Priory Cottage Bodmin

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to Priory Cottage on Rhind Street – honestly, the name made me picture some dusty old B&B with doilies everywhere. But this place actually surprised me. It’s tucked right in the heart of Bodmin, and I mean literally a two-minute walk from the main shopping area, but somehow it feels completely separate from all the hustle. The building itself has this lovely cottage charm (hence the name, I suppose) without being overly twee about it.

What really won me over was how the owners have managed to balance that historic character with genuinely comfortable modern touches. The rooms are properly spacious – not like those cramped Georgian places where you’re bumping into furniture every time you turn around. Mine had this gorgeous exposed beam ceiling that didn’t require me to duck constantly, and the bed was honestly one of the most comfortable I’ve slept in during my Cornwall travels. The bathroom was completely updated too, with excellent water pressure (you’d be amazed how many “charming” places skimp on that). I stayed during a particularly rainy October week, and the heating worked brilliantly – no drafty windows or cold spots that plague so many older buildings.

The location is actually ideal if you’re planning to explore beyond Bodmin itself. You’re perfectly positioned for day trips to the Eden Project (about 20 minutes by car), and the Camel Trail is practically on your doorstep if you’re into cycling. Plus, and this might sound mundane but it matters – parking is straightforward. There’s a small car park behind the building, which saves you from circling Bodmin’s narrow streets looking for a spot. The owners are genuinely helpful too, not in that overly chatty way that makes you avoid the front desk, but they clearly know the area well and gave me some excellent restaurant recommendations. I particularly appreciated that they mentioned which places get packed with tourists during summer months (I’m looking at you, anywhere near the castle) and suggested some quieter alternatives.

The only minor grumble I’d have is that the walls aren’t particularly thick – I could occasionally hear conversations from the room next door, though nothing that kept me awake. And while the cottage charm is lovely, if you’re someone who needs ultra-modern amenities like a fancy gym or room service, this probably isn’t your speed. But honestly, for a comfortable base in a proper Cornish market town, with owners who actually care about your stay rather than just processing bookings, Priory Cottage hits the mark. The 8.4 rating feels about right – it’s not trying to be a luxury resort, but it does what it does very well indeed.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $134. Apartment – Ground Floor with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Petra from Luxembourg – 15 June 2025 (8/10)

  I like the personal touch in this place, lovely garden, and proximity to the town.
  
  What could be improved: If the lodging arrangement could be done in one or 2 beds:)

• Tamsin from United Kingdom – 2 June 2025 (9/10)

  Great location, great accommodation
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Mary from United Kingdom – 8 October 2024 (9/10)

  The little cottage was easy to find and the instructions to get in via a key safe were very clear. An extremely well equipped and comfortable cottage. The big bonus was the little seating area outside where we had breakfast. We met the friendly little dog a couple of times at breakfast – very well behaved and sweet. I would stay here again if I came to Bodmin. We met the owner who lives next door. She was lovely and very helpful with just one thing we needed to check up with.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing. I would happily recommend the cottage.

• Rachel from New Zealand – 23 May 2024 (9/10)

  Excellent location both within Bodmin town & for day trips across the region.
  Lovely quaint cottage, nicely renovated. Nice garden,
  good range of kitchen equipment supplied.
  very pleasant host.
  
  What could be improved: duvet cover was quite slippery – ? polyester. not very comfy.
  Wifi wasn't very strong – cuts out on conversations
  Heating was controlled by host, we could have used more heating on some colder evenings.

• Ann from United Kingdom – 18 August 2023 (8/10)

  It was very clean and smelt loverly The bedroom was huge . Having tea coffee and milk available on arrival was great
  
  What could be improved: The driveway was vey narrow.. we do have a big car. Although we could get up
  It we decided to use the long term Carpark a few minute walk away which was very reasonable priced

• Joanna from United Kingdom – 13 August 2023 (9/10)

  Well equipped, cosy and clean. The owner was very friendly.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Dawn from United Kingdom – 20 July 2023 (9/10)

  We liked the location as it was easy access to many of the local attractions, accommodation was clean, comfortable and cosy. Nadia was friendly and gave us some great suggestions for places to visit which was helpful.

• Martin from Germany – 23 June 2023 (8/10)

  Comfortable and well equipped. Good location.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Teresa from United Kingdom – 15 June 2023 (9/10)

  This cottage was within a very short walk of the centre of Bodmin whilst being located in a quiet side road. it was beautiful decorated and scrupulously clean.
  The little garden outside was a wildlife haven.

• David from United Kingdom – 29 May 2023 (9/10)

  Great location, near to everything and very peaceful, lovely garden and the interior of the cottage is superb, thanks for a wonderful stay, we'll be back again 😀

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities