Bodmin Jail

Built in 1779, Bodmin Jail was the County Prison of Cornwall offering a maximum of 219 cells until it’s closure in 1927.

Bodmin Jail was originally built for King George III in 1779; today’s jail was built with the help of the prisoners who brought 20,000 tons of granite from Bodmin’s Cuckoo Quarry.

Visitors can wander through the depths of the Jail, over six levels, and browse creative exhibits depicting penal life in Victorian Cornwall. Be sure to visit the Execution Shed; a fully restored, 4.5mtr deep, Victorian hanging pit. This is the only hanging pit in the UK and the site of the last man executed in Cornwall.

Marvel at the building’s unique design, architecture, and engineering; from the inspired heating and cooling systems constructed to keep the Jail environment comfortable, to the striking carved wood paneling and period features of the Old Chapel; now housing our popular Governors Hall restaurant.

Paranormal Evenings:
Do you dare to spend a night in the UK’s most haunted location? After Dark packages are available for over 18’s only. Check out our website for details and dates.

Scary Cinema Nights:
Are you brave enough join us in watching a horror classic, then tour the Jail after dark?
Held every Thursday 9pm – 1am. Yes…that’s right…1am!
Watch a scary movie within the atmospheric surroundings of Bodmin Jail, before taking a tour around the Jail with our Resident Medium to discover the past, and other worldly, residents of this historic building.
Over 18’s only due to the film and tour content. Call us, or book online via our website.

Food:
Enjoy a ‘real’ coffee, traditional Cornish cream tea, or light-bite in our newly refurbished Tea Room, or choose from our substantial menu in Governors Hall licensed restaurant. Our brigade of chefs will tickle your taste buds with a wide range of homemade, freshly prepared goodies; there’s something for everyone. Many dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for with advanced notice.
Our new Breakfast Menu will be available from 1st May and served from 9.30am – noon on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Room Hire:
This formidable building is rich in social history and can be hired for Private Functions, Conferences, Civil Ceremonies, Weddings, Live Music, and Entertainment Events.

Dogs:
Bodmin Jail is a ‘Dog Friendly’ attraction. Well behaved dogs are welcome on short leads around site and in our Tea Room, but not in the Governors Hall Restaurant. There is also plenty of outside seating areas.

Accessibility:
Regrettably, due to the constraints of the building, we are not a wheelchair-friendly venue, and those with impaired mobility may also find access to some areas difficult. We would recommend calling us in advance to discuss your requirements.

Bodmin Jail – a memorable day out for all.