The best Halloween events in Cornwall
In a county steeped in mythical tales of King Arthur, giants and witches, you can be sure to find a number of brilliant Halloween events in Cornwall for adults and children. A series of fun and terrifying events will be taking place across some of the county’s best-loved attractions.
If you are staying at holiday parks in Cornwall during this period, you need to read on to find out where the best Halloween events are taking place for all the best frights and fun in the county.
Halloween events in Cornwall
- Bodmin Jail
- Halloweden at the Eden Project
- Halloween events at Flambards
- Halloween events at Newquay Zoo
- Wizards of Once Halloween Quest at Pendennis Castle
Bodmin Jail
Date of event: Throughout October
Image credit: Bodmin Jail
One of the best Halloween events in Cornwall for adults and children is at Bodmin Jail as they are running a new heritage tour. You will step into the jail’s darkest stories and history during the tour and will be brought up close to the Georgians and Victorians at their most grim.
Talking about their new tour, Bodmin Jail said: “From the gallows to the grave, a tour guide will take you on a journey from the anatomy table to the gibbet cage. Why did we hang at crossroads? When was the last person displayed in chains? Who were the resurrection men? What was the Georgian Bloody Code? Where are the bodies of the condemned? What can Bodmin Jail’s witches tell us about changing attitudes to superstition and religion?”
From the 1751 Murder Act and 1834 Hanging in Chains Act to the 1542 Witchcraft Act and 1995 Hunt for the Beast of Bodmin Moor, the tour will discuss a range of topics. You will also be told stories of the real-life people involved and whose sad demise has lessons for us all.
Bodmin Jail will also be hosting a special ‘Halloween Night Paranormal After Dark Experience’ on 31st October.
READ MORE: Haunted Cornwall: the Duchy’s Spookiest Attractions
Halloweden at the Eden Project
Date of event: Saturday 23 October to Sunday 31 October
Image credit: Eden Project
The Halloweden event at the Eden Project will be full of frightfully fun activities over the half-term and it will also see the return of the popular ice rink.
Families will be able to enjoy a whole host of activities throughout half term and one of the highlights will be a special show created for Eden by the award-winning Bakehouse Factory. The theatrical company specialise in delivering immersive and interactive events and will perform daily in the Mediterranean Biome, telling an enchanting tale based around their three-metre tall owl!
Other spooktacular events that are taking place at the Eden Project include a new puzzle trail where families will need to work together to solve a series of clues and an exhibition from Screech Owl Sanctuary, which will be bringing some feathered friends that visitors can come and see.
The Eden Project told us a bit more about the other activities you can enjoy: “Taking place in a mystical tipi, a new 40-minute magical potion-making experience (costing £5) features enchanting storytelling, some mysterious apothecary owners, and the opportunity for visitors to make their very own positive potion to take away.”
If you want to go ice skating over the Halloween period, you will need to book in advance. Forty-minute general sessions for skaters of any age and ability are currently available and cost £8 per adult and £7 per child.
READ MORE: Dog-friendly attractions in Cornwall
Halloween events at Flambards
Date of events: 23 – 31 October
Image source: Flambards
Flambards is one of the most popular theme parks in the South West of England and if you are holidaying in Cornwall over the October half term then there are lots of fun events taking place that you can enjoy.
Flambards told us a bit about some of their Halloween events: “From monster magic shows and spooky pumpkin trails through the Victorian Village, to the Helston theme park’s thrilling rides and a stunning fireworks spectacular there’s something for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
“On Monday 25th October, The Big Dance Company will be surprising visitors with flash mob shows across the park, and on Tuesday 26th, don’t miss the spine-tingling Billy Wizz Monster Magic Show on the outdoor stage.
“Families can take to the cobbled streets of Flambards’ award-winning Victorian Village to explore the spooky pumpkin quiz trail. Authentic shops filled with thousands of 19th-century artefacts transport visitors back in time.”
Flambards will again be hosting its famous Halloween Tricks & Treats Firework Spectacular on Wednesday 27 October. The pyrotechnics display will commence at 7:30pm but you can also enjoy after dark rides and other entertainment such as live music.
A fancy-dress competition will be taking place on 31 October where children can win prizes for the most terrifying outfits.
READ MORE: Cornwall’s top kids attractions
Halloween events at Newquay Zoo
Date of event: 18-31 October
Image source: Newquay Zoo
Newquay Zoo is well-known for its incredible Halloween events and this year is set to be no different as they have a host of frighteningly good events planned for the half term.
They told us a bit more about the events they have planned to celebrate Halloween: “Grab your broomsticks and join us at Newquay Zoo for some frighteningly good Halloween half term fun, every day from Monday 18th to Sunday 31st October.
“Follow our Halloween trail around the zoo and see what you can discover along the way! If you’re feeling peckish, treat yourself to something devilish from Café Lemur. On selected days we will be running fang-tastic animal talks outside some of our animal enclosures. Please listen out for the announcements over the tannoy when you visit to find out more.
“Our Halloween activities are free, you just need to purchase a day ticket to Newquay Zoo.”
READ MORE: 30 things to do in Cornwall with kids
Wizards of Once Halloween Quest at Pendennis Castle
Date of event: 23 – 31 October
The Wizards of Once Halloween Quest at Pendennis Castle offers you another fantastic day out. This Halloween you will be able to explore the grounds by following the new adventure trail that has been inspired by Cressida Cowell’s bestselling Wizards of Once series.
You can also visit the Zoolab attraction which will be home to real-life ‘beasts’ such as snakes, spiders and other creepy crawlies. Pendennis Castle is also running a competition for the best fancy dress, so make sure you are donning the scariest outfit and make-up you can find!
Adult entrance prices for Pendennis Castle are £13.50 (£12.50 for off-peak) and £8.10 (£7.50 off-peak) for children.
READ MORE: The top 4 castles in Cornwall
If you are staying at our Looe caravan park, then there is plenty of Halloween events taking place which are just a short distance away. Whether you want to scare yourself silly with a horror tour or showcase your best zombie make-up skills, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to Halloween activities in Cornwall this year.
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