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Halloween Mid-Term
Enjoy a range of family-fun activities across Cornwall this autumn | © ©National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Family-friendly places around Cornwall

With long stretching beaches, exotic gardens and historic houses in Cornwall and Plymouth, there are lots of places to explore and visit for family fun.

What's on over autumn in Cornwall?

There are plenty of things to keep the family busy this October half term.

Dark Cornwall presents Kalan Gwav at Trelissick 

Cornish legends call Trelissick home this October as Dark Cornwall create an immersive folklore experience through the magic and myths of Cornwall in the garden and house.

Orange sculptures of three mischievous looking Cornish pixies

Stranger Folk digital adventure at Lanhydrock 

Gather your friends and family for a magical digital folklore adventure. Download the free Stranger Folk app and set off on an interactive quest filled with stories, puzzles and playful challenges.

Family enjoying an autumn walk across the countryside with trees in the distance at Lanhydrock, Cornwall

The reign of the wyrm and the witch at Trerice 

Step beyond the gates of Trerice and enter a world where history meets the supernatural.

Young girl dressed in a witch's hat

‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ at Cotehele 

Get ready to swish, splash and squelch your way through this new sensory trail as 'We’re Going on a Bear Hunt' comes to Cotehele this autumn.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

Autumn adventure at Glendurgan 

Follow Glendurgan's autumn spotter sheet to discover fallen leaves from the garden’s trees, and contribute to the evolving autumn display at the willow arch

Two people using the boat seat surrounded by flowers and shrubs

October half-term family fun at Trengwainton 

Collect fallen leaves to make leaf bunting, play autumn-themed games and follow the sensory trail around the garden.

Child collecting apples with a wooden wheel barrow in the orchard at Trengwainton

Autumn colour and mystery at Godolphin 

Discover Godolphin in its autumn colour and the mysterious powers of the corn dolly who protect the harvest from naughty knockers hidden within the grounds with games and activities this October half term.

The North facing front of Godolphin House, Cornwall with autumn leaves in the foreground.

Creative walks at Pentire 

Join us at Pentire headland for a walk in nature and a chance to get creative

Exploring the South West Coast path at Pentire, North Cornwall, in autumn

Top places to visit with your family in Cornwall

Discover all the best places to explore with your family for a great day out.

Stranger Folk quest at Lanhydrock 

Discover what family-friendly activities are on offer at Lanhydrock, including the Stranger Folk app quest this Halloween, the reimagined Victorian nursery and miles of cycle trails across the estate.

The opening screen of the Stranger Folk app on a phone in a visitor's hand

Immersive folklore experience at Trelissick 

Discover what family-friendly activities are on offer at Trelissick, including an immersive folklore experience through the magic and myths of Cornwall in the garden and house.

A terrifying 15 foot Cornish dragon perched on a rock and looking scarily at the camera

Family-friendly things to do at Cotehele 

Discover all the things to do on a family day out to Cotehele. Explore the garden and orchards and head out on an adventure around the estate. Find out what family-friendly events are coming up and how best to plan your day out at Cotehele with children in mind.

Family walking along a gravel path in the Upper Garden at Cotehele, Cornwall

Family-friendly things to do at Pentire 

All you need to know about visiting Pentire with children.

Playing eye spy is one of the fun things to do with families at Pentire.

Family-friendly things to do at Trerice 

Discover what family-friendly activities are on offer at Trerice. Try a game of Cornish kayles, spot the mice around the house and try on Tudor-inspired costumes in the hayloft.

Children playing in the Orchard at Trerice, Cornwall

Family-friendly things to do at Godolphin 

Take a look at what family-friendly events and activities we have at Godolphin. Explore nature up-close with the barefoot trail and enjoy the wide open spaces of nature in the gardens.

A small child filling an eco pot with soil

Family days out at Trengwainton 

Explore our ideas for fun and accessible days out for the family, in a garden with room to run, hide, explore and have lots of adventures in nature.

Two adults and two children on a lawn covered in fallen flowers on sticks

Family-friendly things to do at Antony 

Find out what family-friendly activities are on offer at Antony in Cornwall, in the house and garden.

Young boy dresses up in a top hat in the Storytelling Room, Antony

Visiting Levant Mine and Beam Engine 

Join the 'Minor Miners' family tour and learn about the gruelling work of a Cornish Miner. Find out about the jobs the miners did and help to run the winder and steam engine.

Levant Mine and Beam Engine, Cornwall, on a sunny day

Just over the border in Devon

Family-friendly things to do at Saltram 

Find family-friendly activities to do at Saltram, from exploring the estate and gardens to seasonal events.

Adult with child dressed in Halloween costume, crouching down surrounded by autumn leaves

Family-friendly things to do at Buckland Abbey 

Whether it's a woodland adventure, an amazing story of life on the high seas or a tasty treat from the coffee shop, there's something for all the family to enjoy at Buckland Abbey this autumn.

A girl in a pink coat looks happy as she throws fallen leaves into the air

Christmas in Cornwall 

Find out what's planned for a magical Christmas in Cornwall.

Meet Father Christmas at Clumber Park

Family-friendly gardens in Cornwall

Discover a wide variety of gardens to explore with plenty of places to play hide-and-seek.

Things to do in the garden at Godolphin 

Godolphin’s garden paths provide a natural space that’s rich in history. Find out how the garden provides a home to the native Cornish bee. Explore the orchard, side garden paddock and King’s Garden.

A gravel path in a garden, bordered by box hedging, with grass either side and a house in the distance.

Things to see and do in the garden at Trelissick 

Discover peaceful lawns and tranquil orchard spaces in the garden. Stop for far-reaching maritime views at this green lookout point high above the River Fal estuary.

The white pyramid entrance at the front of Trelissick, in the autumn, with the orangery at the right of the picture

Visiting Cotehele's garden 

Take a stroll around the 5.5 hectares of Cotehele's garden where you’ll discover terraced herbaceous borders, a lily pond as well as a medieval stewpond and dovecote.

The pond in the Upper Garden in autumn at Cotehele, Cornwall

Family-friendly walks and cycling in Cornwall

Here are some walks great for little legs and pushchairs as well as top spots to cycle in Cornwall.

Cycling at Lanhydrock 

With a mix of off road trails from green routes, skills areas and more advanced woodland routes, there's something for everyone. If you need to hire a bike, we've got you covered at the Lanhydrock cycle hire. We recommend pre-booking any bikes you need beforehand.

Family exploring the cycle trails at Lanhydrock, Cornwall

Cycling at Penrose 

There are acres to explore on your visit to Penrose, and it doesn’t have to be on foot. Miles of bridleways are waiting to be discovered on your horse, or by bike.

Two children riding their bikes along a footpath at Castle Coole, with a family and pushchairs in the background

Exploring the Cotehele estate 

There's lots to discover at the Cotehele estate. Miles of pathways lead you through ancient woodland, past a historic chapel, and to an important Victorian quay.

A large grey mill building with woodland behind it and a meadow of white cow parsley in front of it

Lanhydrock Great Wood and Beech Avenue walk 

Lanhydrock is home to a wide variety of veteran and ancient trees, perfect homes for wildlife – and your companions on this gentle circular walk.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)
Cattle grazing in the parkland at Lanhydrock, Cornwall amid tall trees

Lansallos coastal and woodland walk 

Discover this trail with a stretch of coastline that offers secluded coves and beaches in Lansallos, Cornwall.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.8 (km: 6.08)
Lansallos Cove view to Pencarrow Head, Cornwall

Family-friendly beaches in Cornwall

Discover all the best beaches for rock-pooling adventures and sandcastle building.

Sandymouth 

Sandymouth is a popular and unspoilt beach but can be very tidal. Find out how not to get caught out by the tides and also discover what’s on offer for you to do during your visit.

A view of the sandy beach at Sandymouth, Cornwall, with rocks in the foreground, a cliff visible on the left and the sea in the distance

Things to do at Poldhu Cove 

Tucked away on the west side of the Lizard in Cornwall, Poldhu Cove is a favourite beach for families and surfers alike.

Children finding a crab whilst rock-pooling on the beach at Poldhu Cove on the Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall

Durgan beach 

The sheltered, south-facing beach at Durgan is a mixture of pebbles, rock pools and sand. It's a peaceful place to play and watch wildlife and boats on the Helford River.

Falmouth, Cornwall

Fully open today
Holiday cottages on the beach near Glendurgan Garden, Cornwall

Exploring the area around Lansallos 

Discover the places to visit in and around this Cornish village, including sandy coves, ancient churches, old water mills and landmarks from its smuggling heyday.

A National Trust sign pointing to Lantic beach with the bay in the background

Explore the beaches at Carne and Pendower 

Accessible all year round, the sandy beaches at Carne and Pendower offer seaside fun, coastal walks with sweeping views, and the chance to explore disused military bunkers.

Visitors rockpooling at Wembury Beach, Wembury, Devon

Family-friendly houses in Cornwall

Step inside and discover adventure in every room. With things to do for families that makes a great day out.

Things to do in Lanhydrock house 

Lanhydrock is a Victorian country house packed with layers of history and family stories. Step inside the house to learn about the lives of the Agar-Robartes family, admire the finest rooms and meet the costumed servants below stairs.

A boy looking into a display case containing toys at Lanhydrock

Visiting Trelissick house 

Enjoy a tea or coffee in the south-facing rooms while taking in the view from the eighteenth century house at Trelissick.

View of the Georgian house through the trees at Trelissick, Cornwall

Things to do in Cotehele house 

Cotehele house contains eclectic historic artefacts that tell many stories about the medieval building’s long history, from rare tapestries to whale jawbones.

Two visitors look up admiring the details of the Great Hall at Cotehele, Cornwall

Visiting the house at Trerice 

Explore inside the house to see decorative plasterwork and collection items including a large table, Cornish paintings and a 300-year-old clock.

A close up view of the Dutch gables featured on the manor house, Trerice, Cornwall

Things to see in the house at Antony 

The house at Antony contrasts the personal touches of a grand yet comfortable family home. It is still lived in by the Carew family today.

The entrance Hall at Antony House showing the staircase, three arches, stained oak panelling and paintings
Visitors exploring the gardens at Cotehele, Cornwall

Discover more in Cornwall

You can find exotic gardens, ancient houses and mining history encircled by a much-loved coastline.