Luxury meets history
- Jamie Crocker
- Sep 15
- 4 min read
Words by Jamie Crocker
Combine a stay behind bars in style whilst unlocking Bodmin Jail’s surprising appeal for modern families.
If you’re visiting Cornwall this summer, there’s one place you absolutely must spend the night, and it isn’t your typical seaside retreat. The Bodmin Jail Hotel, a former 18th-century prison reborn as one of the UK’s most unforgettable stays in Cornwall. Here, history and heritage meet indulgence and intrigue, with a touch of the unknown behind every stone wall.
Opened in 1779, Bodmin Jail housed countless inmates and witnessed 55 executions in its 130-year history. The last prisoner was hanged in 1909, and during the First World War, the Crown Jewels and Domesday Book were hidden within its thick granite walls. After closing in 1927, the jail fell into ruin… until now.
Today, this notorious Cornish landmark has been transformed into a truly unique hotel. Each of its 70 rooms is created from three original cells, two for the bedroom and one for a luxurious bathroom complete with a rainfall shower and freestanding tub. Expect vaulted ceilings, original cell doors, barred windows, and even authentic graffiti, all seamlessly blended with plush beds, velvet furnishings and modern technology.
The design honours the jail’s brooding beauty. A striking glass atrium floods the former cell blocks with light, where wardens once patrolled; its dark tourism elevated to five-star comfort.
Dining is a highlight at The Chapel Restaurant & Bar, where you’ll eat under soaring Gothic arches and stained-glass windows. Seasonal Cornish produce and fine wines pair beautifully with dramatic lighting and impeccable service.
But, if you truly want to embrace the experience, book the ‘Prisoner’ experience. You’ll sleep like a prisoner (in soft linens, of course), complete with a (3 course) prison meal, and a tour of the hotel with the ‘Warden’ (be warned, the warden has no tolerance for sass). After this, you will get to discover the darker side of the hotel, with an introduction to the paranormal experience. In the morning, enjoy a hearty breakfast, then tickets to the museum before your release… all this for one price (per couple).
Whether you’re a history buff, thrill-seeker, or just craving a night somewhere unforgettable, The Bodmin Jail Hotel is unlike anything else in Cornwall. Come for the luxury, stay for the stories, and leave wondering what, or who, still lingers in the shadows.
Your cell awaits... are you brave enough to check in and serve your sentence?
For those just visiting for the day then there’s the Bodmin Jail experience, one that delves into the county’s deeper, darker narratives. It’s becoming an unexpected magnet for the modern family seeking more than just a day out.
Recent research reveals a fundamental shift in how families approach leisure. The spontaneous ‘throwaway day’ is fading. Today’s families, increasingly sophisticated in their choices, are demanding relevance, emotional value and tangible memories from their experiences. Stepping into Bodmin Jail is to step back in time. The multi-million-pound redevelopment has masterfully blended authentic preservation with cutting-edge immersive technology. The Dark Walk isn’t just a series of static exhibits; it’s a visceral journey into 18th-century Cornwall, bringing to life the chilling tales of smugglers, murderers and the grim realities of prison life. Holographic projections and soundscapes transport you, making history not just something to observe, but to feel.
This is where Bodmin Jail truly distinguishes itself. While many cultural attractions struggle to capture the family market, the Jail thrives by offering a Discovery Seeker experience that is both profoundly educational and undeniably thrilling. Children, often drawn to the suspense and interactive elements, lead the way, sparking conversations and questions that resonate long after the visit. For adults, the meticulously researched history, from the origins of prison reform to the stories of the condemned, provides a rich, contemplative layer. It’s the rare attraction that genuinely offers ‘dual agency,’ captivating both young and old.
In a world where experiences compete for attention, Bodmin Jail doesn’t just offer something more; it offers something much better. It’s a showcase to how a historical site can evolve beyond its original purpose, transforming into a vibrant hub for learning and shared discovery.
As families seek out those precious, unforgettable moments before the summer fades, Bodmin Jail offers a compelling invitation. It’s a unique opportunity to uncover a significant piece of Cornish heritage, whilst sharing an immersive adventure that will create memories that last.
Bodmin Jail offers two compelling reasons to visit. As a hotel, it combines the original structure of an 18th-century prison with modern comfort and style, giving guests the chance to stay somewhere truly different. As a visitor attraction, it uses immersive technology and carefully researched history to bring Cornwall’s past to life. Whether you’re staying overnight or visiting for the day, Bodmin Jail delivers a well-balanced mix of education, atmosphere and entertainment. It’s a strong example of how a heritage site can evolve, offering an experience that appeals to both adults and children alike.
