Bodmin offers several themes to shape a trip: architectural and local history, practical science, outdoor trails and a historic railway. When looking for accommodation in Bodmin, it helps to consider in advance which of these themes you want to shape your stay. The attractions and routes differ considerably in character, offering specific points to consider when planning.

History and other perspectives

St Petroc’s Church, dating from the 15th century, is the largest parish church in Cornwall. Bodmin Jail was built in 1779.

Discovering42, located in Bodmin, offers a different approach. It uses art and traditional hands-on interactivity to bring physics, chemistry, engineering and environmental topics to life in an immersive way. Combining these four subjects with art sets it apart from places focused on historic buildings. Bodmin can also be explored through scientific and technical interests.

The Visitor Information Centre is located in Shire Hall on Mount Folly Square. If you plan to visit, check its location before your trip, as service locations can change.

Trails and landscape

The Camel Trail is an 18-mile, largely traffic-free, surfaced and almost level multi-use trail. It runs between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow. The Camel Trail is suitable for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users.

The Bodmin Way offers a different experience: it is a 21- to 26-mile circular route through Bodmin that connects five locations and churches. Compared with the 18-mile Camel Trail, the Bodmin Way is longer; the route format also differs. The Camel Trail is a multi-use trail running between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow, while the Bodmin Way is a circular route through Bodmin.

Bodmin Beacon Local Nature Reserve comprises 87 acres of traditionally farmed agricultural land, public recreational areas and community woodland. These different uses give the area a character distinct from the two routes: farmland, recreation and woodland come together in a nature reserve. If you want to include a variety of landscapes in your trip as well as a route, the reserve offers another point of interest.

Historic railway and getting around

The Bodmin Railway is Cornwall’s only historic railway line where full-size steam locomotives still operate. It runs from Bodmin General to Bodmin Parkway and Boscarne Junction. Bodmin General is about half a mile from Bodmin town centre.

You can tailor your choice of trip to the interests that matter most to you.

Discover more destinations: Callington, Altarnun, Saint Gennys, North Tamerton, Landrake, Ruan Minor, Saint Ives, Porthcurno

For the wider travel overview: Cornwall.