Things to Do in Cornwall This Spooktober
Cornwall comes alive with eerie excitement each October, offering a perfect mix of family-friendly fun, ghostly adventures, and autumnal celebrations. From haunted historic sites to pumpkin-packed festivals, here’s your guide to the spookiest events this Spooktober.
Haunted History at Bodmin Jail
No Spooktober would be complete without a visit to Bodmin Jail. This October, the Haunted Gallery returns with even more to explore. Discover the history of hauntings at the jail and across the globe, meet ghostly figures around the museum, and enjoy interactive challenges, photoshoots, and activity trails.
Families and little ghostbusters will love the Halloween Trick-or-Treat Activity Trail, launching on 17 October, where completing your activity sheet earns a free reward from the gift shop.
Immerse yourself in Bodmin Jail’s paranormal history, following the infamous spirits that linger within.
Step into Cornwall’s Witching History
For something a little different, head north to Boscastle and visit the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. One of Cornwall’s most unusual and atmospheric attractions, the museum explores the history, beliefs and folklore surrounding witchcraft and magic in Britain.
With an extensive collection of magical objects, artefacts and displays, it offers a fascinating insight into the traditions and stories that have shaped our understanding of witchcraft over the centuries. Set in the atmospheric village of Boscastle, it’s an ideal stop to combine with a coastal walk or a wander around the harbour.
If you’re looking for a Spooktober experience that is more intriguing than terrifying, the Witchcraft Museum is well worth adding to your autumn itinerary.
Family-Friendly Halloween Fun
If you’re looking for a more magical approach to Halloween, The Eden Project hosts Halloweden, where mythical tales and mystical adventures unfold across the illuminated gardens and biomes. Meanwhile, Cornwall Gold offers a range of fun Halloween activities for families.
Pumpkin lovers won’t want to miss the Pumpkin Fest, an annual celebration packed with pumpkin-themed crafts, food, and activities – perfect for a festive autumn day.
Festivals, Fairs & Autumn Celebrations
Festivals, Fairs & Autumn Celebrations
October in Cornwall isn’t just about Halloween. The Falmouth Oyster Festival celebrates the oyster-dredging season with cookery demos, oyster shucking competitions, and the spectacular Grand Oyster Parade. For a sweeter treat, the Callington Honey Fair fills the streets with traditional honey-themed delights.
Music enthusiasts can head to Mevagissey Sea Shanty Festival, where tents and stages spring up across the town, creating a lively soundtrack to autumn adventures.
And if you’re already dreaming of Christmas, Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm and the Padstow Christmas Fayre kick off late October/early November with artisan markets, local food, and festive cheer.
Explore Cornwall’s Haunted Landscapes
Beyond the events, Cornwall itself is full of atmospheric walks and moors perfect for Spooktober adventures. Whether it’s foggy coastal paths, ancient woodland, or the windswept heights of Bodmin Moor, the landscape sets the scene for a perfect autumn escape.
Cornwall in Spooktober has something for everyone – from family-friendly pumpkin trails to ghostly tours for thrill-seekers. Whether you’re hunting spirits at Bodmin Jail, exploring the history of witchcraft in Boscastle or enjoying the magical glow of Halloweden, this October is your chance to embrace the eerie and celebrate the season in style.
