Catherine
13 September 2023
Autumn is one of our favourite times of the year in Cornwall; the summer crowds have gone, the weather is still warm, and the countryside starts to embrace a vibrant golden glow.
Cornwall is a paradise of calm, open spaces, it’s a true retreat, so what better time is there to take the kids away than October half-term before the Christmas mayhem kicks in?
We have put together a list of some of the best Halloween events in Cornwall for your visit including pumpkin patches, attractions for the whole family, and chilling experiences not for the faint-hearted.
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Pumpkin picking in Cornwall
The Cornish Maize Maze, Saltash
The Cornish Maize Maze and Fun Farm offers a family day out with a difference. Set on a 450-acre farm near Saltash, there’s so much on offer from farm animals, trampolines and sandpits to the maze itself which is the star attraction and spans over 3 miles.
Every Saturday and Sunday throughout October, as well as every day during October half-term week, the popular pumpkin patch will be open for you to enjoy with pumpkin picking and a short maze with a Halloween-themed quiz!
Address: Smeaton Farm, Pillaton, Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6RZ
Prices: £5 per person with under 2s free – pumpkins are charged in addition. Pre-booking is advised
Opening times: 10.30am-5pm
Pumpkin Fest at Strawberry Fields, Lifton
Photo credit: Lifton Farm Shop
Every Saturday and Sunday throughout October as well as every day during October half-term week, Strawberry Fields Farm Shop brings you Pumpkin Fest!
Experience the spectacular pumpkin patch with thousands of homegrown pumpkins; with different colours, sizes and shapes, there is one to suit everyone.
Be dazzled by award-winning magician Magic Martin, mingle with charming pumpkin characters for memorable snapshots, embark on a barrel train adventure, navigate the Pirate Maize Maze, and immerse yourself in a world of whimsical scarecrows!
Address: Strawberry Fields Farm Shop, Lifton, PL16 0DH
Prices: Various depending on the date but roughly £7 including the maize maze – pumpkins are charged in addition. Under 1s free. Pre-booking is advised
Opening times: 9am-3pm
Trevaskis Farm pumpkin picking, Hayle
Set amidst 28 acres of beautiful countryside near Hayle, Pick Your Own at Trevaskis Farm is a wonderful family day out. Best of all, entry is free! You only pay for what you pick.
Even if the rain sets in, welly boots and puddles are great, not to mention the all-weather polytunnels. There’s no need to book, Pick Your Own is open 10am-5pm every day, just turn up! There’s also a farm shop on site as well as a very popular restaurant and cafe.
Address: Trevaskis Farm, Gwinear Rd, Connor Downs, Hayle, TR27 5JQ
Prices: Prices vary depending on the size of the pumpkin
Opening times: 10am-5pm
Family-friendly Halloween events in Cornwall
Halloweden at The Eden Project
Head to the Eden Project between 18 and 29 October as Halloweden returns for another year with an all-new tree-mendous offer. The legendary Tree Giants have arrived at Eden on a special quest this Halloween – they need help to protect the world’s forests. Uncover their hiding places and discover ancient wisdom, extraordinary tales and enchanting performances.
Plus, don't forget to take a spin on the wickedly fun ice rink or get hands-on in a bewitching wand-making workshop, where a mystical guide will weave wonderful tales and lead you in crafting your very own wand (additional charge and pre-booking required for both activities).
Address: Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG
Prices: Pre-booking is strongly encouraged, and prices vary depending on dates
Opening times: 9.30am-6pm
Haloween fun at Flambards, Hayle
Between 21 and 31 October 2023, Flambards is celebrating Halloween with ‘Trick or Treat Week!’. Upon arrival, pick up a pumpkin hunt sheet and discover clues throughout the park. If you get the answers right, you might even win a treat!!
There’s also the mystery trail in the Victorian village and a Penny Dreadful quiz sheet too. The popular Fireworks Spooktacular will take place at the park on Wednesday 25 October.
Address: Flambards, Clodgey Lane, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 0QA
Prices: Adult tickets are approx. £20, and children’s tickets are approx. £15
Opening times: 10am-5pm
Lantern trail at Shipwreck Museum, Charlestown
All the lights are off between 22 and 30 October at the Shipwreck Treasure Museum as the museum is transformed into a spooky lantern trail. Are you brave enough to wander through the dark corridors and listen to the spooky stories along the way? What will you find waiting just around the corner?
Quite possibly you’ll find creepy crafts for all ages and ghoulish games for the very brave!
Fancy dress is highly recommended and a special prize for the best Halloween costume will be announced for all those who wish to take part.
Address: Shipwreck Treasure Museum, Quay Road, Charlestown, St. Austell, PL25 3NJ
Prices: Museum-only prices are adults £8.50, children aged 5-17 £4.50 and children under 5 free
Opening times: 10am-5pm, with last admission at 4.15pm
Not for the faint-hearted Halloween events in Cornwall
Bodmin Jail, Bodmin
Unlock a hauntingly unforgettable Halloween experience at Bodmin Jail. As with most old prisons, Bodmin Jail has a dark history. In total, 55 executions took place within its formidable walls.
Every day throughout October, they will be running their award-winning guided tours, stepping into their darkest stories and history. They are also running extended ghost hunting events, a kids' special Cinema Fright Night and a Halloween night special, their very own Victorian spiritualist evening.
Address: Bodmin Jail, Berrycoombe Rd, Bodmin, PL31 2NR
Prices: Various, depending on the event, see here
Scare Asylum, Penryn
The Scare Asylum is a live entertainment scare maze experience featuring live scare actors and non-stop twists, turns and jumps around every corner!
Scare Asylum is a fun, frightening, thrilling experience which is strictly 16+. It takes place 26-28 October 2023 at Raise the Roof children’s soft play area but be assured this certainly won’t be a kids’ party.
Address: 30a Parkengue, Kernick Rd, Penryn, TR10 9EP
Prices: £25 a ticket
The Dark Gathering, Tintagel
The annual Dark Gathering is a colourful event which will take place this year on Saturday 28 October; it serves as the perfect precursor to Halloween. The event celebrates the dark, toasts the occult and pays tribute to folklore in all its various shapes and sizes.
The unique get-together began in 2014 and has always fallen on the Saturday just before Halloween so that families and children can also enjoy the event. There is indeed a good family vibe despite the ghoulish nature of the gathering.
Address: Tintagel, exact venue TBC
Prices: The event is ticketed and needs to be booked in advance. Prices are TBC so watch this space. Costumes are encouraged
Stay with us in Cornwall this autumn
If you haven’t booked your autumn or October half-term holiday to Cornwall yet, what are you waiting for? Browse our excellent range of self-catering holiday homes and cottages throughout Cornwall and pick out the perfect retreat for you. Whether you are travelling to the area with your loved one for a romantic break or a break with friends and family, we have accommodation large and small to fit your chosen occasion.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.