Bodmin is one of the oldest towns in Cornwall, blessed with a range of historic sites, fascinating museums and landscaped gardens. The surrounding region offers diverse natural landscapes and a renowned coast-to-coast walking path, while Bodmin’s town centre is dotted with bars and coffee shops.
Things to do in Bodmin
Get acquainted with Bodmin by strolling down the main strip of Fore Street, where boutique fashion outlets sit alongside bakeries, cafes and English pubs. Purchase designer clothing at Dorothy Perkins, M&Co. and Moods, before grabbing a classic British pasty at Malcolm Barnecutt Bakery or a casual drink at Q Bar. Venture up the adjoining Honey Street to find other established watering holes, such as Freddies and The Weavers.
While you’re in town, visit the Bodmin Town Museum to photos, historic artefacts and personal belongings pertaining to the town’s past. Learn about Bodmin’s “Spy School”, listen to historic speeches from the 1940s and help your kids with the informative and fun Children’s Quiz.
Don’t miss the various ancient structures around Bodmin, particularly the eerie Bodmin Jail, which was built in the 18th century and was the site of over 50 prisoner hangings. Those interested in military history can visit Cornwall's Regimental Museum, which houses a military library and a collection of machine guns, maps and uniforms.
Do you love getting out among nature? Visit the nearby Bodmin Moor, a granite moorland home to iconic monuments, undulating landscapes and picturesque rivers. Active travellers can tackle the 27.8-kilometre-long Camel Trail, which leads cyclists, walkers and horseback riders classic English countryside and over numerous bridges.
Getting around Bodmin
Bodmin is serviced by the Bodmin Parkway railway station and also has coach services across Cornwall. You can walk around the town centre, access suburbs using public buses or use a hired car to explore the surrounding region.