Bodmin won’t be your obvious Cornish holiday destination, it’s surrounded by dramatic moorland rather than sea views. It’s not far from the coast, though, and benefits from being in the middle of Cornwall’s ‘waist’, between Padstow and Fowey. And the moor is a very, very special landscape. Bodmin is also historic; it used to be Cornwall’s county town, and it’s got a raft of key buildings, still, to prove it. The best places to stay in Bodmin are a mixed bunch as you'd expect, with something to suit all tastes and budgets (from cheap and cheerful self catering options to historic conversions), but our favourite is a gorgeous makeover of one of the town's landmark sites — Bodmin Jail!

The grand hotel version of Bodmin Jail isn’t the only old prison in town, the site of Bodmin’s earlier prison is just down the road, in semi-ruin, and a popular spot for ghost tours. During WW1 the Crown Jewels and Domesday Book were kept here, so there’s more to a visit than the criminal ghosts. Bodmin’s other main sites include the former barracks of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, now a regimental museum; St. Petroc’s church, which is the largest parish church in Cornwall; the old Shire Hall, which was once home to the court of assizes; and Lanhydrock, a National Trust property with Tudor origins. You'll also find a town museum.

The majority of you looking for the best places to stay in Bodmin probably found your way to this page because you’re planning to walk on the moors. Remote and desolately atmospheric, this is a magical landscape of windswept granite peaks and tors, damp grassland, and views all the way to the sea. It’s well deserving of its designation as an Area of Outstanding National Beauty, and is criss-crossed with walking routes and trails suitable for all levels for fitness.

The Best Places to Stay in Bodmin

For Families

• Bodmin Jail Hotel is definitely a stay to remember! Converted from a prison, just as it says on the tin, its 70 slick rooms and suites are still very cell-like, with plenty of original features — like exposed stone walls and cell-size windows. There are even notes and plaques about inmates in the rooms. But the styling is luxurious, and comfortable enough to balance it out for all but the most sensitive of souls. Not all of the rooms are small, the family rooms are very spacious. The chic champagne bar helps take the prison-y edge off too, as does the choice of dining — there’s a fine dining restaurant, or the Jolly Hangman Tavern, which is relaxed and friendly, and great for kids.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Bodmin’s closest international airport is at Newquay Airport, which is about half an hour away by car or taxi, or about two hours away by public transport. Bristol Airport is another relatively local option, though it’s sill a two hour drive, or a four and a half hour train journey via Plymouth. Heathrow is about four hours away by car or taxi, or just under six hours by train. If you’re travelling via central London, trains leave from Paddington, and you want to alight at Liskeard, and then catch the bus onwards. The whole journey takes around four and a quarter hours.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• There are a few key factors worth considering when deciding when to visit Bodmin: how busy is it going to be? will everything be open? and what will the weather be like? The first two factors are relatively easy to get a clear answer for, but Cornwall’s weather can be unpredictable; sometimes it’s lovely and sunny in March, and sometimes it’s rainy in July. Bodmin will probably be a bit less fun in the dead of winter, because the fogs roll in more regularly and it’s more dangerous to go out on the moors – though dramatic when you do! Spring is an obvious choice, with more sunshine, and clearer days. Statistically May and June have Bodmin’s driest weather. Cornwall generally is busiest in the school holidays, so if you can visit outside of those times then even the summer is do-able.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Cornwall
• Consider searching for the hotel type you’re looking for: the best pubs with rooms in Cornwall, for example, the best family hotels in Cornwall, the best beach hotels in Cornwall or the best B&Bs
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.