Badgers Sett Blog

From Moor to Shore: 1/2 Term Adventures in Cornwall

There’s a new rhythm in the air a slower, softer pace tinged with golden hues. Autumn is meandering its way back into our lovely county & now the crowds have gone Cornwall is getting ready to welcome you into a calmer, more laid back space without the hustle & bustle of what was a glorious Summer.

Our hedgerows & gardens are looking stunning with shots of gold inlaid with ruby reds & fiery golden hues, making a stroll in our local Cornish countryside a sight to behold!

There is a veritable feast of seasonal events & places to visit, from moor to shore, whilst staying in one of our gorgeous holiday cottages during the Autumn & of course, the October half term.

For inspiration, take a look at the suggestions in the list below:

Tide & Time: Discovering Fowey in Autumn

As the crowds thin and the estuary quiets, Fowey slips into its autumn coat with rust coloured leaves fluttering along the quay & golden light gleaming on the water. Cobbled lanes lead to cosy cafés, where the scent of cinnamon & sea salt meet & shop windows showing off gorgeous handmade treasures.

Take a riverside stroll beneath the canopy of trees, watch the boats bob gently in the harbour, or curl up with a pasty in one of the plentiful cafes with views of the colourful hills beyond.

Autumn in Fowey is about embracing this quintessential Cornish harbour town's easy, laid back vibes during this vibrant season.

Plan your visit to Fowey

Fowey Harbour - Image Credit: Visit Cornwall - Barnacle Bird Photography

Witches & Wild Harvests: Half Term at Heligan!

During this October half term, The Lost Gardens of Heligan welcomes families into a world of harvest magic and woodland wonder. Follow the footsteps of Heligan’s enchanting folklore witches, each with a tale to tell and a secret to find. This tranquil storytelling trail encourages children to explore, imagine & perhaps encourages a cackle or two ..

Step into the Reserve Yard & try your hand at the ancient art of corn dolly making. A nod to harvest traditions, this hands on workshop is perfect for curious small fingers & nostalgic hearts.

With over 200 varieties of pumpkins & gourds on display, Heligan is a living canvas. Sketch, scribble & capture the vibrant colours of Autumn inspired by nature.

Toast marshmallows over open fires & meet some of nature’s shyer, night time residents. A cosy & fascinating experience for families seeking warmth & wonderment!

Amble through over 200 acres of woodland & gardens, from the Jungle’s red acers to the peaceful paths of the Northern Gardens & take in the damp, musky scents of this lovely season.

After all this activity, head to the heart of The Lost Gardens of Heligan, the Heligan Kitchen, which is more than just a place to eat it’s a celebration of the land itself. With heritage vegetables picked from the garden, home reared meats & locally sourced ingredients; there is something to suit every taste, from tiny grazers to more matured appetites! The atmosphere is relaxed & welcoming for families, foodies & of course your 4 legged friend!

Plan your visit to Heligan

Pumkins at Heligan - Image Credit: Lost Gardens of Heligan

From Marathons to Mysteries - Half Term at Eden

This October, Eden transforms into a playground of autumnal wonder and wild inspiration. Nature lovers will be captivated by the Wildlife Photographer of the Year showcase, featuring 100 stunning images that celebrate the beauty and fragility of the natural world.

Children can follow magical paths through the Biomes and gardens, solving exciting tasks & discovering secrets along the way!

On Sunday 19th October, the Eden Marathon & Half Marathon returns, drawing runners through Cornwall’s clay country & finishing triumphantly in front of the iconic Biomes. Whether you're cheering from the sidelines or lacing up your trainers, it's a spectacle of community spirit & countryside charm.

With seasonal suppers in the Mediterranean Biome and crisp autumn air swirling through the gardens, Eden offers a perfect blend of adventure, reflection & family friendly experiences!

Autumn fun arrives for those dare devils out there (even the vertically challenged) .. with the opening of Eden's ever popular iconic ice rink on October 18th. A fantastic outing for all the family! Perhaps after using all that energy whizzing round the rink, head on over to one of the surrounding snack stalls to treat yourself to a delicious creamy hot chocolate .. or two!

Plan your visit to Eden

Ice Skating at Eden - Image Credit: Visit Cornwall

The National Maritime Museum - From Shipwrecks to Shadow Puppets!

As the autumn tides roll in, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth casts off into a week of eerie enchantment and hands on fun for families. From 25th October to 2nd November, the Museum transforms into a haven of shadowy stories, creative crafts, and nautical mischief.

Sneak into the Boat Hall for spine-tingling tales unfolding through flickering silhouettes and haunting tunes of reckless pasts, get busy finding clues through the galleries to uncover hidden treasures and maritime mysteries. There's something for everyone, including the tinies who can get stuck in producing Halloween themed masterpieces .. such as dastardly sea monsters, spooky ghost ships, and pumpkin pirates!

Set against the stage of Cornwall’s fascinating maritime ancestry the National Maritime Museum offers a distinct fusion of imagination, history & seasonal activity. It’s not just about boats, it’s also about community, family time & the buzz & excitement of discovery!

Plan your visit to The National Maritime Museum

Spooky Fun at the National Maritime Museum - Image Credit: Visit Cornwall

Posted:7 September 2025