Guided Tour

at Bodmin Jail
Bodmin Available until Tue 30 Jun

Save 10% when you book online!

Book Guided Tour tickets for an award-winning tour of Bodmin Jail - Cornwall’s most notorious prison

  • Join an expert‑led Guided Tour and explore the realities of crime and punishment in Georgian & Victorian England. 
  • Be led through Bodmin Jail’s most significant spaces by a knowledgeable heritage guide with powerful storytelling rooted in real events.
  • Discover the human stories behind the crimes, convictions and punishments that shaped Cornwall’s judicial past. 
  • Ask questions throughout and engage directly with your guide for a personal and immersive experience. 
  • The most in‑depth and engaging way to explore Bodmin Jail and its darkest history. 

Led by Bodmin Jail’s heritage guides, bringing over 200 years of prison history vividly to life

  • Age Restrictions: Suitable or all ages - parental discretion is advised
  • Tour Times: 9:30am, 1:00pm & 3:00pm
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Arrival: Arrive at least 15 minutes before your booked timeslot
  • Location: Bodmin Jail, Berrycoombe Road, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL31 2NR
  • Tickets Include: A fully guided tour with live interpretation and access to the jail’s most historically significant spaces.

Step inside the cells, walk the execution pit & confront the realities of historic justice

Led by passionate heritage guides, the Guided Tour at Bodmin Jail offers a deeper, more human insight into life inside Cornwall’s most formidable prison. Through powerful storytelling and first‑hand interpretation, history is revealed through the voices of those who lived, worked and were punished within these walls. 

  • Key Areas Explored: The Dark Walk, Naval Wing, Administration Block and the UK’s last fully working execution pit.
  • The Bloody Code & the Gallows: Learn how minor crimes could carry the ultimate punishment under the Georgian legal system.
  • The Victorian Execution Pit: Stand at the site of Cornwall’s last hanging, restored to full working condition.
  • Inside the Cells: Step into cramped prison cells and discover the harsh realities faced by inmates. 
  • Crimes & Criminals: Hear true stories of murderers, arsonists, poisoners and unrest that once shook Cornwall. 
  • Immersive storytelling designed to inform, challenge and captivate modern audiences.
  • Ideal for history enthusiasts, curious minds and anyone seeking a meaningful and atmospheric cultural experience. 

Book your Guided Tour at Bodmin Jail and walk in the footsteps of Cornwall’s most notorious prisoners. A compelling journey into justice, punishment and human endurance - delivered by those who know the jail best. Tickets delivered instantly via email and mobile confirmation. 

Location

Bodmin Jail

Berrycoombe Rd,
Bodmin,
Cornwall,
PL31 2NR
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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.

Facilities
  • Jail shop
  • Toilets
  • Courtyard Restaurant
  • Moor Cafe
More Info
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Is Bodmin Jail wheelchair accessible?

Bodmin Jail provides wheelchair access to key areas of the attraction, including the main visitor routes and exhibition spaces. Due to the historic nature of the building and its original prison layout, some areas have limited accessibility, but the site has been adapted where possible to ensure an inclusive experience. Visitors with specific access requirements are encouraged to speak to staff on arrival for assistance and guidance.

How do you purchase a carer ticket for Bodmin Jail?

Guests able to provide evidence of their disability will be entitled to bring a carer free of charge.
 
For proof of disability please bring ONE of the following forms of documentation:

  • Entitlement to Disability Living Allowance for children under 16 or DLA/Personal Independent Payments (PIP) for those aged 16-64, either in the form of a letter stating that the benefit has been awarded, or the actual Allowance book.
  • Attendance Allowance or Carer's Allowance letter of award.
  • Incapacity Benefit books, or a letter notifying the recipient that the benefit has been awarded Incapacity
  • Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
  • A valid Blue Badge.
  • In the case of visual impairment, a registration card known as the BD8 or a Certificate of Visual
  • Impairment (CVI).
  • A local authority registration document which is local to the attraction where it is being submitted.
  • A recognised Assistance Dog ID Card.
  • Credibility’s Access Card.

Please note that all documentation should be dated within 2 years.

What age is Bodmin Jail suitable for?

Bodmin Jail is suitable for families and visitors of all ages; however, the guided experience explores real themes of crime, punishment and execution from Georgian and Victorian history. As some content may be unsettling for younger children, parental discretion is advised. Families are encouraged to consider a child’s sensitivity to historic themes when planning their visit.

Is there food and drink at Bodmin Jail?

Bodmin Jail offers on‑site food and drink facilities, allowing visitors to relax and refresh before or after their Guided Tour. These facilities enhance the overall visitor experience and make Bodmin Jail suitable for longer stays.

What is Bodmin Jail?

Bodmin Jail is a former Georgian and Victorian prison in Cornwall, now transformed into an immersive heritage attraction. Through expertly guided experiences, visitors can explore authentic prison spaces and uncover real stories of crime, punishment and justice spanning over 200 years. The Guided Tour is the most in‑depth way to understand the jail’s history and the lives of those held within its walls.

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