Bodmin Jail Hotel

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t sure what to expect from a hotel built inside an actual Victorian prison, but Bodmin Jail Hotel is honestly one of the most fascinating places I’ve stayed in Cornwall. The building itself is this imposing stone structure that you can spot from Scarlett’s Well Road – it’s impossible to miss, really, and that’s sort of the point. They’ve kept all the dramatic architecture while somehow making it feel luxurious rather than, well, creepy.

The rooms are where they really nailed it. I mean, you’re literally sleeping in converted cells, but they’ve transformed them into these surprisingly spacious suites with exposed granite walls and modern touches that actually work together. The contrast is wild – you’ll have these thick stone walls that have seen over a century of history, then step into a bathroom with rainfall showers and heated floors. Some rooms still have the original cell doors, which sounds gimmicky but honestly adds to the whole experience without feeling tacky. The staff mentioned during check-in that each room tells the story of former inmates, and there are these subtle historical details throughout that make you feel like you’re part of something bigger than just a hotel stay.

What really sets this place apart is how they’ve handled the location within Bodmin itself. You’re just a short walk from the town center – honestly, maybe ten minutes if you’re taking your time – and it’s an easy drive to the Eden Project or the coast if you’re planning day trips. The hotel sits on this slight hill, so you get decent views over the town, especially from the upper floor rooms. Parking was straightforward when I visited in early autumn, though I imagine it gets busier during peak summer months when everyone’s heading to the nearby moors or coastal spots. The area’s pretty quiet in the evenings, which is perfect if you want to actually relax, but close enough to Fore Street that you can grab dinner or a pint without needing to drive. There’s something almost surreal about returning to your “cell” after exploring Bodmin’s shops and pubs – the whole experience feels like you’re stepping between different eras. It’s definitely not your typical four-star hotel experience, but that’s exactly why it works so well.

Facilities