BODMIN JAIL

Heritage Tours

Join one of our award-winning Heritage Guides and experience a personal, in-depth
historical tour through Bodmin Jail. Designed by Sir John Call and built in 1779, Bodmin Jail
was originally built for King George III and is an excellent example of the ingenuity and
engineering prowess of Victorian architects.

From the crimes to the courthouse and gallows to the grave, Bodmin Jail provides a unique
opportunity to get up close to the Georgians and the Victorians. Our Guides will take you
from the eighteenth century ‘Bloody Code’ to the last execution in Cornwall in 1909. On the
way you will experience what life was like for our prisoners behind bars, visit the infamous
Victorian execution pit, now restored to full working condition, and gain an insight into the
kinds of crimes being committed that may have earned you the noose.
Arsenic poisoners to arsonists, murderers to mutinous hanging crowds, Bodmin Jail’s
Guided Heritage Tour is one of our most popular tours, steeped in history and suitable for
the whole family, recommended 8+.

Self Guided Tours

Become immersed in our £8.5 million Dark Walk experience and Visitor Attraction and
enter the world of crime and punishment from the 1700s to the 1800s.
On the way you will experience what life was like for our prisoners behind bars, visit the
infamous Victorian execution pit, now restored to full working condition, and gain an
insight into the kinds of crimes being committed that may have earned you the noose.

- Free Entry for one tour leader, tour escort or Blue Badge guide per coach
- Dedicated coach drop-off and pick-up point just below the Jail
- Parking available at Priory Park in Bodmin
- Open all year except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day
- Opening hours 09.30-16.30, during peak season these hours are extended
- Fully accessible

Places are limited, so to book your place call Andrew Niven on 01208 76292 or email
andrew.niven@bodminjail.org