Bodmin is a town of great historical importance with a large number of interesting buildings for the visitor to explore. These include the 15th century Parish Church dedicated to St Petroc, the great Celtic Saint, which is the largest in Cornwall. The Shire Hall was built in 1837 to house the County Assize Courts and Bodmin Gaol, built in 1778, was once the County Prison, notorious for its cramped conditions and public hangings, the last of which took place in 1909.

The town has two important museums, the Bodmin Town Museum situated on The Folly and The Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry Military Museum, which records the events from the capture of Gibraltar in 1704 to World War II, based on the history of the DCLI.

Bodmin also has two areas of public open spaces: Priory Park near the centre of town and The Beacon, a local nature reserve. This is the location of the 144ft tall obelisk, erected in 1856 in honour of Sir Walter Raleigh Gilbert for his distinguished services in India.

The Bodmin and Wenford Railway is Cornwall’s only standard gauge section of track still used by 50s style steam locomotives and offers a variety of trips and special events throughout the year.

Situated in the centre of the Cornish Peninsula, Bodmin is an ideal base for exploring both the north and south beaches and the glorious countryside. Visit local attractions such as the National Trust’s Lanhydrock House, the famous Eden Project or take a stroll or bike ride on the Camel Trail. The wilds of Bodmin Moor and its mining heritage are close by, and there are numerous local food and drink producers, such as Camel Valley Vineyards,  who welcome visitors.

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