1. South West
  2. Cornwall
  3. Bodmin

About Bodmin Jail

Explore Cornwall’s Dark Past on a Family Adventure at Bodmin Jail

Looking for a thrilling, educational, and unforgettable day out with the kids? Bodmin Jail offers families a completely unique experience where history comes alive through immersive storytelling, incredible heritage spaces, and interactive adventures that children and parents will be talking about long after their visit.

Nestled in the heart of Cornwall, Bodmin Jail is a striking 18th-century prison brought brilliantly into the 21st century. It’s a place where curious young minds can step into the real past, exploring what life was like for prisoners, executioners, wardens and townsfolk through rich, hands-on exhibits and spine-tingling tales. It’s history that doesn’t sit quietly in a textbook - it jumps off the walls and into the imagination.

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Immersive, Educational Family Adventure Inside a Real Historic Jail

Unlock Cornwall’s Dark History at Bodmin Jail

Step into Cornwall’s past at Bodmin Jail, a striking 18th-century prison brought to life through immersive storytelling and cutting-edge technology. Built in 1779, this iconic heritage site invites families to explore the harsh realities of Georgian and Victorian justice in a thrilling, educational environment.

Begin your journey with the award-winning Dark Walk - a spellbinding audio-visual experience that transports you into the lives of real historical figures. Blending cinematic effects, atmospheric sets and engaging narration, it’s a captivating way to bring history to life for visitors of all ages.

With self-guided tours, expert-led guided experiences, and spine-tingling paranormal events, Bodmin Jail offers a range of ways to explore its grim yet fascinating past. Discover original prison cells, the UK’s only working Victorian hanging pit, and interactive exhibits designed to intrigue and educate.

Whether you’re seeking a family adventure, an educational day out, or a unique look into Cornwall’s darker side, Bodmin Jail promises an unforgettable experience that combines heritage, excitement and storytelling like nowhere else.

Cornwall’s Ultimate Year-Round Haunted Experience

Step into Cornwall’s most haunted location on the Bodmin Jail Ghost Walk - an immersive, spine-tingling journey through centuries of ghost stories, legends, and unexplained phenomena. Led by expert paranormal guides, this after-dark tour takes you deep into the jail’s most haunted spaces, from crumbling cells to shadowy corridors still echoing with the past.

Hear chilling tales of real sightings, mysterious sounds, and supernatural events documented over the years. Learn about the spirits said to haunt Bodmin Jail and the dark folklore of Bodmin Moor that continues to terrify and fascinate.

Lit only by lanterns, this atmospheric experience is as authentic as it is thrilling - perfect for ghost hunters, history lovers, and brave-hearted visitors looking for a unique evening in Cornwall.

Not just for Halloween, the Ghost Walk runs year-round, making it a must-do for anyone drawn to the paranormal or Cornwall’s eerie heritage.

Dare to discover what lurks in the shadows? Book your Ghost Walk now… if you’re brave enough.

Award-Winning Guided Tour Through Cornwall’s Darkest History

Step into Cornwall’s shadowy past on Bodmin Jail’s award-winning Guided Tour - a powerful, immersive journey led by expert storytellers who bring the building’s darkest tales vividly to life. This isn’t just a tour; it’s an emotional step into the lives of real people who lived - and died - within these walls.

Walk in the footsteps of the condemned as you explore original cells, hear chilling stories of infamous criminals, and witness the fully restored Victorian hanging pit, site of Cornwall’s final execution in 1909. Learn about the brutal “Bloody Code,” a justice system where even petty crimes could lead to the gallows, and uncover the harsh realities of prison life in the 18th and 19th centuries.

This hands-on, all-weather experience is suitable for families with older children and ideal for history lovers seeking something truly memorable. With its unique blend of storytelling, heritage, and atmospheric surroundings, the Guided Tour offers a fascinating look into crime, punishment, and social justice in Georgian and Victorian Cornwall.

Discover the jail that still echoes with stories of mutiny, murder, and survival.

Book your Bodmin Jail Guided Tour today - if you dare to unlock the secrets of the past.

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Facilities

  • Toilets iconToilets
  • Free Wifi iconFree Wifi
  • Gift Shop iconGift Shop
  • Accessible Toilets iconAccessible Toilets
  • Baby Changing iconBaby Changing
  • Food Available iconFood Available
  • Wheelchair Friendly iconWheelchair Friendly
  • Pushchair Friendly iconPushchair Friendly
  • Card Payments Accepted iconCard Payments Accepted
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Opening Times

Regular Times
  • Monday, 09:30 - 16:00
  • Tuesday, 09:30 - 16:00
  • Wednesday, 09:30 - 16:00
  • Thursday, 09:30 - 16:00
  • Friday, 09:30 - 16:00
  • Saturday, 09:30 - 16:00
  • Sunday, 09:30 - 16:00
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Pricing & Tickets

General Admission
  • Babies and Toddlers (0-4) : Free

Self-Guided General Admission
Adults from £20.00
Children (5-15) from £13.50
Concessions: £17.00

Family of 3 (up to 1 adult): £45.00

Family of 4 (up to 2 adults): £65.00

Heritage Guided Tour
Adults: £25.00
Children: £15.00

Paranormal Tours from £25.00

Book in advance for cheapest tickets

Find other attractions similar to Bodmin Jail by visiting our attraction tickets section.

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Plan Your Visit

Stopwatch IconTypical visit time 2 - 3 hours

Tick IconSuitable for Kids and Adults too

Food & Drink Options

The Moor Café offers a respite for adventurers, with light refreshments and quick bites; including pasty's, sausage rolls, toasties, soup, scones, cakes, sandwiches, barista coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer and cider.

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FAQs

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Parking

Toilets Icon

Toilets

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Family Friendly Options

Food & Drink

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Accessibility Information

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Tickets & Bookings

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Private Hire & Birthday Parties

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Public Transport

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Contact Details

Bodmin Jail Museum Ltd
Berrycoombe Road
Bodmin
Cornwall
PL31 2NR
England

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.

Tel: 0120876292

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Transport Information

By Train

The closest train station to Bodmin Jail is Bodmin Parkway, which is an 11-minute taxi ride away.

By Bus

You can take the following buses to Bodmin Jail: 11, 26, 96, 96A.

By Car

Bodmin Jail is 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. If you are using the Sat Nav, please use this postcode: PL31 2PL.

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Verification & Last Updated

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This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.

Last Updated: 05:21 30/06/2025

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