If you’re counting down the days till you come down to Cornwall for half term, here are a few ideas for family focused activities to whet your appetite.
1. ’50 things’ autumn family walk and bodging at Glendurgan
This autumn, head to Glendurgan garden for a fun filled family day out. If you haven’t tried any of the National Trust’s 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾ it could be a good chance to give it a go – or tick a few more off your list. And how about trying your hand at bodging? Glendurgan’s friendly bodger will be on hand to show families what this traditional wood-turning craft is all about.
2. Trengwainton Pumpkin Fun Day, (Sunday 27 October, from 11am)
The gardens at Trengwainton are brilliant for exploring, with ‘Secret Garden’ doorways and exotic plants including giant fern trees (great for hide and seek). On Sunday 27 October, it’s all about the pumpkins – you can take part in some pumpkin-themed games and have a go at carving a pumpkin lantern ready for Halloween.
3. Paradise Park & JungleBarn – Owl Prowl Trail (26 October to 3 November)
Paradise Park is a great venue whatever the weather and has plenty to keep families amused this half term. As well as being Cornwall’s top wildlife sanctuary, it also has a huge indoor play area. During half term, why not have a go at the ‘Owl Prowl’ trail? There’s also a Halloween Disco on 31 October (3-6pm) with prizes for the best fancy dress.
4. Pendennis Castle – Spooky Halloween Trail, (26 October – 3 November)
There are creepy clues hidden all around the castle grounds (if you’re brave enough to take on the challenge) as well as ghoulish crafts. You could even try hunting for ghosts with their Time Travellers Go… Ghosts and Ghouls event (28 Oct – 1 Nov).
5. Trelissick Garden – Wild Family Walk, (Wednesday 30 October, 11am)
Why not go on a wild family walk in the countryside? Trelissick is an idea place to build dens and discover nature.
6. Meet Mike the Knight at Bodmin & Wenford Railway, (Sunday 27 October)
On Sunday 27th October, kids’ favourite Mike the Knight will be visiting Bodmin and Wenford Railway. There’s lots going on during the day, including steam train rides, brake van rides, a children’s entertainer and a miniature railway. All aboard!
7. Heartlands (26 October – 2 November)
Heartlands celebrates Halloween with a week packed full of activities including pumpkin carving, bug mask workshops and face painting. There’s a super spooky Halloween ball on the 31st October with storytelling from Rogue Theatre and pumpkin golf! (Book by 27 Oct to make sure you get a place).
If you haven’t been down to Heartlands before, it’s definitely worth a visit, as it also happens to be Cornwall’s biggest free adventure playground. There are climb-on sculptures and fantastic outdoor spaces to explore, along with exhibitions and art & craft studios.
8. Eden Project – Halloweden, (26 October – 3 November)
Fans of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s ‘Room on the Broom’ will love this year’s Halloween themed events at the Eden Project. There are lots of workshops and activities on offer including:
– Room on the Broom trail: follow the trail around Eden and collect the things the Witch needs to cast her spell.
– Wand making, head-dress making and mud monster making workshops
– Special Room on the Broom film screenings
For older kids the Wishcraft Tent is full of spook-tastic fun including dark storytelling sessions and potion workshops. There’s also the ever-popular Little Monsters’ Ball Halloween disco (Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 October 2013, 6-9pm) and ice skating sessions.
9. Cornish Seal Sanctuary – Hauntingly Good Half Term (26th October – 2nd November)
There’s lots on offer at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary this half term including a witches’ wood trail, some ‘otterly’ scary games and a resident Wizard. ½ price entry for all those in fancy dress!
Happy holidays!
