- Bodmin was the site of the last public hanging in Cornwall, which took place outside the town's prison in 1909.
- The town holds the unique status of having been a prominent center for the Cornish rebellion against the Prayer Book of 1549.
- For centuries, Bodmin was the only town in Cornwall entitled to hold the Assizes, making it the administrative and judicial capital of the county.
- The town contains a famous granite obelisk built on Bodmin Beacon to commemorate Sir Walter Raleigh Gilbert, a prominent military officer from the 19th century.
About Bodmin
Bodmin is a historic market town located in the heart of Cornwall, situated near the southwestern edge of Bodmin Moor. It served as the county town of Cornwall until the 19th century and remains a significant hub for heritage sites, notably the Victorian-era Bodmin Jail Attraction. The town acts as a central gateway to the outdoors, offering direct access to cycling routes like the Camel Trail and natural landscapes like Cardinham Woods. Visitors can explore the expansive grounds of the National Trust - Lanhydrock or venture to the medieval ruins of Restormel Castle nearby. Bodmin Beacon provides panoramic views over the town and surrounding Cornish countryside.
Highlights of Bodmin
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Places of interest
Explore the cold, stone corridors and cells of this historic 18th-century prison.
Historical places
Walk through the sprawling Victorian gardens and tour the opulent rooms of this National Trust estate.
Natural attractions
Cycle along this converted railway track that provides a flat, car-free route toward the coast.
Historical places
Walk the ramparts of this 13th-century circular castle overlooking the Fowey Valley.
Natural attractions
Follow diverse trails through managed woodland that cater to mountain bikers and casual walkers alike.
Natural attractions
Hike to the top of this prominent hill for 360-degree views of the Bodmin landscape.
Places of interest
Visit one of Cornwall's few remaining family-owned estates to view a private art collection and extensive parkland.
Temples
Step inside the largest medieval parish church in Cornwall to see its historic granite architecture.
Top things to do in Bodmin
The 253 highest-rated places in Bodmin, ranked by travellers.
1
Historical places
Tintagel Castle is a medieval fortification located on the peninsula of Tintagel Island and the adjacent mainland of Nor...
2
Parks
The Lost Gardens of Heligan is a 200-acre estate in Cornwall that features a massive Victorian productive garden and a s...
3
Historical places
Lanhydrock is a late Victorian country house near Bodmin, Cornwall, managed by the National Trust. The estate is disting...
4
Places of interest
Bodmin Jail is a historic prison complex originally constructed in 1779 by prisoners using local granite. The site featu...
5
Places of interest
Carnewas at Bedruthan is a stretch of North Cornish coastline managed by the National Trust, famous for its dramatic gra...
6
Places of interest
St Nectan's Waterfall is a 60-foot cascade located in a wooded valley in Trethevy, Cornwall, where the River Trevillet f...
7
Parks
Golitha Falls is a series of cascades on the River Fowey located within a steep, ancient oak woodland valley. The site i...
8
Parks
The Eden Project is a large-scale environmental complex located in a reclaimed china clay pit in Cornwall. It consists o...
9
Natural attractions
Cardinham Woods is a large mixed-woodland estate managed by Forestry England, located in a deep valley near Bodmin. It f...
10
Parks
Polperro Heritage Coast is a designated stretch of the South West Coast Path in Cornwall, characterized by jagged slate...
11
Places of interest
Boscastle Harbour is a unique natural inlet located on the north coast of Cornwall, protected by a narrow, zigzagging en...
12
Museums
The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic houses the world’s largest collection of artifacts related to witchcraft, folklore, a...
13
Amusement parks
Camel Creek Family Adventure Park is a theme park located near Wadebridge in Cornwall, specifically designed for familie...
14
Zoos
Screech Owl Sanctuary & Animal Park is a specialist conservation center located within the Goss Moor National Nature Res...
15
Places of interest
Carnglaze Caverns consists of three man-made slate caverns resulting from historic underground mining operations near St...
16
Places of interest
Polperro Harbour is a functioning tidal fishing port enclosed by a narrow entrance and dramatic cliffs on the south coas...
17
Parks
Hidden Valley is a family-oriented adventure park situated near Launceston, Cornwall, centered around an intricate outdo...
18
Places of interest
Pentire Point is a jagged headland on the North Cornwall coast that serves as a primary vantage point for observing mari...
19
Museums
The Cornwall at War Museum is situated on the site of a former RAF Coastal Command airfield, RAF Davidstow Moor, which o...
20
Museums
The Shipwreck Treasure Museum is located in the historic Grade II listed china clay port of Charlestown, a UNESCO World...
21
Parks
The Japanese Garden in St Mawgan is a privately owned three-acre tranquil retreat featuring authentic Japanese landscapi...
22
Places of interest
Tintagel Old Post Office is a Grade I listed 14th-century stone farmhouse, distinct for its medieval slate construction...
23
Beaches and ponds
Mevagissey Inner Harbour is a historic, twin-pier working harbour located on the south coast of Cornwall, England. It re...
24
Amusement parks
Trethorne Leisure Park is a multi-purpose family entertainment center located in Cornwall, specializing in a mix of indo...
25
Museums
Wheal Martyn Clay Works is the UK's only museum dedicated to the history of the china clay mining industry. Located with...
26
Parks
Pinetum Gardens is a 30-acre botanical collection located near St Austell, featuring 10 distinct themed gardens. The sit...
27
Beaches and ponds
Readymoney Cove is a south-facing sandy beach situated at the mouth of the Fowey Estuary in Cornwall. The cove is protec...
28
Historical places
Restormel Castle is one of the best-preserved examples of a circular Norman shell keep in Britain. Built in the late 13t...
29
Places of interest
Pencarrow House is a Grade II* listed Georgian mansion that has remained in the Molesworth-St Aubyn family for over 500...
30
Historical places
Launceston Castle is a 13th-century fortification featuring a distinctive round keep perched on a high volcanic plug ove...
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Bodmin on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Bodmin
Late spring to early autumn (May to September) offers the most favorable weather for cycling the Camel Trail and exploring local woodland tracks.
2-3 days allows sufficient time to visit both the town-center historical sites and the surrounding forest trails.
The town center is walkable, but a car is recommended to reach surrounding attractions like Cardinham Woods and more distant estate houses.
Stay in the town center for proximity to local amenities and historical sites, or seek countryside guesthouses on the outskirts for quieter access to nature trails.
Bodmin is considered a mid-range destination, offering a mix of affordable outdoor activities and standard hotel pricing typical of rural Cornwall.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 253 curated attractions in and around Bodmin, ranked by traveller ratings.
Tintagel Castle is the highest-rated place to visit in Bodmin right now.
The largest category is temples, with 57 places to explore.
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
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