In every rainy day – whether it’s damp Cornish drizzle or a heavy downpour – there’s an invitation to change course, step inside and seek shelter. Wet weather can be a prompt to discover something new.

Spring is famous for its showers, but even the summer months can bring their share of sweeping dark clouds. In Bodmin, there’s no reason for rain to stop play. From stately homes to live shows, there’s always an undercover adventure to find.

Atmospheric attractions

New experiences aren’t only found in the great outdoors – our local attractions are steeped in atmosphere. Step inside Bodmin Jail, where tall stone walls and jail cells have tales to tell. Here, you can capture the eerie thrill of histories that unfold “behind bars”. Or journey into the countryside while staying safely under cover, courtesy of Bodmin Railway. A ride in a vintage carriage gives you a window onto 13 miles of scenery, with the added magic of steam power.

Historic houses

When the forecast looks mixed, take a trip to one of Bodmin’s historic estates. Both Lanhydrock and Pencarrow have vast gardens to explore during dry spells, as well as woodland areas for shelter during showers. And, if rain sets in – or even if it doesn’t – you can head inside to explore their grand houses. Both estates have cafés serving cream teas, cakes and lunches, while Lanhydrock also has a second-hand bookshop for a leisurely browse.

A new tourism campaign has been launched to position Bodmin as one of Cornwall’s most distinctive destinations – marking the culmination of a year-long collaboration between local partners, businesses and community organisations. 

The campaign, More to Bodmin, introduces a bold new destination identity for the town – one that invites visitors to discover a place that reveals more the deeper you explore. 

The campaign represents the creation of a new tourism body for Bodmin, bringing together partners under a shared vision to raise the town’s profile, encourage longer stays and connect visitors with a wider range of experiences. 

Importantly, a major aim of the project is also to celebrate a sense of local pride and community amongst those living in Bodmin – a town full of residents fully aware of how special their stories and spaces really are, and happy to share those secrets.  

Launched in early April, the campaign is supported by a new website alongside an outdoor and print media campaign, designed to reach new audiences and inspire visits throughout the year. 

The campaign shines a light on the many layers that make Bodmin unique. Visitors are invited to experience history you can touch, from the atmospheric stories of Bodmin Jail and Railway to the rich collections held at Bodmin Keep and the Town Museum. Alongside this, wild landscapes within easy reach offer space to explore, with the Camel Trail, Cardinham Woods and surrounding moorland providing opportunities for adventure, wellbeing and discovery. 

At the centre of Bodmin’s offer is its people. The campaign celebrates a town that is loved by its community, where markets, events and everyday moments create a warm and authentic sense of place. This is complemented by a programme of culture in motion, from festivals and performances to creative spaces like The Beat and intoBodmin. People can get hands-on with interactive experiences at science museum Discovering42 and get creative with workshops at Bodmin Gallery. 

Bringing everything together is a focus on connected discoveries – encouraging visitors to move between experiences, uncover hidden corners and build their own journeys through Bodmin’s stories, landscapes and communities. 

Councillor Leigh Frost, Councillor for Bodmin St Petroc and Leader of Cornwall Council Cabinet says “Bodmin has always been a place of remarkable stories, rich character and warm community spirit. What’s exciting about the More to Bodmin campaign is that it brings all of this together in a way that truly reflects who we are. It shines a light on the heritage, landscapes and creativity that make our town special, while celebrating the people who give Bodmin its heart.” 

Developed collaboratively with a wide range of local stakeholders, the campaign provides businesses and organisations with a shared platform, tools and messaging to amplify their own offer while contributing to a stronger overall destination. 

Over the past year, a group of dedicated individuals and organisations have formed a new tourism committee for the town. Partners include Bodmin Gallery, Bodmin Jail, Bodmin Keep, Bodmin Railway, Bodmin Town Council, Bodmin Town Museum, Cardinham Woods, Discovering42, intoBodmin, National Trust’s Lanhydrock and St Petroc’s Church. 

Working with Cornwall Council’s Experience project, which has funded the new campaign and will continue to support the town to establish the tourism body over the next 12 months, their aim is to set up a plan to keep the town front of mind those looking for things to do – whether that’s the holiday market, residents of Cornwall and the community of Bodmin.  

As the campaign rolls out over the next few weeks, visitors will be encouraged to look beyond the expected – uncovering stories, experiences and connections that reveal there is always more to Bodmin. 

One town centre – with so much to do, see and discover. So, where to start? Here, we share some of our favourite sights and stopping points.

Bodmin is a town of character and care. Its streets tell stories that stretch back centuries – from ancient landscapes to an imposing Victorian jail – while a thriving community of independent shops, cafés, and creative spaces lend it a warm, welcoming feel. Whether you’re drawn to history, invigorated by nature, or simply soaking up life in a Cornish community, there’s plenty here to fill your time.

We’ve gathered some of the top things to do in Bodmin’s thriving town centre, whether you have an hour or two to spare or a while to settle in…

If you have two hours

 Our town centre is a real treasure trove. If you’re able to stay awhile, there’s ample opportunity to explore what Bodmin has to offer.

Step back in time at Bodmin Town Museum

Pull at the threads of Bodmin’s past at the Town Museum, where local history comes to life. From ancient artifacts to Victorian treasures, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s centuries-long evolution. Allow yourself an hour or two to wander through the displays at your leisure – you’ll find tales of Bodmin’s people, trades, and traditions waiting to be told.

The museum is located on Mount Folly Square, just across from the Shire Hall.

Coffee and a browse on Fore Street

Set within Bodmin’s grand old library are intoBodmin, a local arts organisation (which also runs workshops and walks), and The Old Library Café: a laid-back space in which to meet and eat. Pop along for coffee and cake or a lunchtime treat – or, on a sunny day, sit out in the café’s community garden. Afterwards, take your time wandering along Fore Street, where the shops are dotted with unexpected finds, from vintage treasures to handcrafted goods.

To visit The Old Library, stroll along Fore Street towards Lower Bore Street.

Walk up to Bodmin Beacon Nature Reserve

If you’ve time for a climb, the reward at the top is well worth the effort. The Gilbert Monument stands proudly on Bodmin Beacon, offering sweeping views across the Cornish countryside. Once you’ve caught your breath, venture into the Bodmin Beacon Nature Reserve – a beautiful area of heathland that’s home to butterflies, birds, and wildflowers. It’s a perfect escape into nature, all within easy reach of the town.

The footpath to Gilbert Monument begins on Berry Tower Hill, off Beacon Road.

Bodmin’s wonderful variety of landscapes – from historic sites to vast natural spaces – make it the perfect place for childhood discoveries. Here, the active and adventurous can get stuck-in, let off steam, and learn by doing.

In Bodmin, no two days are the same – there’s always a fresh find or new excitement to share. If you’re visiting as a family, this is a place where kids come into their own as they stride out, unearth new experiences, and lean into their natural curiosity. Here, we’ve collected some of our recommended family days out in Bodmin, but there’s also so much more to discover. If you’re looking for extra inspiration, we recommend taking time to check out local events, investigate the area, and head off the beaten track.

Lanhydrock

Now owned by the National Trust, Lanhydrock was once a grand home for generations of the Robartes family. Yet this historic site is anything but stuffy: there’s a huge amount here especially for kids, both in the house and surrounding it. In the mansion, the original nursery wing has been opened up for interactive fun. Children can dress up (as the Robartes children loved to do), ride the rocking horse, and play traditional board games. And, out in the wider estate, you’re free to let off steam in the parkland play area and cycle trails.

Priory Park

If you’re spending a day in town, following our family trail, or looking for free things to do, make a pitstop at Priory Park. The largest area of green space in Bodmin’s centre, the park is here for everyone. A children’s playground, buggy-friendly paths, a duck pond, and picnic areas – as well as essentials like toilets and baby changing facilities – mean you can easily while away an hour or two.

Discovering42

Children can be life’s most curious and creative thinkers. For budding scientists, makers and environmentalists, a trip to Discovering42 is sure to nurture the spark. Here, kids can dive in – hands-first – with a whole host of interactive, touchy-feely topics, from physics and engineering to intuitive crafts. And, after all that, you can head off to the museum’s café, ready to whip up your own “magic mocktails”.

Bodmin Railway

If you’re out to uncover new experiences, Bodmin Railway is a uniquely memorable way to explore. Children will love the chance to ride in vintage carriages, spot the steaming engine, and wave at passers-by as they whip through the countryside. The journey takes you through miles of Cornish scenery, with options for various themed events throughout the year. It’s a brilliant trip for trainspotters of all ages, while the shorter routes are perfect for younger passengers with smaller attention spans.