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Bodmin Jail: Tour Cornwall's 250 year old Victorian Prison, one of the UK's Most Haunted Places
Updated: Jun 17
Bodmin Jail, perched on the windswept edge of Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, is more than just a tourist attraction. Its granite walls hold a chilling history, echoing with the stories of prisoners past. Built in 1779, it was once a progressive model, a stark contrast to the earlier, brutal dungeons. Yet, within its seemingly enlightened design, a darkness unfolded. Public hangings drew crowds, a grim spectacle that stained the very stones and memories of this place.
Echoes of Suffering: A Spine-Tingling Exploration of Bodmin Jail
As whispers of executions and harsh punishments intertwine with reports of unexplained activity, Bodmin Jail beckons. Is it simply a monument to a bygone era, or does a more sinister presence linger within? This prison, abandoned for almost a century, has been restored to tell a story, one of harrowing conditions, torture, executions and even that of the infamous Beast of Bodmin that stalks the Cornish moors. Join us as we delve into the chilling history and unsettling legends that shroud this captivating landmark.
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Our Bodmin Jail Tour
When we had initially seen information about Bodmin Jail online, we only saw the pictures of one of the former wings of the prison, in a decrepit state with no floors or even a roof. We did not delve into it too deeply; it immediately looked like a place we would want to check out. Historical places are always attractive to us, and after our first foray into urbex style exploring in Tskaltubo, Georgia, we have always had an attraction to it.
So honestly we were pretty surprised when we rocked up to the jail to see it had not only been renovated into a museum, but that the jail wing we saw, both in fact, have been transformed into a hotel! So the urbex idea was obviously out of the window. That being said, this was still a very old former jail, and we were excited to check out what we could. So we went on through the huge foreboding entrance, to see what we could find.
The part of this old Victorian prison that is not a hotel is now a museum / tour of sorts. There is only one ticket option, which is to go through a non-guided tour, learning some of the most prominent stories from the prison's history. You are navigated through a series of old prison rooms where there are numerous shows, some with full 4D effects, which we though would be tacky but are actually pretty good. The final show is the courtroom, which after sentencing, then leads you to a restored prison block.
The shows were very informative, as we learned about several prisoners of which tied in to the very cells they were housed in. Whilst the prison block was not at all what we were expecting, it was dark, gloomy and very well restored. Every cell had information accompanying them, some about the prisoners we had learned about, others giving information about prison hygiene and medical care.
The story of Bodmin Jail is hugely present throughout, from some of its darker history surrounding poor conditions and overcrowding, to its revolutionary renovation that incorporated a prison standard that had not been seen in its time. This included segregation of women and men, better ventilation for cells, cleaning standards and a gradual improvement in rehabilitation attempts for prisoners, including work and study.
We were very impressed with how well it was put together, and considering the tour was not accompanied, it was very easy to navigate through each area. There was no time limit per-se and plenty of opportunity to check out each cell and room, read the signs ad ultimately get a real feel for the place. Even though we were in a decent-sized group it still felt very chilly, haunting and sombre.
One of the more disturbing areas was the 'torture' room, where there were a number of devices that prison officers would force prisoners to use as a form of punishment for bad behaviour. One such device was 'The Crank', a piece of machinery designed for no other purpose other than to exhaust and punish.
The Crank consisted of a large handle with a counter. The crank handle was Hand Crank attached to a set of cogs, which pushed a paddle through sand or gravel. The Warders could tighten up the crank, making it harder to turn, which is where they got the nickname "screws" The prisoners would have to turn the handle up to 15,000 times a day, without any end product of their hard work
In 1818, an English civil engineer named Sir William Cubitt devised a machine called the treadmill to reform idle and stubborn convicts. As if the Crank was not enough of course. Prisoners would step on the 24 spokes of a large paddle wheel, climbing like a modern day gym machine. The earliest Bodmin machine had a capacity for 26 prisoners, it was a feared punishment and many prisoners were injured In gruelling 8 hour shifts, prisoners would climb the equivalent of 2,400 meters in one day, in a 6 day week they would climb 14,500 meters, Mount Everest is 8,848 meters high just for perspective!
This is perhaps where the 'dark tourism' effect starts to come in here. It is a fine balance indeed; it all seems so morbid and must have been horrendous for the people that suffered here. Should we be exposed to it? Or should it be left in the past where it belongs? It is hard to answer, and while we felt very conflicted we wanted to learn more. Indeed there is much more to come after the shows and the jail block; after this section we then moved on to the Prison Warden and Governor quarters, a secret room full of artifacts that was accidentally discovered, and then on to the haunted section of the jail. Not to mention the gallows right at the end, Yes that is right, the public execution area. More on all of that to come!
Bodmin Jail is just full of twists and turns. Some of the stories were pretty heartbreaking, especially given some of the horrendously harsh sentences given out to people in those times. For example, some of the crimes amongst the condemned at Bodmin Jail were sheep stealing (yes you read that right), stealing a purse, forgery and burglary. Is it any wonder the prison is said to be haunted? We know times were different back then. But it makes it no easier to understand if we are honest. Make no mistake, this was a cruel and harsh place. And one we will not forget in a hurry.
Read on for the history of Bodmin Jail, find out about the Beast of Bodmin legend, discover some interesting facts, and get all the information you need before you go including ticket prices, opening times and more.
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The history of Bodmin Jail
Bodmin Jail boasts a rich and complex history. Here's a glimpse into its transformation from a symbol of punishment to a popular tourist attraction:
⪢ A Progressive Beginning (1779)
Built in 1779 under the reign of King George III, Bodmin Jail marked a significant shift in prison design. Influenced by the ideals of prison reformer John Howard, it was one of the first prisons to feature individual cells and segregated areas for men and women. This move away from the harsh communal conditions of earlier institutions aimed to provide a more humane environment. Military engineer Sir John Call designed the prison, and its construction used a staggering 20,000 tonnes of local granite quarried from Bodmin Moor. Interestingly, the prisoners of war themselves became the workforce for this project.
⪢ A Century of Change (1800s)
Bodmin Jail initially housed a mix of debtors and criminals. However, by the 1840s, a national crime wave led to overcrowding within the prison walls. Extensions were built to accommodate the influx of prisoners.
In 1850, the limitations of the original structure became clear, and it was deemed unfit for purpose. A new, larger 220-cell prison was constructed on the same site to address these concerns. Another innovative development came in 1859 with the introduction of a unique ventilation system. This involved a network of ducts that channeled stale air from cells to a massive chimney, ensuring better air quality for the inmates.
A dark chapter also unfolded within the prison walls during this period however. Public hangings took place for crimes ranging from murder to burglary, with records suggesting over 55 executions occurred, with the last one carried out in a chilling ceremony in 1909.
An interesting twist in Bodmin's tale came in 1877 when one wing of the prison was designated to house a specific population – naval prisoners. This marked the establishment of H.M Naval Prison Bodmin.
⪢ Shifting Tides and Closure (1900s)
The early 20th century witnessed a significant decline in the prison population at Bodmin Jail. The female wing closed its doors in 1911, with inmates transferred to another facility. During World War I, the jail took on an unexpected role. In an effort to safeguard important national documents, including the Domesday Book, they were housed within the prison walls for safekeeping.
The last civilian prisoner left Bodmin Jail in 1923, and the Naval Prison ceased operations shortly thereafter in 1922. With a dwindling population and changing needs, Bodmin Jail officially closed its doors in 1927, marking the end of an era.
⪢ From Prison to Tourist Attraction & Hotel (1900s - Present)
Deserted in 1927 and slated for destruction, demolition crews attempted to reduce the prison to rubble for its valuable stone. However, the formidable one-meter-thick granite walls proved too tough for the explosives of the era. The roof, however, met a different fate, succumbing to the process. Since then, the jail has remained a picturesque ruin, slowly surrendering to the elements. Ivy snakes gracefully across its exterior, while bats and pigeons have claimed the exposed spaces as their own.
Nearly a century exposed to the harsh elements had ravaged the two wings, leaving only a skeletal frame of walls. Scars from the failed demolition attempt remained etched on the granite. To add insult to injury, builders of a nearby housing estate, located on a lightly higher plain adjacent to the prison, devised a 'creative' solution for their waste. They simply dumped the construction debris over the edge, burying the north wing's walls up to the third floor.
The imposing structure, however, retained a certain allure. In an unusual turn of events, the 1960s saw the jail experience a brief revival as a nightclub and casino, although this project did not last and closed down not long after opening. Fast-forward to just prior to the Covid pandemic in 2018, and a Russian entrepreneur was out for a walk, saw the building, fell in love with it, and bought it.
An incredible project aimed at preserving and showcasing its past began. Despite huge challenges, from bats to nesting pigeons, Covid and hugely difficult building adjustments, Mallino Developments bravely tackled the task and today, Bodmin Jail is the popular tourist attraction we are writing about. The renovations of the hotel wings are also now complete and have been transformed into an incredible hotel, which you can read about later in this post.
A huge credit must go to the owners, who have carefully brought this piece of Cornish history back to life in a positive way for future generations. The stories and tales should never be forgotten; a stark reminder of a dark past. You can read more about the incredible beginnings and challenges of this ambitious project here.
The Beast of Bodmin
Bodmin Jail boasts a rich history, but the surrounding Bodmin Moor holds another mystery – the Beast of Bodmin Moor. This legendary creature is said to roam the wild landscape, striking fear (and perhaps a little excitement) into the hearts of visitors.
The Beast is often described as a large black cat, resembling a panther, puma, or even a leopard. Sightings began in the 1980s, and reports of livestock attacks, particularly on sheep, have fueled the legend. The size of the creature seems to vary in different accounts, ranging from the size of a dog to much larger. Some descriptions mention glowing eyes and eerie sounds like growls, hisses, or even screams.
Despite the numerous sightings, there's no concrete evidence to confirm the Beast's existence. No clear photographs or physical remains have been found. Theories abound, with some suggesting escaped big cats from zoos or private collections might be responsible. Others believe it could be a surviving wildcat species thought to be extinct in Britain. There's even a fringe theory that the Beast is a paranormal entity, but this lacks scientific backing.
The high number of sightings prompted an official government investigation in 1995. While the report concluded there was no verifiable evidence of a large cat, it couldn't definitively rule it out either. The mystery surrounding the Beast of Bodmin Moor continues to draw tourists and cryptozoology enthusiasts. It adds a layer of intrigue to Bodmin Moor, making it a more captivating place to visit!
One of the UK's most haunted places
Whether Bodmin Jail is haunted is a matter of personal belief. The jail's history and imposing structure certainly contribute to its reputation as a paranormal hotspot, not to mention some very interesting videos online, and of course the hype from the tour itself. The jail even featured in the UK show Most Haunted, although some of the findings on the show were later debunked. So what is it about Bodmin Jail? Let's take a look...
⪢ A Dark History
Bodmin Jail witnessed countless tragedies over its operational years. Executions, harsh living conditions, and the suffering of prisoners all leave a mark, sometimes leading to the belief that these restless spirits linger within the walls.
⪢ Unexplained Activity
Visitors and staff have reported strange occurrences like unexplained footsteps, disembodied voices, sudden temperature drops, and even apparitions. Certain areas of the jail are associated with specific hauntings. The figure of a priest is said to appear in the chapel area, while the spirit of a young boy might be felt in the former hospital wing. These add a layer of detail to the paranormal claims.
⪢ The Skeptical View
It's important to acknowledge alternative explanations for these experiences. Drafty corridors, creaking floorboards, and suggestive lighting can create illusions or feelings of unease. Additionally, the power of suggestion, especially when visiting a place known for its haunted reputation, can influence what people perceive.
⪢ Our Verdict?
Ultimately, the question of whether Bodmin Jail is haunted is up to you to decide. The jail itself leans into its spooky reputation, offering ghost tours and events for those seeking a paranormal thrill. If you're open to the possibility, a visit might leave you with a chilling encounter for sure. We both felt a presence here in certain spots, especially in the gallows. But even if you're a skeptic, the historical significance and unique atmosphere of Bodmin Jail make it a fascinating place to visit.
10 interesting facts about Bodmin Jail
1. Progressive Beginnings: Built in 1779, Bodmin Jail was one of the first prisons to feature individual cells and segregated areas for men and women, reflecting a shift towards a more humane approach to punishment.
2. Wartime Safehouse: During World War I, Bodmin Jail served an unexpected purpose – safeguarding important national treasures like the Domesday Book, highlighting its secure nature.
3. Public Spectacle: Over 55 executions took place within the prison walls, with the last one carried out in 1909. These public hangings drew large crowds, a grim reminder of past practices.
4. Naval Imprisonment: Interestingly, one wing of the prison housed naval prisoners from 1877, establishing H.M Naval Prison Bodmin as part of the larger facility.
5. Explosive Resistance: When the jail closed in 1927, attempts were made to demolish it for its granite. However, the incredibly thick walls (one meter!) proved too strong for the explosives of the day.
6. Rooftop Ruin: While the demolition crews couldn't bring down the walls, they did succeed in removing the roof. Exposed to the elements for nearly a century, the jail became a picturesque ruin, slowly being reclaimed by nature.
7. Unintended Backfill: The construction of a nearby housing estate in the 20th century resulted in an unusual consequence. Builders seeking a quick waste disposal solution simply dumped debris over the edge, burying parts of the north wing's walls.
8. Nightclub Experiment: In a surprising turn of events, the 1960s saw Bodmin Jail experience a brief revival as a nightclub and casino, offering a stark contrast to its former purpose.
9. Ghostly Reputation: With its dark history and imposing structure, Bodmin Jail has gained a reputation for paranormal activity. It is said to be one of the most haunted buildings in Britain. Today, visitors can even embark on chilling ghost tours for a spooky experience.
10. Living History: Preserved and transformed into a popular tourist attraction, Bodmin Jail offers visitors a chance to explore the prison cells, learn about the lives of prisoners and staff, and step back in time to experience a unique chapter in Cornish history.
What is Dark Tourism?
Dark tourism, also sometimes referred to as thanatourism, black tourism, or grief tourism, is a travel trend that involves visiting places associated with death, tragedy, and suffering. It's not about enjoying the macabre, but rather about understanding and learning from dark chapters in human history.
Dark tourism sites can be battlefields, concentration camps, genocide memorials, graveyards, prisons, or even sites of natural disasters. People are drawn to dark tourism for various reasons. Some seek to learn about history first-hand, confront the darker aspects of humanity, or pay respects to those who have suffered.
While visiting places of death and disaster has been around for centuries (think of attending gladiator games in the Roman Colosseum), dark tourism as a defined concept is a relatively recent phenomenon, gaining traction in the late 20th century. Places like Auschwitz in Poland, Chernobyl in Ukraine, Hiroshima in Japan and the Catacombs of Paris (France) are all considered dark tourism sites. As is Bodmin Jail too.
Dark tourism can be a sensitive topic. Critics argue that it can be disrespectful to victims and insensitive to survivors. It's important to be respectful when visiting such sites and to learn about the history involved. We believe that these sites are an important way to educate our current generations about the mistakes of the past, but some may argue that they become more about social media sharing than about honouring the dead or education for the most part. What do you think?
Bodmin Jail opening times & ticket prices
⪢ Opening times
Bodmin Jail is open from 9.30am to 4pm, 7 days per week.
⪢ Ticket prices
There are a number of different ticket options for Bodmin Jail:
Adults (16+) | Children (5-15yrs) | Disabled (w / carer) | Family of 3 (1 adult) | Family of 4 (2 adults) | |
Jail Entry (self guided) | £19.50 | £13.50 | £15 | £42 | £60 |
Heritage Tour (3 per day) | £25 | £15 | |||
The Ghost Walk (Wed & Thurs) | £25 | £15 | |||
Lights Out Tour | £20 | ||||
Paranormal Investigations | £55 |
** Prices are correct at time of writing (April 2024). Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
The Bodmin Jail Hotel
Bodmin Jail isn't just a historical site these days; it's also home to a unique hotel experience too! We did not stay here, but having checked it out, maybe we will give it a try in the future. Here is a breakdown of what to expect:
⪢ A Luxurious Transformation
The hotel, known as The Bodmin Jail Hotel, occupies the very space where prisoners once resided. However, the original cells have been meticulously transformed into luxurious bedrooms. Each room is thoughtfully designed, incorporating elements of the historic structure like original doors and barred windows. Yet, they boast modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, sumptuous bedding, and en-suite bathrooms, some featuring underfloor heating for ultimate comfort.
⪢ Blending History with Hospitality
The hotel takes pride in seamlessly blending the historic charm of the jail with modern hospitality standards. Guests can truly feel like they're stepping back in time while enjoying all the comforts of a luxurious stay.
⪢ Room Options
The hotel offers a variety of room options to suit different needs. You can choose from:
● Double Rooms with one double bed.
● Twin Rooms with two single beds.
● Family Rooms with a double bed and a sofa bed, perfect for families or groups.
● Accessible Rooms with double beds, specifically designed for guests with disabilities.
● Some rooms are even dog-friendly, so you don't have to leave your furry companion behind.
⪢ Beyond the Room
The hotel offers more than just a place to sleep. Guests can enjoy:
● The Chapel Restaurant: Serving delicious contemporary Cornish cuisine with a nod to history, this restaurant provides a delightful dining experience.
● A Bar: Perfect for relaxing with a drink after exploring the jail or the surrounding area.
● Fitness Center: For those who want to stay active during their stay.
⪢ A Unique Experience
Staying at The Bodmin Jail Hotel offers a truly unique experience. You can combine a relaxing getaway with a fascinating exploration of history. It's a perfect choice for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, or anyone seeking an unconventional and memorable stay.
If you are interested in a stay at Bodmin Jail Hotel, you can book through the official website.
How to get to Bodmin Jail
Bodmin Jail is situated in Bodmin, Cornwall, England, specifically on the edge of Bodmin Moor. There are a couple of ways to get to Bodmin Jail depending on where you're coming from:
⪢ By Train
The nearest train station is Bodmin Parkway, which is located about four miles outside of Bodmin Town. From there, you can take a taxi or catch a bus to the jail.
⪢ By Bus
The local bus route won't take you directly to the jail, but it will drop you off in Bodmin Town, which is an easy 10-minute walk away. Buses are more frequent during peak season, so be sure to check timetables with First Group before your visit.
⪢ By Bike
The jail is situated along the popular Camel Trail cycle route which runs from Padstow, through Wadebridge, to Bodmin Town centre. The jail is at the end of the trail, but note that there are limited bike storage facilities / racks available.
⪢ By Car
Bodmin Jail is accessible by car (see postcode below), but parking is limited within and just outside the jail. You are however able to park in the Sainsbury's car park, free for up to 2.5 hours, just a 5 minute walk away.
Address: Berrycoombe Rd, Bodmin PL31 2NR. Sat Nav: Use PL31 2PL
Phone: 0120876292
Email: info@bodminjail.org
Website: bodminjail.org
Hotel Website: bodminjailhotel.com
Instagram: @bodminjail | Facebook: @bodminjail
Our day trip exploring the North Yorkshire Moors – A ride on the Pickering Steam Train to Whitby & Whitby Abbey, England’s Coastal Gem!
Our Bodmin Jail experience rating
Prior to our going to the jail we were expecting it to be more of a museum or historical type of experience, which for the most part, it was. The 4D interactive experience part of the tour at the beginning was still worth the experience if that's what you are going there for, but we do think that there should be a second option at half the price where you can simply visit the museum section. The staff member said we could indeed bypass the 4D part, but we'd have to pay the same price.
That would be our only slight critique, aside from that, it was a spooky-yet-informative experience that we would highly recommend. In keeping the stories of its prisoners alive, showcasing the conditions and punishments, Bodmin Jail does a fantastic job of reminding us where we have come from. It is harrowing in most cases to say the least, but a stark reminder of how much progress we have made as a society. A really good tour well-put together and definitely worth the trip.
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