Bodmin, once Cornwall’s county town, blends rich history with dramatic moorland landscapes, making it a characterful base at the heart of the county. Accommodation here ranges from affordable, no-fuss stays to stylish boutique conversions and family-friendly hotels. Staying in the town centre gives you heritage charm and easy connections to Cornwall’s coasts at Padstow and Fowey, while choosing the moor’s edge offers peaceful walks and sweeping countryside views.

Beyond its tales of criminal ghosts, the town holds surprising history: during WWI the Crown Jewels and Domesday Book were safeguarded here. Today you can explore the old regimental barracks, now a military museum, admire the grandeur of St. Petroc’s church—the largest parish church in Cornwall—or step into the Shire Hall where the court of assizes once sat. Nearby, Lanhydrock offers a glimpse of Tudor heritage, while the town museum fills in the local stories. But for many, the real draw lies just outside town. Bodmin Moor stretches out in dramatic sweeps of granite peaks, windswept tors, and wide horizons that can reach all the way to the sea. It’s wild, atmospheric, and criss-crossed with walking trails for every level of explorer—a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that feels as timeless as it does untamed.

The Best Places to Stay in Bodmin

For Families

• Bodmin Jail Hotel turns prison into luxury: 70 stylish rooms with cell-like quirks—stone walls, tiny windows, inmate plaques—balanced by plush comfort. Spacious family rooms, a champagne bar, fine dining, and the friendly Jolly Hangman Tavern ensure history meets indulgence for an unforgettable stay.

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?

• Expand your search to include all our recommendations for the best places to stay in Cornwall,
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• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.