Fancy an unusual and unforgettable day out in Cornwall? Bodmin Jail re-opened to visitors in 2020 after major investment and redevelopment – and the new attraction is an astonishing place to visit. Today, the grim Georgian building is home to an incredible immersive experience. We’ll take a closer look at Cornwall’s latest must-see attraction.
What’s the history of Bodmin Jail?
Bodmin Jail was Cornwall’s county prison for over 150 years, its doors finally clanging shut in 1927. The town was once Cornwall’s administrative centre, and other foreboding buildings in Bodmin include the old courts, the workhouse and the military barracks. The jail was originally built by prisoners of war in the 1770s, and most of the present building is mid-Victorian. Bodmin became the first prison to have individual cells, although not before many prisoners had died from diseases like typhoid from being housed together in cramped spaces.
Who was jailed at Bodmin? Both men and women (the latter until 1911) and astonishingly, also children. When imprisonment for debt was abolished in 1869, the Navy took over Bodmin’s debtors’ wing for its own prisoners. Bodmin was also the place where Cornish convicts awaiting transportation were held. Those even less fortunate were executed at the site, and over 50 people were hanged at Bodmin Jail. Notorious prisoners include the Lightfoot brothers, highwaymen whose 1840 hanging attracted 20,000 visitors to the jail. Sarah Polgrean was sentenced to death for poisoning her husband with arsenic, which she’d hidden in a pat of butter. The last person to be hanged here was murderer William Hampton in 1909. You’ll find out more about these heartbreaking stories (and many more) in the exhibitions.
Given its sad history, is Bodmin Jail haunted? Book onto one of the attraction’s infamous After Dark tours and find out for yourself…
What’s there to see at Bodmin Jail?
Bodmin Jail was redesigned as an immersive experience, which takes the visitor into the heart of the jail and its history… The “Dark Walk” is a cinematic visual experience that not only tells the story of the jail, but puts it in the context of the harsh world of 18th and 19th-century Cornwall. Grim yes; gripping, definitely. Then there’s the Navy Wing, where you can explore the grimy old cells while finding out more about the former inmates. The Administration Block shares the stories of those who worked at the prison, then finally, the Last Moment is the chilling and thought-provoking exhibition about executions at Bodmin. You can also pay more to book onto a guided tour of the jail. The Heritage Tour is the best one for finding out more about Bodmin Jail’s history, while the Junior Jailers is the most suitable for family groups. Then, there are seasonal tours throughout the year, such as Halloween and Christmas specials. The bravest can opt for one of the nighttime paranormal tours…
Is Bodmin Jail suitable for families?
Bodmin Jail is a family attraction; however, the Jail’s website states that it’s really only suitable for children over 8. Children under 4 are free, but we’re not sure if a toddler would enjoy the loud noises and dark areas.
Is Bodmin Jail accessible?
For such an old building, Bodmin Jail does really well for wheelchair and pushchair access. You can read a description of Bodmin Jail’s terrain on their website. Some areas may not be suitable for visitors with photo-sensitive epilepsy, and we’d suggest that neurodiverse families take a good look at the website or contact the attraction before visiting, to get a better idea of what’s in store. Carers receive free entry (documentation needed).
Is Bodmin Jail dog friendly?
Dogs aren’t allowed to visit Bodmin Jail (and we imagine they’d find the Dark Walk pretty scary anyway). If you’re in Cornwall with your pooch, Park Your Paws doggy day care in St Austell is close by. Of course, assistance dogs are welcome throughout the site.
Is there a cafe and shop at Bodmin Jail?
The new Courtyard Restaurant at Bodmin Jail is a bistro-style place that’s already earning quite a reputation as one of Bodmin’s best eateries. Come here for homemade pizzas or a glass of wine in the heated outdoor courtyard. It also serves a great Cornish cream tea… Bodmin Jail gift shop sells some great bespoke products (check out the T-shirts) as well as Cornish-made crafts.
What are the opening times and prices?
The opening times are broadly 9:30 until 18:30, with the last entry at 16:30. However, please check the website for details of specific tours and in case of any changes. How long does it take to look around Bodmin Jail? Allow at least an hour and a half for a self-guided tour (and add on more for the gift shop and restaurant!). Self-guided jail entry starts at £16 for a standard adult ticket (2022 prices), with guided tours costing more (the Heritage Tours start at £20). It tends to be cheaper to buy tickets online in advance.
What else is there to do in Bodmin?
There are lots of other attractions in and around Bodmin. Families love the Bodmin & Wenford Railway (especially at Christmas), and the National Trust’s magnificent Lanhydrock House and Estate is just outside town. The museum at Bodmin Keep is a fascinating place to explore, and you can learn more local history at Bodmin Town Museum. For fresh air and exercise, there’s the famous Bodmin Moor and lovely Cardinham Woods on the doorstep, and Bodmin is on the Camel Trail cycle route.
How do you get to Bodmin Jail?
Bodmin is easy to reach by car, as it is just off the A30. If you’re travelling by train, Bodmin Parkway is on the main line, and it’s about 4.5 miles by taxi to Bodmin Jail. Bodmin is also conveniently close to Cornwall Airport Newquay, which is approximately 16 miles away.
The postcode for the Jail is PL31 2PL. The closest car park is the Camel Trail Car Park, located at PL31 2NR, or you can try Berrycome Road at PL31 2NP.
If you would like more local tips about visiting Bodmin and Bodmin Jail, please feel free to ask us at The Cornwall.