Bodmin

Bodmin is on the western edge of Bodmin Moor was previously the county town of Cornwall. It was once home to the notorious 1497 Cornish rebellion Thomas Flamank. Bodmin lies equidistance between the south coast and the dramatic north coast. It has the best of both worlds being situated in the heart of rural countryside yet also offering a thriving market town. The actual town centre is dominated by the newly refurbished Shire Hall. This listed building was Cornwall’s Assize Court and where you can witness the re-enactment of a famous 19thC murder trial. Follow the town trail to St Petrocs a 15thC parish church, which is the largest in Cornwall, with remains of a monastery and priory.

Bodmin Gaol was built in 1778 and was once the county prison, notorious for its cramped conditions and public hangings, the last which took place in 1909. Now the jail is a museum, which is open to the public and exhibits re-creations of prisoners, details of their crimes and the sentences they faced.

Bodmin is an excellent base from which to explore Bodmin Moor, which has now been designated as an area of outstanding beauty. A haven for birds and wildlife it is a delightful area to walk and explore. The wild and awe inspiring granite moorland is overlooked by Brown Willy, Cornwall’s highest point. Abundance of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains including stone circles and menhirs.

Beaches are on either coastline and approx 45 minutes drive.

Bodmin has approx 12 restaurants and pubs serving really traditional food plus they have one Indian restaurant. However you might want to journey slightly north to eat at Jamaica Inn, which is situated approx 10 miles from Bodmin. Made famous by Daphne Du Maurier’s story of wreckers, this old coaching inn also houses the smugglers museum with artefacts past to present.

With so much to see and do in the surrounding area you’ll be spoilt for choice. Grand country houses and gardens include Lanyhdrock. First built in the 17thC it has 450 acres of woodland park, rare shrubs and trees. It is often considered the finest house in Cornwall. Owned by the National Trust it has 50 rooms on view and you can see how the Victorian gentry lived by wandering through the elegant state rooms, children’s wing and the fascinating warren of kitchens and sculleries.

Bodmin is also on the Camel Trail, which is 12 miles of walking and cycling along the river Camel from Bodmin through Wadebridge and onto Padstow. Or if you want something less energetic then take the Bodmin and Wenford Steam Railway for a train ride through enchanting countryside.