Autumn is a beautiful time to visit Cornwall. The summer crowds begin to disappear, the countryside turns shades of gold and orange, and cooler days are perfect for wrapping up and getting out to explore.
From woodland walks and pumpkin-filled gardens to cosy Cornish villages and family days out, there’s plenty to do around St Austell and just around the corner from the park throughout the season.
If you’re planning an autumn break at Meadow Lakes Holiday Park, here are some of our favourite things to do nearby.
1. See the autumn colours at The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Just a short drive from Meadow Lakes, The Lost Gardens of Heligan is particularly beautiful at this time of year.
Explore more than 200 acres of gardens and estate, where autumn transforms the woodlands with red acers, bronze oaks and golden beech and sycamore trees. Heligan also celebrates its Autumn Harvest with seasonal produce, colourful displays and activities inspired by the gardens and traditional rural life.
For October half-term 2026, Heligan is hosting its Halloween event from 24th October to 1st November, with activities inspired by the darker side of history, including medieval myths, haunting cinema and falconry.
It’s a brilliant autumn day out for couples and families alike – and being so close to Meadow Lakes, makes it an easy addition to your stay.
2. Experience Halloweden at the Eden Project
No trip to this part of Cornwall would be complete without visiting the world-famous Eden Project.
The huge indoor Biomes make Eden a great choice whatever the Cornish weather decides to do, while the outdoor gardens take on a completely different look as the seasons change.
From 24th October to 1st November 2026, Halloweden brings an extra bit of autumn magic to Eden, with a miniature mushroom trail, immersive storytelling, fungi-inspired activities and Halloween entertainment.
Eden’s ice rink also returns from 17th October 2026, so you can even add a spot of ice skating to your autumn break.
3. Wrap up for a walk along the Cornish coast
Autumn walking in Cornwall is hard to beat. Pull on your boots, grab a coat and head out to enjoy the fresh sea air without the peak summer crowds.
Nearby Pentewan beach and Porthpean Beach are lovely places for an autumn wander, while the South West Coast Path offers endless opportunities to explore further afield.
Dogs will love it too, and many Cornish beaches have fewer seasonal restrictions once the main summer season comes to an end.
Pack a flask, find a viewpoint and enjoy Cornwall at a slightly slower pace.
4. Spend an afternoon exploring Charlestown
For a relaxed autumn afternoon, head to historic Charlestown Harbour near St Austell.
With its Grade II-listed harbour, traditional cottages and dramatic coastline, Charlestown feels particularly atmospheric on a crisp autumn day.
Take a stroll around the harbour before finding somewhere warm for coffee, lunch or a traditional Cornish treat. It’s also a lovely spot for photography when the autumn light starts to soften later in the day.
5. Discover Cornwall’s clay mining history
Not every autumn day comes with blue skies – but that’s all part of a Cornish break!
On a cooler or wetter day, head to Wheal Martyn Clay Works near St Austell.
Set within Cornwall’s historic clay country, Wheal Martyn explores the area’s fascinating china clay heritage and combines indoor exhibitions with outdoor trails, making it a great option when the weather is a little changeable.
6. Wander around Mevagissey
One of the joys of visiting Cornwall outside the height of summer is getting to experience its harbour villages at a quieter time of year.
Mevagissey is only a 15 minutes drive Meadow Lakes and is perfect for a few leisurely hours exploring its narrow streets, harbour and independent shops.
Watch the fishing boats coming and going, stop for something to eat and simply enjoy having a little more room to wander. If the weather turns, you can always find a cosy café and watch the world go by.
7. Enjoy autumn at Meadow Lakes
You don’t have to leave the park to enjoy the season!
Set within 56 acres of peaceful Cornish countryside, Meadow Lakes is made for slower autumn days.
Pull on your wellies and enjoy our one-mile Woodland Walk, see what’s happening at Pet’s Corner, spend a quiet few hours beside the fishing lakes, or simply enjoy the changing colours and countryside around the park.
And when you’ve finished exploring? Head back to your accommodation, put your feet up and settle in for a cosy evening.
Sometimes doing very little is exactly what an autumn break calls for.
8. Head to the beach – whatever the weather!
Beaches aren’t just for summer.
In fact, autumn can be one of the best times to experience the Cornish coast. You’ll often find much quieter stretches of sand, dramatic skies and plenty of space for a long walk.
Nearby beaches include Pentewan, Porthpean and Carlyon Bay, giving you plenty of options within easy reach of St Austell.
A blustery beach walk followed by a warm Cornish pasty & a pint, is a pretty good way to spend an autumn afternoon in Cornwall!
Plan your autumn break at Meadow Lakes
Autumn in Cornwall has a charm all of its own. There are quieter beaches, colourful countryside, seasonal events and some of Cornwall’s best-known attractions right on our doorstep.
Meadow Lakes makes a peaceful base for exploring it all, with the Eden Project, Lost Gardens of Heligan, Mevagissey, Charlestown and the Cornish coast all within easy reach.
Whether you’re planning an October half-term adventure with the family, a dog-friendly getaway or simply a few peaceful days in the countryside, autumn might just be one of Cornwall’s best-kept secrets.
Ready for an autumn escape? Discover stays at Meadow Lakes Holiday Park and experience a quieter side of Cornwall this season.
