The Jail
A little history...
The original jail was built for King George III in 1779. The Jail you see today was built by the prisoners who brought the 20,000 tons of granite from Bodmin`s “Cuckoo Quarry”. During the First World War the Jail held state papers and the Doomsday book.
Visit the cold dank cells, look up at the thin light filtering through a small barred window and imagine being sentenced to even a week in such desolation, a very lonely life with the knowledge each day would bring more of the same cold, hunger and hard labour, on the treadmill as a civil prisoner or “cannon ball” catch for naval prisoners; designed to keep you fit for battle on your release.
Building the future
Bodmin Jail is a unique heritage asset which has been allowed to decay until the Wheten family bought the site in the summer of 2004. They are ploughing all the revenue from entrance fees and profits from the shop and business as a whole back into the Jail with a ten year plan to revive this infamous Jail; by replacing roofs, internal structures and showing the cells as they once were, whilst also incorporating a museum of Cornish life over the last three centuries.
Our vision is to take it “Back to the Future” where it will become the thriving, vibrant mirror image of the past, a legacy of Cornish history for all to enjoy, a truly memorable day out! Helping Bodmin town, once the capital of Cornwall, to become the historic capital again.
Help us to put Bodmin back on the map!
Thank you.
A great day out!
As well a the Jail Museum we also have a newly refurbished bar and lounge serving hot and cold refreshments, remember, a Cream Tea always goes down well after a good walk.
Or join other weary travelers in the dining room where we serve a great range of home cooked food freshly prepared from local produce by our team of qualified chefs.
Day Visitor’s Menu Only - 10am to 6pm - Monday to Saturday - ViewA large range of light bites made fresh to order including Jacket potatoes, Door-step sandwiches and wraps
All served with salad garnish and homemade fresh chips; plus the best CREAM TEA, which includes two homemade plain scones, individual clotted cream and small pot of the best jam or maybe try “THUNDER AND LIGHTENING” Scones as before but with runny honey all served with tea or freshly ground coffee.
Young offenders menu comes with fresh healthy alternatives if you wish I.E new potatoes instead of chips or lettuce, Tomato and cucumber instead of baked beans!
Dessert Menu - 10am TO 9pm Available Daily
OUR DESSERTS ARE LUSH………..ALL HOMEMADE, they come with a choice of clotted cream, fresh cream, ice cream or custard!
ENJOY OUR TOTALLY “CORNISH” CHEESE BOARD.
Main Menu - 10am to 9pm - Monday to Saturday - View
This is about experiencing the best Cornwall has to offer on a plate,
Everything is made fresh to order from Hangman’s Chicken, to scallops and prawns, not forgetting
Our gluten and vegetarian options. We can talk with confidence should you have a special dietary need.
Our chalkboard specials change on a daily basis, reflecting the changing seasons in the sea and on the land.
Sunday Menu - 12am to 8pm - View
Finish the weekend with a banquet! Feast on our Sunday Roast, or a little something from the A La Carte Menu.