- Take in picturesque views of Bodmin Moor
- Become a member of the jury at The Shire Hall
- Use the Camel Trail to explore miles of Cornwall’s natural beauty
- Board a Train at the Bodmin & Wenford Steam Railway.
A perfect base for your holiday in Cornwall, Bodmin is one of the oldest towns in the region. With the beautiful views and walks to be enjoyed on Bodmin Moor and the starting point for the 17 mile Camel Trail, Bodmin is the ideal spot to explore Cornwall, thanks in no small part to its central location. Take in some wine from the award-winning Camel Valley vineyard or take the short trips to Newquay or Padstow to enjoy food in restaurants owned by top celebrity chefs.
Attractions include the spooky Jail House, the opportunity to play the jury in an ancient local murder mystery case and a tour around the stately Lanhydrock. For the more active, golf at Lanhydrock or the picturesque Camel Trail make for perfect days out.
Food and Drink
Bodmin has one very palatable asset; an award winning vineyard! Camel Valley wines have been producing a vast selection of wines and sparkling wines for over 20 years and offer visitors the chance to sample a number of their stunning creations and then buy them in the shop after the tour. Central to the town, The Maple Leaf and Waffles are cosy coffee shops within the town centre, while a drive out of town will take you to the Jamie Oliver inspired Fifteen restaurant in Watergate Bay, Rick Stein's restaurant in Padstow or Nathan Outlaw's eatery in Fowey. Back to Bodmin and the town centre boasts numerous cafe’s, bars and tea rooms. For more luxury items, the Deli will meet you requirement with a fine selection of meats and local delicacies.
Family Attractions
One of the most interesting and unique family activities that Bodmin has to offer, The Shire Hall puts visitors in the middle of a juicy murder case, and makes them the jury! Guests must hear the evidence presented about a real life case of a local girl found murdered, then decide if the case for the prosecution is strong enough. Afterwards, the ‘jury’ are given a tour of the holding cells and the hanging pit where the guilty party would meet their fate. For something a little more relaxing, the picturesque Camel Trail begins in Bodmin, which is a 18 mile traffic-free walk or bike ride to Padstow - a perfect day out for an active family. Lanhydrock Castle offer tours around the stunning stately grounds while Bodmin Steam Railway runs numerous trips across the moors.
Shopping
Bodmin town offers a selection of art and craft shops mixed in with well known high street stores. Basic groceries can be found at the Asda and Somerfield stores within the town, while the town centre itself benefits from numerous clothes shops and a quaint local post office. As the sun goes down Bodmin offers a host of restaurants, cafés and bars mixed in with more traditional country inns.
Activities
For the cyclist, Bodmin is on the Camel Trail which means that both Bodmin Moor and Wadebridge and Padstow are in easy reach. There is also a 60 mile trail way all the around Bodmin Moor. Bodmin Moor itself is an inspiring place with granite tors towering over the open moor land and valleys and makes for an inspiring family day out. Bodmin Steam Railway is an appealing step back in time to the golden age of steam locomotives, and is one of the best ways to enjoy the beautiful scenery that Bodmin has to offer.
For a relaxed day out, the Vineyard offer tours and wine tasting events throughout the year. The golf course at Lanhydrock Castle is one of the finest in the area, and is only a short drive from the town centre. Nearby Lux Park Leisure centre offers relaxation in their spa pool, steam room and sauna plus more active sports such as tennis, squash and a gym.
History and Heritage
One of the oldest towns in Cornwall (the only Cornish town to be mentioned in the Doomsday Book) Bodmin is steeped in history. An impressive local landmark is Lanhydrock Castle, a granite mansion built in 1630, which draws in visitors from far and wide. Another local point of interest in Bodmin Jail, which dates back to the 1700’s. A tourist attraction, with ghost tours and the original hanging pit painstakingly recreated, this makes for the perfect chilling day out.
Bodmin was also the starting point of three rebellions during the 1400’s and 1500’s, which were brutally crushed by the monarch of the day. Nearby Launceston boasts a town trail for visitors to follow which highlights the ancient architecture and historical features including the 16th Century Church of St. Mary Magdalene which has one of the most lavishly carved exteriors of any Church in England. Meanwhile, Liskeard offers many interesting buildings including a Victorian Guildhall and clock tower, the Stuart House where Charles I stayed in 1644 and the second largest church in Cornwall.
Beaches
If a holiday isn’t complete without a day on the sand, then the renowned beaches of Newquay are a short car journey away. Ideal for windsurfing and other water sports, or simply just enjoying the surf and the sand, Newquay offers a really fun break from the country beauty of Bodmin.
Events and Entertainment
Lanhydrock offers a number of events running throughout the year, from wedding fairs to visits from none other than Santa himself! The Steam Railway also base many events around the major festival such as Easter and Christmas, while Morris dancing is never very far away from the list of Bodmin’s events. A ‘wild foods wander’ runs throughout the year, inviting participants to sample some of nature’s finest offerings and take in some beautiful scenery.
Transport
Bodmin enjoys good transport links with Cornwall and beyond. National rail services link Bodmin to the wider country with Bodmin Parkway station is just outside the town. Newquay airport is a short drive away, while getting to Bodmin by road is very simple. It sits roughly one mile from the A30 trunk road.