Bodmin: Jail, Lanhydrock, the Moor & Camel Trail

Updated 10 October 2026 · 7 min read

Bodmin is Cornwall's old county town, right in the middle of the county on the edge of Bodmin Moor. It's a brilliant base for exploring both coasts, and it has a cluster of top days out of its own: a notorious Georgian jail, a grand National Trust house, a steam railway, forest trails and the start of the Camel Trail.

Top things to do in Bodmin

• Bodmin Jail was built in 1779 and was the scene of public executions. Today it's an atmospheric, slightly spooky attraction with an immersive "Dark Walk", exhibitions about the prisoners and their crimes, and a hotel in part of the old buildings. Booking online is usually cheaper.
• Lanhydrock (National Trust) is a grand country house, largely rebuilt after a fire in 1881, showing how a wealthy Victorian family and their servants lived. Its gardens, parkland and woodland cycle trails are excellent, with bikes for hire on site.
• Bodmin & Wenford Railway runs heritage steam trains from Bodmin General to Bodmin Parkway and Boscarne Junction, where you can join the Camel Trail.
• Cardinham Woods (Forestry England), just east of town, has waymarked walking and mountain bike trails along wooded valleys and streams, plus a café. It's a big favourite with dog walkers.

The Camel Trail from Bodmin

The Camel Trail follows an old railway line from Bodmin through Wadebridge to Padstow. The Bodmin end, via Dunmere and the wooded Camel valley, is quieter and shadier than the famous Wadebridge to Padstow stretch. The Borough Arms sits right beside the trail at Dunmere and is a handy stop for walkers and cyclists.

Bodmin Moor

East of town, Bodmin Moor is wild granite upland with tors, standing stones and wide skies. Highlights include Brown Willy, Cornwall's highest point, and Rough Tor, the Golitha Falls nature reserve, a wooded river gorge with a series of cascades, and the legendary Jamaica Inn at Bolventor. Weather changes fast on the moor, so take a map, waterproofs and proper boots.

Places in this guide

Where to eat and drink

Getting there

Bodmin sits just off the A30, so it's quick to reach from anywhere in Cornwall. Bodmin Parkway station on the main line is about three miles from town, with buses and the steam railway connecting the two.

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