October Half Term in St Ives. Cosy Cottages, Coastal Adventures & Autumn Magic

With the golden days of autumn upon us and winter just around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan a last-minute escape to St Ives for October half term 2025, running from Friday 25 October to Saturday 1 November.

Recently crowned ‘The UK’s Most Beautiful Town for Autumn’, St Ives truly shines at this time of year. While it’s a summer favourite for many, autumn brings its own kind of magic: crisp coastal air, glowing sunsets, fewer crowds, and a relaxed pace that invites you to slow down and savour the season.

Quieter Beaches, Glorious Walks & Dog-Friendly Freedom

One of the absolute joys of visiting in October is having quieter beaches all to yourself, and in St Ives, you’re never more than a few minutes from one. Wander the sands at Harbour Beach, Porthmeor, Porthgwidden, Porthminster, and Bamaluz, or venture a little further to the sweeping Carbis Bay and the vast, dune-fringed Porthkidney Sands in Lelant.

Even better? Dogs are welcome back on the beaches all day long now that the seasonal restrictions have lifted, so your four-legged friends can romp freely along the shore.

Outdoor Adventures (and Wildlife Surprises!)

October weather often brings calm seas and bright skies, perfect for a boat trip to Seal Island. Hop aboard from the harbour and enjoy a scenic cruise across St Ives Bay, spotting resident seals, seabirds, and sometimes even playful dolphins.

Surf’s up too! The St Ives Surf School runs daily lessons through half term, with Porthmeor Beach offering great autumn swells for beginners and seasoned surfers alike. And for old-school seaside fun, try your hand at crabbing from the harbour wall or rock pooling at low tide.

Warm Treats & Beachside Eats

Cooler days call for hot chocolates and hearty food, and St Ives delivers in spades. Cosy up at the beachside cafés on Porthmeor, Porthgwidden, and Porthminster. Whether it’s a lazy breakfast, warming lunch, or dinner with a view, there’s something delicious waiting (and plenty of cake too!).

Creative Days for Rainy Spells

If the Cornish weather turns, fear not, there’s plenty of indoor fun too. The Tate St Ives hosts ‘Imagination and Play’ family workshops from 18 October to 2 November, a fantastic hands-on way for kids to engage with contemporary art in a playful, interactive setting.

Another absolute favourite? I SHOULD COCO, St Ives’ beloved chocolate shop, where the whole family can join a chocolate-making workshop. It’s creative, messy, and delicious, and you get to take your handmade treats home!

Spooky Fun & Halloween Highlights Across Cornwall

If you’re looking to venture beyond St Ives, Cornwall is packed with Halloween-themed fun this half term:

🎃 Eden Project: From 18 October, enjoy ice skating, spooky trails, and an enchanting Zog & The Flying Doctors adventure running until 2 November.

🧙 Heligan Gardens: Family trails, pumpkin carving and eerie woodland walks.

🌽 Cornish Maize Maze: Pumpkin picking starts from 18 October, and don’t miss the Maze of Horrors on 1 November at 6pm, book ahead!

🐾 Paradise Park and Newquay Zoo: Open daily, perfect for a wild family day out.

Or Simply… Do Nothing at All

Sometimes, the best holiday moments come from doing very little. Stroll the coastal paths, soak up the spectacular views, warm up in a local pub, or pop into the many art galleries and independent shops dotted around town.

Your October Half-Term Stay Awaits

Whether you’re dreaming of a cosy fisherman’s cottage, a romantic bolthole for two, or a spacious family home with sea views, we’ve still got a few handpicked gems available for the October half-term break.

🐶 Bringing your pup? Explore our collection of pet-friendly cottages, ideal now that dogs are welcome back on all beaches.

🔍 Browse all our properties here: www.cherishedcottages.co.uk

🐾 Check out our dog-friendly stays here.

📞 Or give us a ring on 01736 490 640, we’d love to help you find the perfect October escape.