Tag: halloween
Halloween Activities in Cornwall
October 03rd, 2022
With the autumn half term falling close to Halloween this year, many of the attractions in Cornwall are hosting some spooky activities for families to get involved in. We have taken a look at some of the exciting activities that will be going on near our Truro holiday cottages here at The Valley!
A Ghoulishly Good Day Out At Pendennis Castle
Sat 22nd October – Sunday 30th October 2022
A spooky day out awaits those visiting Pendennis Castle this Halloween, with a number of frighteningly fun activities to try. Follow Dennis, Gnasher and friends to solve creepy clues on the fun family quest around the grounds before meeting the storytellers, where you’ll hear lots of creepy and strange tales. Your little monsters will love this spooky phantomtastic day out.
Halloweden at the Eden Project
Saturday 22nd October – Sunday 30th October 2022
Things are getting spooky over at the Eden Project for Halloweden! Head deep into the Rainforest Biome at twilight for a bewitching torchlit trail. Uncover the seven trail points in the Gardens and Biomes to delve deeper into the origins of superstitions on the mysterious Magpie Trail.
And If you like to get crafty, then join in on the weave a web workshop, where you will create your own spooky spider web whilst listening to an enchanting storyteller who will share tales about spiders and the important jobs they do.
On Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October, they will be throwing a Halloween pumpkin weekend celebration. You will learn all about the crops that grow at this time of the year, and see our incredible expert pumpkin carvers making many creations.
Autumn Trail at Trelissick
Saturday 22nd – Saturday 29th October 2022
If you’re visiting Trelissick this October, be sure to go and explore the gardens’ autumn colours with a self lead pack full of ideas and activities about the seasons colours, senses and wildlife you may see in autumn. The trail will be open from 10am until 5pm and you will be given a free activity sheet and colouring pencils as you enter the garden.
Heligan Halloween Devilish Dance Party
Monday 31st October 2022
Do the Monster Mash this October at the Heligan Halloween Devilish Dance Party, a fancy dress extravaganza for kids. Enjoy traditional spooky games, dancing and magic tricks at this frightfully fun experience.
Follow the candlelit path through the atmospheric Gardens and find your way to the Halloween Barn, where thrilling fun awaits. Tickets need to be booked in advance.
Heligan Harvest Half Term Activities
Saturday 22nd – Sunday 30th October 2022
For more wholesome fun, Heligan are putting on some exciting autumnal activities for the family to enjoy.
On Saturday 22nd October, from 10am-4pm, you can learn how to make a traditional Corn Dolly for a fun harvest decoration. After making your doll, gather around the firepit to toast a marshmallow or cinnamon apple and enjoy a tasty autumnal treat.
From Saturday 1st to Sunday 30th October you can follow the Heligan Harvest Family Trail and test your knowledge of fruits, veggies and animals as you explore the gardens.
Spooky Season at Newquay Zoo
Saturday 22nd – Sunday 30th October 2022
Take your little monsters to see an assortment of beasts at Newquay Zoo’s Spooky Season this year! There’s plenty of spooktacular fun to be had at the zoo this year, with ghoulish games like ‘Fact or Frightful Fiction’ – a true or false game about some creepy species – or ‘Trick or Don’t Eat’ – a game where you can learn about poisonous and venomous creatures.
Enjoy fang-tastic animal talks each day and see if you can spot the animals with some special spooky treats. Little ones can take part in craft sessions and may even get to meet a Witch and Wizard for a truly magical day!
If you’re heading to Cornwall for this October half term, then be sure to check out some of these incredible Halloween activities. If you are still looking for the perfect half-term break, look no further than our luxury family holidays in Cornwall!
Witchy Places to Visit in Cornwall
October 15th, 2021
Magic has been an integral part of British culture for centuries; from the stories about boy wizards we read nowadays to dramatic ancient fables, there’s no denying that everyone loves a little bit of magic.
If you’re looking for something wicked to do while staying at our 5 star holiday park in Cornwall, then why not check out our list of mystical and witchy things to do in Cornwall.
The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Boscastle
If you’re a fan of all things wicked, then The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic is a must-stop attraction for your Cornish holiday.
Set in the small fishing port village of Boscastle, the museum offers visitors a respectful and accurate look into the diversity of magical practices throughout history.
As well as their extensive selection of historical objects, the museum also hosts educational events and exhibits that show off a variety of unique insights into magical practices with the help of cutting edge scholarship.
Nanjizal Cove, St Levan
Some spots are just too astounding to be anything but magic. One such location is the magnificent Nanjizal Cove on the southwest coast of Cornwall.
The most notable aspect of this remote and mostly unknown spot is the natural rock arch situated at the southern end of the beach. Commonly known as the “Song of the Sea”, this beautiful display of natural beauty is just enough to make you believe in magic all over again.
Rocky Valley, Tintagel
Another amazing and magical spot in Cornwall is the Rocky Valley near Tintagel on the Atlantic coast.
While this National Trust spot offers fantastic woodland and countryside walks for any who visit, that’s not why it’s made our list. What makes this place so fascinating is the rock carvings in the stones, the earliest of which dates back to 1779.
The most notable of these carvings are the two that have since been named the Rocky Valley Labyrinths. The two carvings consist of concentric circular lines in the same style as the turf mazes from the medieval period.
Metaphysical Shops in Cornwall
If you’re looking for retail therapy with a spiritual twist, then Cornwall is the perfect place. All across the county, you’ll find small, independent stores offering a variety of spiritual and metaphysical products. From incense and crystals all the way to tarot cards and even some in-person readings (COVID regulations depending).
Why not check out one of these shops during your Cornish getaway:
Whether you’re a true believer or just an appreciator of the rich history found in the new age practices, there’s plenty of witchy things for you to do in Cornwall this autumn.
If you’re looking to plan your perfect Cornish getaway, why not check out the cottages we have available to book all year round?
A Guide to Pumpkin Picking in Cornwall
October 08th, 2021
It wouldn’t be Halloween without the chance to carve your very own pumpkin. And what better feeling is there than picking that pumpkin yourself?
So, dust off those wellies and get into the spooky spirit when you stay in one of our child-friendly cottages in Cornwall by checking out any one of these great pumpkin patches this autumn.
The History of Pumpkins
The pumpkin is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes a variety of other fruits that come from flowering plants. That’s right; a pumpkin is technically a fruit!
Pumpkins are believed to have originated in Central America over 7,500 years ago, although the first pumpkins were nothing like the autumnal treat we love today. They were small and hard with a bitter flavour, but thanks to their solid, thick flesh, they were perfect for storing during cold weather.
It became a challenge for women in the 17th century to find new and delicious ways to serve pumpkin, which ultimately led to the variety of ways it can be eaten and enjoyed today.
A History of Pumpkin Carving
Pumpkins are good for more than just eating. Pumpkin carving has roots in many ancient cultures, particularly Celtic.
The term ‘Jack-o’-Lantern’ was taken from an Irish Folk Tale called ‘Stingy Jack’. In this story, Jack invited the Devil to sit down and drink with him. However, living up to his name, Jack wanted to drink for free, and so he tricked the Devil into paying for their bar tab!
Not a fan of being swindled, the Devil cursed Jack so that when he passed, his soul wouldn’t be able to move on to the afterlife. Jack wandered the Earth alone with nothing but a single lump of coal for light. He would place this coal inside a hollowed-out turnip which earned him the new name, ‘Jack of the Lantern’.
From then on, the Irish began carving out vegetables in his likeness as a way to drive the wandering spirit of Jack away while also offering a guiding light to good spirits.
So, where do pumpkins come into it? In the 1800s, many Irish families immigrated to America, where they found that pumpkins made for much better carving canvases.
Where Can You Go Pumpkin Picking in Cornwall?
If you’re looking to get into the Halloween spirit, then make sure you check out our top picks for pumpkin patches in Cornwall.
Trevaskis Farm, Hayle (Seasonal)
Trevaskis Farm is the perfect place to pick your own fruit and veg!
With 28 acres of stunning Cornish countryside, Trevaskis Farm offers the chance for you to pick your own pumpkins (when they’re in season) no matter the weather! They’ve also got a brilliant on-site farm shop and restaurant with some of the most delicious desserts around.
There’s no need to book; just pop in to pick your pumpkins at any time between 10 am and 5 pm. Keep your eye on their website to see when those pesky pumpkins are ready!
Scaryland at Dairyland Farm World, Newquay (23rd- 31st October)
A trip to Scaryland is the perfect way to treat the kids this Halloween.
Open every day from 10 am until 5 pm, there’s a whole host of activities to keep everyone entertained. Not only do you get to pick your own pumpkin from Dairyland Farm World’s own pumpkin patch, but you can also carve it right then and there to take home with you.
There’s also a Creepy Craft Workshop and access to the rest of the park, including the Farmhouse Kitchen.
Cornish Maize Maze and Fun Farm, Saltash (16th – 17th October and 23rd – 31st October)
If you’re looking for a fun, family day out, then look no further than the Cornish Maize Maze this October. With pumpkin picking, a Halloween maze and farm animals, you’re sure to have a blast!
The pumpkin patch is open from 10:30 am until 5 pm each day, with pumpkins available for a little as £1!
Lobbs Autumn Fest, Heligan (23rd – 30th October)
Celebrate autumn in style this October at the Lobbs Farm Shop’s annual pre-Halloween event, Autumn Fest.
Every ticket holder receives a tractor and trailer ride to and from the pumpkin patch, as well as their pick of hundreds of pumpkins to take home. What’s more, they have a variety of different pumpkin varieties available. If you’re tired of the standard orange, why not pick up one of their stunning white ‘Ghost Pumpkins’?
There’s something for everyone at Autumn Fest, from hay bale photo shoots to baby lambs and even a free Halloween cupcake!
There’s no shortage of amazing spots to pick your own pumpkins in Cornwall this autumn. So, whether you’re looking to guide the way for good spirits, or you want to try your hand at making the perfect pumpkin pie, make sure you head down to one of these great pumpkin patches and find your perfect pick.
For more autumnal activities, check out our guide.
What’s On: October 2021
October 01st, 2021
Spooky season is here, and with it comes a wide range of autumnal events and activities that are fun for the whole family!
With food festivals and fabulous performances, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes – make the most of the changing seasons on your family-friendly holiday in Cornwall this October.
Truro Food Festival
1st – 3rd Oct 2021
If you believe that the best way to the heart is through the stomach, then you have to check out the Truro Food Festival!
This three-day event is a jam-packed celebration of all the amazing food and drinks that Cornwall has to offer. The festival takes place with pop-up shops and activities across the city of Truro, with its central hub at Lemon Quay.
During the day, you can watch chef demonstrations, follow the local restaurant trail, and enjoy live entertainment from local artists, all the while taking your pick of the street food stalls!
And it doesn’t stop there! Every evening, you can also enjoy live music from local bands while sampling the best of Cornwall’s beverages at the Beer and Cider Festival.
Mevagissey Shanty Festival
15th – 17th October 2021
It wouldn’t be a trip to Cornwall without celebrating the sea and all those who sail it. That’s why it’s well worth the trip to the 13th-century village of Mevagissey. Just five miles south of St Austell, this small fishing port plays host to the second ever Mevagissey Shanty Festival!
The festival invites a variety of shanty and acapella groups to perform across the weekend to help the village extend its holiday season and boost local businesses.
Whether you’re looking for a cosy, fireplace sing-song, or you’d rather spend your evening by the main stage at the Cornish beer festival, you’re bound to feel like a true swashbuckler in no time.
Lowender Peran
22nd – 24th October 2021
Get in touch with your Cornish roots by visiting the Cornish festival of Lowender Peran held in Perranporth this October.
This music and dance festival is a true celebration of Cornwall’s Celtic heritage, with live music and performances taking place all weekend.
If you can’t make the trip, don’t worry! The festival will also be live streaming their Great Big Cornish Music Session event for people to enjoy wherever they are.
Halloween Quest at Pendennis Castle
23rd – 31st October 2021
If you’re looking for a spooktacular way to spend Halloween half-term with the kids, then head on over to Pendennis castle for their fantastic Halloween Quest.
For one week, this 16th-century castle near Falmouth becomes the perfect backdrop for a Halloween day out you won’t forget.
Follow the adventure trail around the grounds inspired by Cressida Cowell’s Wizards of Once series, or join the quest to find the legendary Cup of Second Chances. If you come in costume, you may even be in with a chance to win the fancy dress competition!
There’s definitely something for you and the whole family to enjoy this October! Discover even more autumnal activities below.
Image Source: Visit Cornwall
What’s On this October
September 18th, 2018
Summer may be drawing to a close but there are still plenty of reasons for a trip down to Cornwall. Here’s our pick of some great reasons for visiting the county throughout October.
Fun Palaces at Krowji
Sat 6th October
As part of the Fun Palaces cultural campaign to bring people together with arts, science, crafts and technology, Krowji will be opening their doors for a number of free activities, workshops and demonstrations.
They’ll be 10 artists from jewellers to ceramicists and printers, with a range of hands-on activities suitable for all ages.
Eden Project Beer Festival
Sat 6th October
There’s more to the Eden Project than just the incredible biomes, on Saturday 6th October they will be hosting their annual Beer Festival. With over 35 Cornish ales and ciders, as well as a range of Cornish craft gins you’ll be sure to find something that suits.
Falmouth Oyster Festival
Thur 11th – Sun 14th October
Marking the start of the oyster dredging season, this annual festival is a celebration of all Cornish seafood with live music, cooking demos and food and craft stalls. Now in its 22nd year they’ll be daily demonstrations from top local and tv chefs to inspire you to make the most of Cornwall’s incredible resources.
Dinosaur Detectives – Royal Cornwall Museum
Sun 28th October – 5pm
A fascinating show revealing the story of the first fossil finds from the Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre. After the show there is the chance to handle real fossils that were mentioned in the play and meet the puppeteers. Critics have called it a “magical experience” so try not to miss out.
Halloween Highlights
Halloweden – Eden Project
With magical beasts roaming the gardens, challenges for kids to take part in, and ice skating it really is a magical time to visit the Eden Project.
Autumn Mask – Wheal Martyn
Explore the nature reserve on a scavenger hunt for items to decorate your mask. Suitable for all ages and free too!
Spooky Halloween Tours – Pendennis Castle
On 25th and 26th there will be a spooky Halloween trails with creepy hidden around the castle which could win you a treat. Plus, lots of Halloween crafts!
Halloween at The Valley
During the October Half-Term (19th – 29th October) we will be running a range of activities right here at The Valley. They’ll be archery, bushcraft, animal shows, treasure trails, ghost stories around the fire, and of course pumpkin carving and trick or treating!
With so much going on be sure to book your break your stay with us soon. Looking forward to seeing you all!
