Bodmin Jail
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Book Bodmin Jail day tickets now for one of the best days out in Cornwall
Bodmin Jail, nestled in the picturesque countryside of Cornwall, stands as a haunting testament to England's penal history. Originally constructed in 1779, this imposing structure served as a house of incarceration for over 150 years, witnessing the trials and tribulations of countless inmates.
Its grim stone walls and gloomy corridors echo with the whispers of the past, offering visitors a spine-chilling glimpse into the harsh realities of Victorian prison life. Today, Bodmin Jail has been transformed into a museum, inviting guests to explore its eerie depths and learn about the stories of the prisoners who once dwelled within its confines.
With interactive exhibits, guided tours, and immersive experiences, the jail offers a fascinating journey through Cornwall's dark and fascinating history.
Your Bodmin Jail day tickets include:
- Standard entry tour to Bodmin Jail at anytime during the day
- Self-guided, so you can enjoy experience at your own pace
- Entry to the 'Dark Walk' immersive experience - uses theatrical effects and the latest technology to transport visitors back to Cornwall’s murky past
- eTickets sent instantly by email and text
Looking for things to do on a rainy day in Cornwall?
This family attraction is an experience that kids and grownups will never forget. And with the guaranteed lowest-price tickets that you'll find online, you can't go wrong!
Whether you're local to Cornwall or you're visiting this stunning county, there's always a good chance of a bit of rain. And if you're looking for things to in Bodmin when it's raining, we think Bodmin Jail is one of the best wet weather attractions you can visit.
Where will the Bodmin Jail Experience take you?
Journey through Bodmin Jail with your family and uncover the stories of the past. The Bodmin Jail Experience includes:
- The Dark Walk - The 'Dark Walk', the first of its kind in Cornwall, uses theatrical effects and the latest technology to transport visitors back to Cornwall’s murky past. Retold for 21st-century audiences, the haunting cinematic visual experience will tell stories of smuggling, mining and the everyday hardships facing Cornwall’s poorest, including tales from infamous prisoners
- The Naval Wing - face a cold walk along into the jail's original Naval Wing, getting a first-hand look at what the dreary days and nights behind bars were really like.
- The Administration Block - delve into the fascinating background of the people who served, worked and lived at Bodmin Jail, with hidden stories and myths of Cornwall, Bodmin and the historic jail building from an operational perspective.
- The Last Moments - there's a chill of the condemned as the path follows the last footsteps of the 55 prisoners as they were led to the hanging pit. The only fully-working Victorian Hanging Pit in the UK is a time for real reflection.
Sounds pretty amazing, right? We think it's about time you booked your tickets to Bodmin Jail now. Have fun and remember, be good!
How to find us
Bodmin Jail is located just a couple of minutes from the town centre and can be found either by Sat-Nav or by following the brown tourism directional signs once you reach Bodmin.
For Sat-Nav, please use the postcode PL31 2PL
By car:
There are a number of car parks available locally:
- Camel Trail Car Park - PL31 2NR. Please allow for a five-minute walk
- Berrycombe Road Car Park - PL31 2NP. Please allow for a seven-minute walk
- Dennison Road Car Park - PL31 2LL. Pay and display, short stay car park with 62 spaces. Please allow for an eight-minute walk
- Priory Car Park - PL31 2DQ. Priory Car Park is a pay and display car park for approximately 150 cars with additional spaces adjacent to the Football Club. Please allow for a 14-minute walk
- Fore Street Car Park - PL31 2DB. Pay and display with both long and short term car parking. Please allow for a 16-minute walk
By bus:
The local bus route will not take you directly the jail, but it will drop you off in Bodmin Town; an easy 10-minute walk away. We recommend that you check bus times with First Group before your visit. Please note that buses are only frequent in high season.
By train:
Bodmin Parkway is on the mainline through Cornwall and is situated four miles outside of Bodmin Town. You will need to catch a bus or arrange a taxi for the journey from station to jail/Bodmin Town. To check for the latest train times and to plan your journey, please visit Trainline.
By bike:
The jail is situated along the popular Camel Trail cycle route which runs from Padstow, through Wadebridge to Bodmin Town centre. You'll find the jail at the end of the trail! Please note there are limited secure bike racks at the jail.
- Jail shop
- Toilets
- Courtyard Restaurant
- The Jolly Tavern
- Estimated duration to see all of the attraction is 1.5-2 hours
- Assistance dogs only
- Recommended minimum age for children is 8+
- Accessibility - if you are photosensitive and can have seizures caused by light, please be aware parts of this attraction may be unsuitable for you
- Most of the attraction is accessible for wheelchairs but please note: the existing building has some narrow, original doorways that are 75cm wide. This should accommodate standard size wheelchairs and conforms to building regulations for existing buildings. However, visitors with wide wheelchairs should contact the attraction before visiting to discuss individual needs