What's new behind the bars of Bodmin Jail

Situated just a 30-minute drive from Rock, the family-attraction has been brought to life with a six-year, fifty-million pound makeover. You can now soak up Cornwall's dark history and experience brand-new, ghoulishly immersive tours, spooky after-dark cinema nights and prison-chic hotel rooms. We headed there to experience it for ourselves.

Set in the heart of Bodmin’s historic town, this impressive jail lies just a 30-minute drive from Rock (the perfect distance for an afternoon or day out). Conveniently located just off the Camel Trail, you can hire bikes in Wadebridge and cycle the leafy trail to Bodmin, leaving your bikes safely in the jail courtyard whilst you head inside.

Welcoming children aged eight and upwards, spend the day with friends and family reliving tales of Cornish smuggling and the myths of the Beast of Bodmin Moor. Follow the misfortunes of the prisoners as they are brought vividly back to life in the redeveloped Dark Walk. There are a few surprises as you go (that we loved)! Head onwards to the grisly prison cells and take a peek inside.

With a variety of events running throughout the week, families can enjoy guided tours and spooky, seasonal events. As night falls, join in on their brand-new, after dark paranormal tours where you can hunt ghosts or watch a scary movie within the atmospheric surroundings of Bodmin Jail.

After you have worked up an appetite, enjoy a relaxed, Mediterranean meal under the large parasols in the Courtyard Restaurant (we had the stone-baked pizzas), or head into the hotel and indulge in a fine-dining feast in the Jail's former Chapel.

For a truly unique experience, why not add a night onto your Cornish stay and experience a jail room for yourself? The once dilapidated wing of this historic 18th century jail has now been sympathetically transformed into a luxurious hotel. Still showcasing many of its original prison features, it will certainly be worthy of an Instagram shot or two!

Receive 20% off a self-guided jail entry ticket when booking through the Bodmin Jail website, simply quote the promotional code, 'LAT5020' at the checkout. Please note, this offer is not valid on guided-tour tickets.