Enjoy a Cornwall Autumn Half Term Escape

As the vibrant summer crowds disperse and Cornwall’s beaches begin to empty out, the Autumnal charm of Cornwall emerges in October especially around half term. While the world knows Cornwall for its iconic summer escapes with soft sandy shores, rolling moorland and quaint fishing villages, the Autumn months reveal a different, equally captivating side of this coastal paradise.

Here, we present a thought selection of Autumn activities to relish in Cornwall during October and beyond:

Our Top Picks for October in Cornwall:

Explore Scarecrows at Cotehele – Cotehele: Just a stone’s throw away from St. Mellion Estate, is the National Trust riverside hideaway of Cotehele. If you’re feeling brave, this October half-term and are looking for a spooky activity, head to Cotehele and embark on a quest to discover spooky scarecrows hidden in the garden. These scarecrows each hold a piece of local folklore, and your challenge is to spot them and read their stories to solve the mystery. Begin your adventure by picking up a free trial sheet from Visitor Reception, then wander through the enchanting gardens at Cotehele, keeping your eyes peeled for these eerie figures. Will you have what it takes to crack the riddle and unveil the mystery?

Embrace the Coastline at Whitsand Bay – Torpoint: Whitsand Bay boasts over three miles of stunning golden sand stretching from Rame Head to Portwrinkle, making it one of Cornwall’s true hidden gems, the perfect place to visit during your Cornwall autumn break to St Mellion Estate. Accessible via steep paths and steps winding through lush autumnal vegetation, these beaches are a haven of tranquillity, especially if you embark on a holiday to Cornwall in October. During low tide, the expansive sands are perfect for cosy strolls. Explore the shoreline’s rock pools teeming with marine life, and offshore lies the popular dive site of HMS Scylla, an ex-naval frigate sunk in 2004 to create an artificial reef.

Horror Maze at Cornish Maize Maze – Pillaton: Prepare for a spine-tingling adventure at the Halloween Maze of Horrors on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 6pm, with timed ticket entry. Brace yourself, as this event is not for the faint-hearted! Families are welcome, but parental discretion is advised. The maze promises a chilling experience, featuring fire jugglers, performers, scare actors, and more. This hair-raising journey through the maize includes scare scenes with live actors, and it will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Be prepared for what might be the scariest 15 minutes of your life! You’ll also find actors performing daring fire stunts, and a BBQ will be available alongside the regular cafe menu. And the best bit is this is less than 10 minutes from St Mellion’s door!

Enjoy a Good Stomp Across Moorland at the Cheesewring – Bodmin Moor: Amidst the dramatic landscapes of Bodmin Moor lies one of Cornwall’s most iconic sites, the Cheesewring. The name of this granite tor is derived from a traditional gadget used for squeezing liquid out of cheese, although it’s also associated with cider making, where apple pulp is known as “cheese.” Take a walk this October half term to visit the seven rock slabs, the Cheesewring stands tall at thirty-two feet, with the smallest and lightest rocks at the base and the heaviest. On a misty day, the Cheesewring structure appears to hover above the moor and on a sunny day if you climb to the top, the vistas over Cornwall and Devon are simply spectacular. Don’t forget St. Mellion offers dog friendly holiday cottages too so you can bring along your four legged friends to explore the moor!

Enjoy a Round of Golf or a Wellness Spa Treat at St. Mellion Estate: For golf enthusiasts, St Mellion is renowned as one of the UK’s premier golf venues, having hosted European Tour events and earning the title of ‘Best Golf Course’ in the West of England and Ranked 2nd Best 4* Golf Resort UK and Ireland. The Nicklaus Signature Course at St. Mellion is a masterpiece personally designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. This sequence of holes not only offers a delightful playing experience but also provides breathtaking visual panoramas. St Mellion also boasts a “hidden gem,” the Kernow Course, which opened in 2008 and quickly became a favourite among golfers. Complementing the Nicklaus Course, the Kernow Course features wide fairways, expansive greens, and a fantastic blend of holes, earning praise as “an outstanding course with a great blend of holes” from Today’s Golfer. And the most important question this October…’trick or treat?’ The answer being ‘treat’ of course! The Wellness Spa at St. Mellion offers a delicious menu of Elemis treats for you to choose from.

Indoor Activities to Enjoy During your Cornwall Autumn Break:

A Dive into Marine Wonder at the National Marine Aquarium – Plymouth: The National Aquarium offers an immersive experience into the captivating world of marine life. Wonder through underwater ecosystems brimming with fascinating creatures. Witness the elegance of sea turtles, the allure of shimmering fish, and, of course the magnificent sharks as they glide through crystal-clear waters, recreated to mimic their natural habitats. As you navigate the aquarium’s exhibits, you can learn about ongoing efforts to safeguard delicate ecosystems and the crucial role each individual plays in preserving the biodiversity of our seas. The National Aquarium provides refuge from the autumn chill, making it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages!

Everyman Cinema, Royal William Yard, Plymouth: When temperatures drop and evenings grow longer, there’s no better way to escape than snuggling up at the Cinema. Everyman Cinema is nestled within the historic Royal William Yard in Plymouth, this cinema presents a diverse selection of mainstream and art-house films throughout the week. When spending the evening at Royal William Yard, why not indulge in a sumptuous meal at one of the nearby restaurants, such as Wagamama, Bistrot Pierre, Pho or Hub.

With options for warm and chilly autumnal days, it’s clear that Cornwall in October offers a unique allure. The shifting autumn colours provide a picturesque backdrop for outdoor and indoor activities, ensuring that your visit to Cornwall during this season is nothing short of splendid. So, why wait? Plan your autumn escape to St. Mellion Estate and savour the magic of autumn in this captivating county. And, for seasonal fun, discover the array of Halloween activities awaiting you in Cornwall during this spooky season.