Bodmin Jail

Looking for a hair-raising attraction to visit with the kids? The Bodmin Jail Museum may be the spooktacular experience for you and your family. This British prison brings history to life in the most compelling of ways. Discover Victorian Cornwall, historical buildings with original features, and embark on the ultimate dark experience... Mixing history and the supernatural, the Bodmin Jail attraction is a must visit in Cornwall. 

 

Unearth Cornwall’s dark history at the Bodmin Jail Museum. Notoriously known as a supernatural hive with an infamous criminal past, Bodmin Jail offers a chance to embark on an £8 million immersive experience into Cornwall’s rich history of community, crime and a ‘Dark Walk’ into the unknown…

 

Its recent and most popular attractions are its spooky paranormal tours and scary cinema! Are you brave enough to take a walk in the heavy footsteps of the condemned for 90 minutes...? 'The Dark Walk’ is one of the most popular paranormal tours, as it is a vivid and unmatched experience, blurring perceptions of the past and present.

This attraction is perfect for kids who LOVE ghost stories as theatrical effects and the latest technology are used to transport visitors back to Cornwall’s murky 18th - 19th century past, recalling grim tales of the windswept Moor as you walk through prison cells and the execution pit. This attraction advises children 8+ are suitable due to show content. 

Combine a trip to the movies with a night exploring the depths of Bodmin Jail in the Scary Cinema and Ghost Tour! Suitable for families over 18 years old, The scary cinema offers more than watching a scary film. Once the film has finished you will be introduced to the prisoners who lived and died behind prison walls and learn historical facts about their demise...

 

Plant your feet into the abyss of a grim history and terribly true tales on all the lastest guided tours... For kid-friendly (but still gruesome) history, join the Junior Jailers Tour! Kids can learn about the penalty of stealing a bunny, how prisoners washed, and how many inmates would fit into a prison cell! 

Open the door to a darker realm in the Beasts, Buccas & Bodmin Tour... It's best to take a jacket as you might catch a chill! Go on a ramble with the Bodmin team as you learn what's at the heart of the Cornish folk horror tradition. From witches to giants, piskies to mermaids, the historical county town of Bodmin sits at the epicenter of dark tourism in the West.

There are great seasonal activities on offer too for all you folk with inquisitive minds who love the thrill of a racy heartbeat! At Christmas families can embark on the Naughty or Nice Tour and at Halloween, the Go Darker Tour is extremely popular! if you have ever wondered why did we hang at crossroads, When was the last person displayed in chains, or Who were the resurrection men? Prepare to have all your blood-curdling questions answered! 

 

The Jolly Hangman Tavern is the best resting spot for family members during a day of scaretastic fun. Grab a bite to eat or enjoy a drink during your day out. Chow down on family favourites like burgers, ribs and pizza. Or, nibble on a selection of sandwiches, snacks and light bites, there's something for everyone.

Fancy a treat? Why not indulge in some Cornish culture with a traditional afternoon tea featuring Cornish clotted cream and a selection of locally-produced cakes!

You'll be happy to know there are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan options available, so you can enjoy hassle-free dining. All in all you'll find some amazing food to refuel on after a fantastically frightful day out!

  

Bodmin Jail is located just a couple of minutes from Bodmin town centre and can be found either by Sat Nav or by following the brown tourism directional signs once you reach Bodmin. the best postcode to use for your satnav is: PL31 2PL.

Public parking is available within the Bodmin Town car parks just a short stroll away.

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.

The local bus route will drop you off in Bodmin Town, which is an easy 10-minute walk away from Bodmin Jail. Always check bus times with First Group before your visit. Please note that buses are only frequent in high season.

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.

 

If you want a luxury staycation you'll be happy to know you can stay over at the Bodmin Jail Hotel! Enjoy fine dining, a bar, boutique style hotel rooms (made from original prison cells) and so much more.

 

Showcasing a creative, modern, and quirky approach to Cornish history and exploration, Bodmin Jail is a thrilling must-see attraction for all families! Psst, there's a gift shop too! 

 

Sunday to Thursday 09:40 - 18:30 
Friday and Saturday 09:40 - 17:00

General Admission
Adults: £15.00
Children and Concessions: £12.50

Heritage Guided Tour
Adults: £20.00
Children: £12.50

Paranormal Tours from £25.00