The Bodmin Jail Hotel

• Sleeps: Varies
• Bedrooms: 70 rooms
• Bathrooms: Ensuite
• Minimum stay: 1 night

If you’re tired of the same old Cornish beachside breaks, then how about something completely different?

Built in 1779, and nestled on the edge of the famous Bodmin moor, Bodmin Jail was considered a landmark design for its time. With individual cells, segregated areas for men and women, and hot water running throughout, this was a much-admired prison that looked to the future.

After a dark and thrilling history, which included the Royal Navy occupying an entire wing, the Crown Jewels being stored there during World War One, and 55 executions for crimes including murder and burglary, the prison was finally closed in 1927.

Reborn by a team of architects as a luxurious and contemporary retreat for solo travellers, couples, groups, families – and dogs! – The Bodmin Jail Hotel is now ready and waiting for new stories to be told, and fun, lasting memories to be made within its walls.

The imaginative interiors (described by The Times as “surprisingly warm”) add a touch of gentleness to the jail’s many original features. Despite the sturdy doors, barred windows and exposed stone walls, you’ll be enveloped by lush furnishings and a sunshine-filled glass atrium that creates a huge, magical space..

Choose from a selection of elegant and characterful rooms, including a double or twin Classic Room, an Executive Governor’s Room, complete with access to the Executive Lounge, or a Family Room with a pull-out sofa bed. All of the rooms feature Egyptian cotton-dressed beds, and deep free-standing baths.

There’s also a selection of accessible rooms, and if you don’t want your best four-legged friend to miss out, the range of dog-friendly rooms on the ground floor come with a cosy dog bed, tasty treats, and a sausage for breakfast!

At a glance

• An iconic prison building, re-designed by a team of architects as a luxury hotel and restaurant on the edge of Bodmin Moor, Cornwall.
• Rooms include:
  • Classic (2 guests): double or twin
  • Executive Governor (2 guests) with access to the Executive Lounge
  • Family (2-4 guests): double and pull-out sofa bed
• There is a range of accessible rooms, and dog-friendly rooms that include a dog bed, treats, and a sausage for breakfast!
• All rooms include a mini bar, TV, and an en-suite bathroom with locally sourced toiletries.
• Enjoy a meal in the gothic, gourmet Chapel Restaurant and Champagne Bar, or relax with more informal dining in the Jolly Hangman’s Tavern.
• Cornwall is a haven for things to see, do, and explore. Ask the Front Desk staff for suggestions – they can even arrange a packed lunch if you decide to head for the beach, or tackle the famous Camel Trail.

Features

• Disability Accessible
• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Large Groups

More information

There is firm emphasis on locally-sourced produce throughout, from the natural toiletries you’ll find in your bathroom, to the fresh ingredients served in the spectacular gothic restaurant and bar you’ll discover in the jail’s history-steeped chapel.

Enjoy a sumptuous Cornish afternoon tea, served every day, or kick back in the informal Jolly Hangman Tavern, where you can sample intriguingly named dishes including Hot ‘n’ Kicking Jailhouse Wings, a Convicted Vegan Cheeseburger, and a Last Rites dessert selection!

At a loss for how to spend your jail-time? You’ll find the friendly Front Desk team are full of suggestions for different activities and places to explore. You can hire a bike if you’re keen to tackle the popular Camel trail, and the kitchen will even prepare you a packed lunch for the journey.

(By the end of your stay, you may well decide that doing time isn’t such a bad thing, after all!)

Things to note

Check in from 3pm, check out by 11am. There is a small additional fee if you are bringing your dog/s – please note that dogs can only be accepted up to Labrador or Retriever size. Dogs are permitted in The Jolly Hangman Tavern on leads.