We are ready to embrace all the new things that autumn and winter brings, so Halloween, cosy nights, sparkly lights, frightening sights and, soon, Christmas.
Here is our guide to some of the most enchanted happenings in Cornwall this October half-term: it is time to experience the strange and magical!
1. Tunnel of Lights, Arctic Adventure, The Shipwreck Museum, Charlestown, from the October half-term
Children will love this experience through the tunnel of lights where they will discover glittering waterfalls, giant icebergs, and frozen shipwrecks. Last year it was a hit with visitors, and this autumn season there’s more to see with thousands of twinkly lights. There is also atmospheric Arctic soundscapes and a magical journey through a polar world.
2. Rogue Theatre Halloween, Dead of the Night Dance Shows, Tehidy Woods, 22nd – 31st of October
Make your way into a magical Halloween woodland and meet some mysterious characters, as you enter the woods via Mr Logan’s gate where souls await!
Experience music, story-telling, dancing and magic as you approach the heart of the woods. Eventually you will come to the sheltered area for the Dead of Night Dance Disco, where you can shake your bones. You will also see a show and be able to purchase hot drinks, warming stew and a range of refreshments.
There are several shows you can choose from, the First Dance, the Second Dance, the Dusk Dance and the Dark Dance.
3. Head to Pendennis Castle for a fantastical day out this Halloween half-
term.
Pendennis is full of history dating back to the 16th century. It was built as part of national defence programs under Henry the VIII, and as well as being full of history it is also full of ghost stories!
Phantom footsteps have been heard plodding along the staircase as well as reported piercing screams of “Maud” a ghostly kitchen maid who reputedly fell to her death. The sound of a child laughing has been heard in certain rooms, along with footsteps of former soldiers. Other ghosts include the former head cook and a lieutenant governor.
This Halloween half-term explore the castle’s 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?
Along with the Halloween fun and ghost stories, there’s also plenty of history and fantastic sea views – Pendennis Castle is a real crowd-pleaser this half-term. Find out more here.
4. Halloweden, at the Eden Project
Eden always knows how to celebrate in style, with something on for every occasion, and Halloween is no exception.
There’s plenty going on so you and your family will have a fun-packed day out here. There is the award-winning Bakehouse Factory’s show, created especially for Eden, and based around their fabulous 3m tall owl. This is taking place daily in the Citrus Grove.
If you stayed with us at Hendra this summer you may have seen the beautiful owls from the Screech Owl Sanctuary, and at Eden you have the opportunity to see them again.
The whole family will love solving creepy clues in a special puzzle trail, developed in partnership with Eureka Escape.
Take part in the Potion Making Workshop and create some perfect potions, mixed with some magic, to take home. You must book on to this activity.
And, if that isn’t all spooktacular enough, half-term is when Eden opens its much-loved ice-rink. Make sure you book for the ice rink early so that you can have a spin on the chilling ice-rink!
5. Halloween Pumpkin Trail at Trenance Cottages on the 31st of October
Enjoy this fun event at the restored Trenance Cottages at the pretty Trenance Gardens, from 2 – 4pm. There’s a fancy-dress competition, with a prize for the most original Halloween costume. Try the Finding Dracula Board game, where is the fearsome count? He could be lurking anywhere! You will be given a mask to take home to decorate as frightfully as you wish.
It is £4 per person.
6. Halloweek at Camel Creek
This Halloween is set to be Camel Creek’s best one yet, with a host of spooky activities, interactive experiences, fearsome encounters and more – do you dare visit?
There will be brand new scare zones, Trick or Treat, are you brave enough to knock? Stable Surprise, and so much more!
Camel Creek’s rides, animal encounters, and play areas are also all open, so you will be guaranteed a fun family day out. If you want more then you can visit the Bug Ball disco which includes a buffet for children.
Booking for the Park and the Ball is essential.
7. Flambards, Helston, 23rd – 31st of October with a firework spectacular on October the 27th
Flambards is Cornwall’s biggest theme park, and has plenty to do as well as the Halloween Tricks and Treats. There is a Firework Spectacular at 7:30pm on the 27th, where you can enjoy after dark rides, entertainment and live music before the fireworks launch.
Be sure not to miss Ferdi the Fox and the resident acrobat who will be meeting and greeting families and posing for selfies from Monday 25th – Thursday 28th, and if you keep your eyes peeled you may also even spot some creepy characters lurking inside the Victorian Village.
There are also big rides, little rides, indoor and outdoor play, and the opportunity to step back in time with the Victorian Village and Britain in the Blitz exhibition.
