Spooky Newquay 2025: Half-Term Fun by the Sea
If you’re looking for the best place in the UK to spend Halloween, Newquay should be top of your list. This October half term, Cornwall’s favourite seaside town is transforming once again into Spooky Newquay – a week-long celebration packed with free family activities, ghoulish workshops, trails, and one of the UK’s biggest Halloween parades: the legendary Zombie Crawl.
From Saturday 25 October – Sunday 2 November 2025, thousands of visitors will flock to the coast to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy family-friendly frights, and experience a seaside holiday with a spooky twist. With Cornwall’s climate often warmer than the rest of the UK at this time of year, there’s no better excuse to wrap up, get outdoors, and enjoy some October half-term magic by the sea.
The Zombie Crawl: Cornwall’s Biggest Halloween Parade
The highlight of the week, the Zombie Crawl, kicks things off on Saturday 25 October. At 3pm sharp, thousands of zombies – from lifeguards and pirates to pop stars and princesses – will gather at Station Parade on Cliff Road and shuffle their way through the town centre to Alma Place. Expect professional dancers, circus acrobats, stilt walkers, costumed characters, and this year’s special star: Titan the Robot, the mechanical marvel originally created right here in Newquay.
But the fun starts earlier in the day. From 11am, families can enjoy a rolling programme of free workshops and entertainment across the town. Think freaky face painting, zombie outfit-making, dance classes, circus skills, spooky storytelling, and more – all setting the stage for the big parade.
And if that’s not enough, the town itself is getting into the spirit with a Halloween Trail around participating shops and cafés, plus a Spooky Trenance Trail in the park.
Spooky Newquay Itinerary
It’s one of the biggest Halloween events in the South West – and best of all, it’s completely free. Here’s what’s happening across Newquay on the day of the Zombie Crawl, Saturday 25 October:
Workshops & Activities
- Pumpkin Workshop | 11am – 2pm | Project 83 (Wesley Yard) | Pre-Booking Required
- Face Painting | 11am – 2pm | Various Locations: Lighthouse Cinema, Salt Sheds, Choukette & Saltd.
- SPECIAL GUEST: Titan The Robot | 1.30pm – 2pm | Lighthouse Cinema or Killacourt (weather dependant)
- Banner & Zombie Outfit Workshop | 11.30am – 1.30pm | Ralph’s (Fore Street)
- Zombie Wound Workshop | 11am – 2pm | Concho Lounge (Bank Street)
- Spooky Story Time | 11am & 1pm at the Library | 12pm at Clemo Books
- Circus Skills Workshop | 11.30am-1.30pm | Killacourt (weather dependant)
Special Performances
When?
Throughout the day on Saturday 25 October
Who?
– Bounce Dance Academy
– 4 Motion
– Cornwall Theatre School
– Hotch Potch Street Performers
Where?
See them at Central Square, Marcus Hill and outside The Post Office, Station Parade. In case of wet weather, head to Whiskers, Gover Lane for indoor entertainment!
The Main Event
Newquay Zombie Crawl! Starts at 3pm from Cliff Road, near Newquay Train Station, and finishes around 4pm by Sainsbury’s, Fore Street.
And remember, Spooky Newquay isn’t just a one-day celebration – it’s a whole week of activities designed to make October half term unforgettable. Families can get hands-on with free creative workshops, join themed trails around town, and enjoy plenty of photo opportunities. Teenagers and young adults will love the after-dark events, live music, and buzzing nightlife, while locals and visitors alike can soak up the lively community atmosphere.
For the latest updates and full listings, keep an eye on the Love Newquay Events page.
Where to Stay
Autumn is a brilliant time to stay in Newquay – the beaches are quieter, the sunsets are still stunning, and the town has a relaxed buzz that’s perfect for a half-term escape. Why not make a week of it? With so many events and activities happening throughout the spooky season, it’s the ideal opportunity to combine Halloween fun with a seaside holiday.
Whether you’re looking for a cosy B&B, a family-friendly holiday park, a sea-view apartment, or a luxury hotel break, Newquay has accommodation options for every style and budget. Staying in town means you’re right at the heart of the spooky celebrations, with easy access to the beaches, attractions, and Halloween events.
Where to Eat
Newquay’s food scene is just as exciting as its events calendar. After a morning of workshops or a spooky walk around town, it’s ideal to cosy up with the family over a warming lunch or grab something quick before the Zombie Crawl. From cafés serving warming hot chocolates and homemade cakes, to family-friendly restaurants, traditional Cornish pubs, and fine dining with sea views, Newquay has plenty of options to satisfy every appetite. Click here to explore all the restaurants, cafes, street food outlets and takeaways in Newquay.
Things to Do in Newquay This Half Term
Halloween may be the headline, but Newquay has so much more to offer everyone this October Half Term. A few highlights include:
- Blue Reef Aquarium – dive into the underwater world and meet sharks, rays, and seahorses.
- Newquay Zoo – discover over 1,000 animals and enjoy special half-term activities.
- Trenance Gardens & Boating Lake – a great spot for autumn walks and family fun.
- Surf schools – October waves are perfect for beginners and pros alike.
- Coastal adventures – explore the South West Coast Path by walking or bike and take in the dramatic autumn scenery.
These attractions, alongside the week-long Halloween programme, mean there’s no shortage of things to do – whatever the weather. Click here to discover more things to do in Newquay, come rain or shine!
Love Newquay Loyalty Card
Want to make your half-term break go a little further? Pick up a Love Newquay Loyalty Card from the Tourist Information Centre in town. It’s your key to discounts on food, stays, shopping, and attractions across Newquay. Perfect for families watching the pennies (especially in today’s economy), but still wanting to make the most of their holiday. It’s fun, free, and a brilliant way to discover new favourite spots around town while saving a few pounds.
Click here to see all the Love Newquay Loyalty Card offers and discounts.
Why Choose Newquay for October Half Term?
Halloween in Newquay is more than just spooky fun – it’s a chance to enjoy Cornwall outside of the busy summer season. The town is buzzing with activity, but still relaxed enough to make it the perfect break for families. With Spooky Newquay bringing thousands together for unforgettable memories, and the stunning Cornish coastline as your backdrop, there’s no better place to spend your October half term.
So grab your costumes, bring the kids (and the grandparents too!), and get ready for a week of family-friendly frights and seaside fun.
Spooky Newquay runs from 25 October – 2 November 2025, with the Zombie Crawl kicking off the celebrations on Saturday 25 October.
For the full programme, visit the Love Newquay Events page.
