The Broken Hearts Gallery - Febuary at Bodmin Jail
This February, the Broken Hearts Gallery returns – and it’s bigger, darker, and more heartbreakingly beautiful than ever.
We’ve transformed Bodmin Jail into a haunting story of love lost, obsession, and betrayal. Step back into the Georgian and Victorian worlds of crimes of passion: marital poisonings, betrayed lovers, murderous couples, and heart‑rending hangings. These are not just stories of crime – they are stories of people, love, jealousy, and the devastating choices that changed lives forever.
At the heart of the gallery is one of Cornwall’s most unsettling and talked‑about love stories: Charlotte Dymond & Matthew Weeks. What really happened on that fateful day on the moors? Was Matthew truly guilty, or was he the victim of a terrible miscarriage of justice? Explore the evidence, uncover the theories, and cast your judgement in our polling box.
Love of the Unloved: Family Activity Trail
Running throughout half‑term, our Love of the Unloved trail invites young explorers to discover the jail in a whole new way. Follow the trail through the prison, solve puzzles, complete activities, and uncover forgotten stories of love and loss along the way – then claim a prize from our gift shop at the end of your journey.
Creepy Crawlies & Curious Creatures
Get hands‑on with the darker side of nature in our Creepy Crawlies & Curious Creatures experience. Meet snakes, spiders, insects and other fascinating critters, guided by expert handlers who will introduce you to these misunderstood creatures with live talks, demonstrations and close‑up encounters. Learn the secrets of survival, love and courtship in the animal kingdom – if you dare to hold them.
Broken Hearts Guided Tour – A Valentine’s Like No Other
Our Broken Hearts Guided Tour returns this February, offering a deeper dive into the most shocking Georgian and Victorian crimes of love from across the country.
Led by our expert guides, you’ll journey through tales of forbidden romance, obsessive devotion, and fatal heartbreak, uncovering the dark side of love hidden within Bodmin Jail’s walls. Perfect for couples, friends, and anyone looking for a Valentine’s experience that’s unforgettable, atmospheric, and wonderfully unconventional.
Roses are red, violets are blue… but nothing says romance quite like a gothic prison and a chilling true‑crime love story.
More to Explore
There’s so much more to discover across the jail this February, from Victorian traditions like Valentine Vinegar cards to the tragic stories of those wrongly incarcerated for the crime of love. Wander the wings, uncover hidden details, and immerse yourself in a month where romance meets the macabre.
After all, what could be more romantic than an old gothic jail, a love story, and a little bit of bloody murder?
Coming soon...
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