Centre near Wadebridge is a brilliant find. It has routes for all ages and abilities, and it’s a fantastic way for the whole family to challenge themselves and have a lot of fun, whatever the weather.

Visit the Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay

Dive into an underwater world at the Blue Reef Aquarium. It’s a perfect rainy-day escape where you can get up close and personal with sharks and tropical fish. It’s a quiet and educational way to spend a few hours.

National Lobster Hatchery in Padstow

This is one of those places you’ll be surprised by. The National Lobster Hatchery in Padstow is a great indoor activity, and it’s truly amazing to see the vital conservation work they’re doing. It’s a fascinating and quietly brilliant way to spend an hour or more.

Ready for Your North Cornwall Half-Term?

We can’t wait to welcome you. With a mix of exhilarating spooky activities and quiet moments of coastal calm, an October half-term break in North Cornwall truly is the best way to reconnect as a family.

Explore our collection of beautiful holiday homes in Polzeath, Rock, and Daymer Bay and find the perfect base for your half-term adventure.

The Essentials: Your October Half-Term FAQs

Are your properties dog-friendly for October half-term?

We know that a family holiday just isn’t complete without the whole family! Many of our holiday homes are dog-friendly, so your four-legged friend can join in the fun. Just check the details on our individual property pages.

What if the weather isn’t great during our half-term break?

That’s the beauty of Cornwall in October! We’ve got a fantastic list of indoor activities right here in this guide, from climbing walls to aquariums. And of course, nothing beats curling up in one of our cosy holiday homes with a hot chocolate after a busy day out. As our guest you can enjoy access to our facilities, including the health club, golf course, and restaurant: with a 20% discount on the golf course and health club.

Do you offer shorter breaks during half-term?

We know that half-term can be a busy time. While our standard bookings are typically for full weeks, we occasionally have availability for shorter stays. It’s always best to get in touch with our friendly reservations team to see what we can do for you.

Happy guests

What people are saying

"This is a wonderful golf course with excellent facilities. Staff in The Bear are friendly and helpful, and the food is fantastic at a very reasonable price. The course itself is among the best in the county and the management is extremely accommodating. I’ll definitely be travelling back regularly to play again.”
"The Point at Polzeath holds a very special place in my heart. I recently visited The Point on a golf trip. The course itself is in fantastic shape and provided the perfect setting for 36 holes of golf, overlooking the beautiful Polzeath Bay. The food, the atmosphere, the staff friendliness and the golf course make The Point one of the best places for a golf trip, I couldn’t recommend it more!”
"This is my favourite golf course. Every hole is different - it’s beautiful and full of wildlife but in very good condition and not too hard to find the ball!”
"Really enjoyed our round at The Point at Polzeath while on holiday in the area. A lovely course that was very welcoming from the moment we arrived, with a really friendly atmosphere. The greens were in great condition and running true, and the course itself was a pleasure to play. Would definitely recommend and would happily play again when we’re next in the area.”
"My son and I entered an open while holidaying nearby and had a fantastic day. Staff and members were friendly from the moment we arrived. The food was delicious, and the clubhouse - overlooking the 9th and 18th greens - captures exactly what a welcoming golf venue should feel like. Great value and a thoroughly enjoyable experience.”
"Our group of 21 golfers had a brilliant three day stay. The course was interesting and well maintained, and every staff member was friendly and eager to help. The bar and restaurant team created a great atmosphere, and the accommodation was comfortable with thoughtful touches throughout. Excellent hospitality and a highly recommended venue.”
"A great and testing course with a friendly team and an enjoyable atmosphere. The padel courts on site are excellent too.”

"Fabulous golf course in amazing condition despite the dry weather. Huge credit to the Greens staff for their hard work.”
"From the moment we arrived, we felt incredibly welcome. The accommodation was excellent, the golf course in great condition, and the food throughout our stay was first class. Every staff member we met was friendly, helpful and a real credit to The Point. It made our visit feel relaxed, enjoyable and very well looked after.”
"We dined here twice while camping in Polzeath and loved it both times. The restaurant is beautifully designed, with amazing views and a warm atmosphere. The food was excellent, and the staff were consistently friendly and attentive. It’s a great spot for families and friends to enjoy a relaxed meal together.”
"A really good golf course and great value for money. The greens and fairways are in excellent condition, and the golf shop is well stocked with reasonably priced items. The clubhouse has wonderful views and a relaxed atmosphere, with excellent food and drinks. A strong team effort all round, making the visit thoroughly enjoyable.”
"The Point is a thoroughly enjoyable golf course, beautifully maintained and varied, with each hole set in its own channel. The views and surroundings are very pleasant, and the terrace and balcony are perfect for drinks and snacks afterwards. Overall, it’s a smart yet welcoming venue that offers a great experience on and off the course.”
"We had a fantastic time celebrating our friend Alastair’s birthday. Every staff member was friendly, professional and eager to go the extra mile, creating a brilliant atmosphere. It was especially lovely seeing some of the team join in with the dancing - it added to the fun and made the night feel even more special for everyone.”
"Thank you to Kate and the team for making my birthday meal so memorable. Everyone had a fantastic time enjoying the food and the beautiful new décor. You were wonderfully patient with all the singing, which made the evening even more fun. It was a lovely celebration, and we’re already looking forward to returning soon.”
"Discovering The Point at Polzeath - especially the Health Club - has been a genuinely rewarding experience. The welcome is always warm, and the personal trainers create imaginative programmes that keep you motivated. The food is delicious, healthy and varied, making the whole experience feel thoughtfully designed. It’s a place that really supports you in achieving your goals.”
"Lovely venue, haven’t been for a few years but still great food and the restaurant staff are excellent - we enjoyed a lovely meal on the balcony watching the sunset. Also managed to get on hybrid spin class with Steph, which was great!”

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