Guided Tour

BODMIN JAIL’S AWARD-WINNING GUIDED TOUR

A JOURNEY INTO CORNWALL’S DARK PAST

Join a guided tour of Bodmin Jail and discover the realities of crime and punishment in Georgian and Victorian England. Led by one of our knowledgeable heritage guides, you’ll be taken through key areas of the jail as they bring its past to life with detailed insight, rich historical context, and powerful storytelling.

You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with your guide throughout, making each tour a personal and immersive experience. This is the most engaging way to explore Bodmin Jail and uncover the true stories of the people who lived, worked, and were imprisoned within its walls.

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Seasonal Tours

These tours take over from our Standard guided tour at different points in the year

WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE CONDEMNED

Uncover the chilling realities of 18th and 19th-century crime and punishment as you explore the jail’s darkest corners:

The Bloody Code & the Gallows: Learn how minor offenses could mean the noose under the feared Georgian legal system.
The Victorian Execution Pit: Witness the chilling site of Cornwall’s last hanging in 1909, now restored to full working condition.
Inside the Cells: Step inside the same cramped cells where inmates endured harsh prison life, from debtors to dangerous criminals.
Crimes & Criminals: Hear real-life tales of murderers, arsonists, arsenic poisoners, and mutinous mobs, what crimes were punishable by death?

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A LIVING PIECE OF CORNISH HISTORY

This family-friendly, all-weather attraction is one of Cornwall’s most popular guided tours, offering an unforgettable hands-on journey through justice, crime, and execution. More than just a museum, Bodmin Jail is a must-visit historical attraction, where every stone has a story to tell.

Do you dare to unlock the past and walk in the footsteps of Cornwall’s most notorious prisoners?

Book your Guided Tour of Bodmin Jail today and experience history like never before!

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What's Included?

Your Guided Tour ticket to Bodmin Jail includes:

The Dark Walk experience - A 4D cinematic journey into Cornwall's past
A guided experience led by our knowledgeable heritage guides
Access to key areas of the jail, including the Dark Walk, Naval Wing, Administration Block, and the last fully working execution pit in the UK
Powerful storytelling rooted in real prison history and the lives of those who lived, worked, and were imprisoned here
Opportunities to ask questions and engage with your guide throughout the tour

About the Guided Tour

Our Guided Tours are designed to bring the jail’s history to life, offering deeper insight, rich historical context, and expert storytelling that reveals the true stories behind Cornwall’s most formidable prison.

Find out more about our heritage guides here:

Meet Our Guides

Tickets FAQs

Yes, you can. If you do decide to pay on the day, be sure to arrive early to allow plenty of time to purchase your tickets and avoid any queues. Depending on the event, there may be different ticket options available, such as single entry or family tickets.

Yes, however we will only be able to offer you the available timeslots, and this may involve a wait.

We recommend you arrive 15 minutes before your booked timeslot.

There is no need to print your confirmation email if you would prefer to use your smart phone to show this to us.

Please call our customer service line on 01208 76292, with your name and the date you have booked ready to hand.

Yes, if you have the booking confirmation you can collect the tickets.

Dogs are allowed on site, which means they can join you in the courtyard, Moor Café, and gift shop. Sadly, due to the nature of the attraction, we have to ask that you don't bring your pup into the museum. The loud noises and sudden movements might be too much for their sensitive ears.

We love our furry friends here at Bodmin Jail, but we also want to make sure that every guest has a safe and enjoyable visit. That's why we kindly ask that you assign someone as a designated dog watcher to take care of your pup while the rest of your group explore the museum. This way, your furry friend can relax and enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

You can read more about our 'Pooches in Prison' policy here.

No, when you purchase a disabled ticket, you will also receive a free carer ticket. The whole site is now fully accessible.

Guests able to provide evidence of their disability will be entitled to bring a carer free of charge.

For proof of disability please bring ONE of the following forms of documentation:

Entitlement to Disability Living Allowance for children under 16 or DLA/Personal Independent Payments (PIP) for those aged 16-64, either in the form of a letter stating that the benefit has been awarded, or the actual Allowance book.
Attendance Allowance or Carer's Allowance letter of award.
Incapacity Benefit books, or a letter notifying the recipient that the benefit has been awarded Incapacity Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
A valid Blue Badge.
In the case of visual impairment, a registration card known as the BD8 or a Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI).
A local authority registration document which is local to the attraction where it is being submitted.
A recognised Assistance Dog ID Card.
Credibility’s Access Card.

Please note that all documentation should be dated within 2 years.

Yes, we can alter the date or time of your ticket(s) Please call our customer service line on 01208 76292 and have your booking confirmation to hand. Please note that all date changes are subject to availability and must be made before the date of your visit.

We recommend you allow 1.5/ 2 hours to experience the attraction

Our concession rates are for the over 65’s, students and disabled visitors.

Carers will enter the attraction for free when assisting a disabled visitor.

Guests able to provide evidence of their disability will be entitled to bring a carer free of charge.

For proof of disability please bring ONE of the following forms of documentation:

Entitlement to Disability Living Allowance for children under 16 or DLA/Personal Independent Payments (PIP) for those aged 16-64, either in the form of a letter stating that the benefit has been awarded, or the actual Allowance book.
Attendance Allowance or Carer's Allowance letter of award.
Incapacity Benefit books, or a letter notifying the recipient that the benefit has been awarded Incapacity Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
A valid Blue Badge.
In the case of visual impairment, a registration card known as the BD8 or a Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI).
A local authority registration document which is local to the attraction where it is being submitted.
A recognised Assistance Dog ID Card.
Credibility’s Access Card.

Please note that all documentation should be dated within 2 years.

Our tickets are non-refundable; however, we can alter the date of your ticket(s) To do this, please call our customer service line on 01208 76292 and have your booking confirmation to hand.

Please note that all date changes are subject to availability and must be made before the date of your visit.

If you are photosensitive and can have seizures caused by light, parts of our attraction may be unsuitable for you. For more information please call us on 01208 76292

Filming and photography is allowed at Bodmin Jail.