Bodmin Jail Experience - Historic Jail And Museum

Bodmin Jail, Cornwall

One of Cornwall's leading visitor attractions.

Discover Cornwall's most haunting and dark history in this brand new world-class immersive experience. Delve into the depths of the jail's state-of-the-art 'Dark Walk' where your perceptions between the past and present will be blurred and provoked. Take 90 minutes to walk in the footsteps of the condemned.

Winner of Best Themed Entertainment and Attractions Project of the Year - 2021 National AV Awards

Winner of Visit England's 'Best Told Story' Accolade 2021

The brand new £8.5million immersive visitor attraction sees the introduction of a brand new 'Dark Walk' experience and a completely new level of interest interwoven throughout these impressive buildings.

Built in 1779 for King George III, Bodmin Jail has played an important role in Cornwall's history and this bold redevelopment gives visitors the chance to delve into an intriguing hidden history. A massive investment in Cornwall's tourism and visitor economy, this was the biggest attraction opening in 2020 with its state-of-the-art technology allowing for a more immersive experience.

The 'Dark Walk', the first of its kind in Cornwall, uses theatrical effects and the latest technology to transport visitors back to Cornwall's murky past, enabling a first-hand experience of the penal life of a working 18th and 19th-century prison on the fringes of the windswept Bodmin Moor. Retold for 21st-century audiences, the haunting cinematic visual experience will tell stories of smuggling, mining and the everyday hardships facing Cornwall's poorest, including tales from infamous prisoners.

Visitors face a cold walk along into the jail's original Naval Wing, getting a first-hand look at what the dreary days and nights behind bars were really like. Grimy cells, prison punishments and stories of child criminals take centre stage as visitors wander through these formidable buildings. The journey continues through to the Administration Block and the Governor's Office, where visitors can delve into the fascinating background of the people who served, worked and lived at Bodmin Jail, with hidden stories and myths of Cornwall, Bodmin and the historic jail building from an operational perspective.

There's a chill of the condemned as the path follows the last footsteps of the 55 prisoners as they were led to the hanging pit. The last moments seeing the only original, fully working Victorian Hanging Pit in the UK is a time for real reflection.

The Jolly Hangman Tavern is the eatery, diner and wine bar set in the historic walls of Bodmin Jail and there is even The Bodmin Jail Hotel - a 4-star boutique hotel is now open within the walls of the Grade II listed building. Including 70 rooms, a bar and restaurant, and meeting rooms. The hotel's contemporary design is carefully interwoven with many original features of this historically significant building.

Recommended age guidance: 8+ years of age