Built in 1779 for King George III, Bodmin Jail has played an important role in Cornwall’s history and this bold redevelopment gives visitors the chance to delve into an intriguing hidden history. A massive investment in Cornwall’s tourism and visitor economy, this was the biggest attraction opening in 2020 with its state-of-the-art technology allowing for a more immersive experience.
Self guided tour
The first 25 Minutes at the Jail takes Visitors through the “Dark Walk” – an immersive cinematic experience WALKING through 5 themed areas:
THE DARK WALK
STEP INTO HISTORY AND UNLOCK THE SECRETS OF CORNWALL’S PAST
The ‘Dark Walk’, the first of its kind in Cornwall, uses theatrical effects and the latest technology to transport visitors back to Cornwall’s murky past, enabling a first-hand experience of the penal life of a working 18th and 19th-century prison on the fringes of the windswept Bodmin Moor.
Retold for 21st-century audiences, the haunting cinematic visual experience will tell stories of smuggling, mining and the everyday hardships facing Cornwall’s poorest, including tales from infamous prisoners.
THE NAVAL WING
GRIMY CELLS, HARSH PUNISHMENTS AND GRUELLING CONDITIONS
Visitors face a cold walk along into the jail’s original Naval Wing, getting a first-hand look at what the dreary days and nights behind bars were really like. Grimy cells, prison punishments and stories of child criminals take centre stage as visitors wander through these formidable buildings.
THE ADMINISTRATION BLOCK
DELVE DEEPER INTO THE MECHANICS OF RUNNING A HARD VICTORIAN PRISON
The journey continues through to the Administration Block and the Governor’s Office, where visitors can delve into the fascinating background of the people who served, worked and lived at Bodmin Jail, with hidden stories and myths of Cornwall, Bodmin and the historic jail building from an operational perspective.
THE LAST MOMENTS
DISCOVER THE ONLY WORKING EXECUTION PIT IN THE UK
There’s a chill of the condemned as the path follows the last footsteps of the 55 prisoners as they were led to the hanging pit.
The last moments seeing the only original, fully working Victorian Hanging Pit in the UK is a time for real reflection.
DURATION: 2 hours
OPENING TIMES:
Daily, from 09.30hrs-18.00hrs
Please note: maximum Capacity for Self-Guided tours is 2.000 people per day.
Must be pre-booked.
Guided tours are available on request and are subject to an extra charge. For guided Tours they recommend 25-50 pax per group, but they can deal with bigger numbers.
Complimentary policy: One free place for Tour Leader and driver with a minimum of 10 paying pax.
Coaches: dedicated drop off and pick up point at the front of the attraction.
