At the heart of the town’s contemporary music scene is The BEAT (Bosvena Events,Art and Theatre), a dedicated live performance venue that has become a cornerstone of local entertainment. Hosting everything from emerging Cornish talent and tribute acts to theatre productions and community events, The BEAT provides a platform for musicians of all genres. Recent programmes have featured reggae, rock, soul, punk, jazz and acoustic performances, helping to showcase the breadth of talent across Cornwall.
The venue has become a key supporter of grassroots artists, regularly offering local bands and solo performers the chance to perform in front of enthusiastic audiences.
Click here to find out what’s coming up.
For a completely different musical experience, St Petroc’s Sessions offers live performances in one of Cornwall’s most atmospheric venues. Held within the stunning surroundings of St Petroc’s Church, the sessions have attracted nationally renowned artists alongside celebrated folk, spoken word and contemporary performers since launching in 2017.
The unique setting creates an intimate connection between audience and artist, making every performance something special. Previous acts have included Fairport Convention, The Unthanks, This Is The Kit and many more.
Click here to find out what’s coming up.
Just outside Bodmin, Lavethan offers another jewel in the local music landscape. Set in a beautiful historic manor house near Blisland, its restored concert barn hosts an impressive programme of classical, folk and jazz performances. The intimate venue allows audiences to enjoy world-class musicians in a unique rural setting.
Alongside concerts, Lavethan frequently hosts courses and retreats, creative workshops, festivals and cultural events, making it a valuable addition to Bodmin Moor’s artistic community.
Visit their What’s On Page.
No thriving music scene would be complete without its pubs, and Bodmin is fortunate to have several venues that regularly welcome live performers.
In Higher Bore Street, just beyond Bodmin town centre, The Masons Arms has built a strong reputation for live music, combining great food, local ales and regular performances throughout the year. From acoustic evenings and folk acts to lively weekend gigs, it’s a favourite gathering place for music fans.
Bodmin’s music scene extends beyond traditional venues through festivals and seasonal celebrations. A standout event on the local cultural calendar is Music on the Moor, a multi-arts festival that brings together music, poetry, visual arts and literature in unique venues across Bodmin Moor. Featuring internationally acclaimed performers alongside local talent, the festival showcases everything from classical and folk music to creative workshops and family-friendly events, helping to celebrate the rich cultural landscape of inland Cornwall.
Another highlight is the music and community events associated with Haywood Farm Cider in nearby St Mabyn. These popular gatherings combine live music with local food, drink and a welcoming atmosphere, attracting performers, cider enthusiasts and visitors from across the region. Regular gigs and special events have helped establish Haywood Farm as a unique venue within the wider Bodmin music scene.
Together, these events showcase the strong community spirit that underpins Bodmin’s music culture, creating opportunities for musicians and audiences to connect in relaxed, memorable settings while supporting the area’s growing reputation as a destination for live music and the arts.
Alongside Bodmin’s contemporary live music venues, the town is also home to the renowned Bodmin Town Band, one of Cornwall’s leading brass bands. With a proud history and a reputation for musical excellence, the band regularly performs at concerts, community events and competitions, helping to keep Cornwall’s rich brass band tradition alive. Their performances are a fantastic example of the diverse musical opportunities available in and around Bodmin, offering audiences everything from traditional brass repertoire to modern arrangements.
As Bodmin’s music scene continues to evolve, it’s important to remember the people who helped put the town on Cornwall’s musical map. Perhaps the most famous musician to come from Bodmin is Al Hodge (1950-2006), a talented guitarist, singer and songwriter who went on to become one of Cornwall’s best-known rock musicians. Starting his musical journey in local bands, Al built a successful career performing across the UK and internationally, working with renowned artists and writing music that reached audiences around the world. Among his many achievements was co-writing the hit song Rock ‘n’ Roll Mercenaries, recorded by Meat Loaf and John Parr.
Today, his legacy continues to inspire musicians across Cornwall and remains an important part of Bodmin’s musical story.
Keeping Al Hodge’s musical spirit alive, in 2007 Al’s son Luke launched Alstock Festival also thanks to the support of the local community. Created in memory of his father, the festival quickly became a cherished part of the town’s summer calendar, bringing people together through live music while raising significant funds for local charities and community projects. With the 2026 event expected to be its final edition, Alstock leaves behind a lasting legacy of music, generosity and community spirit that has helped shape Bodmin’s cultural life for nearly two decades.
With thanks to The Beat, Lavethan and Emma Mac Photography for the photos featured in this article.
From luxury hotels and country estates to family-friendly farm stays, cosy inns and glamping in the beautiful surroundings, the area offers something for every type of visitor.
One of the advantages of staying in and around Bodmin is location. Sitting at the heart of Cornwall, the area provides easy access to both coasts, the Camel Trail, Bodmin Moor, picturesque villages and many of Cornwall’s best-loved attractions. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family holiday or a peaceful countryside retreat, there is a place to stay that fits the experience you’re looking for.
For those seeking a touch of luxury, several standout accommodation options are helping to put Bodmin on the map. . The Bodmin Jail Hotel has transformed part of the town’s historic prison into one of Cornwall’s most distinctive boutique hotels, combining fascinating heritage with contemporary comfort in a truly memorable setting. Nearby, Lanhydrock Hotel & Golf Club offers stylish accommodation in a peaceful countryside location, complete with views across its renowned championship golf course. Meanwhile, Boconnion offers beautifully appointed luxury holiday cottages within a private estate on the edge of Bodmin Moor. Also renowned as a unique wedding and events venue, it provides guests with space, seclusion and an opportunity to experience Cornwall’s countryside at its finest.
For those seeking the flexibility of self-catering accommodation, there are plenty of options to suit a range of tastes and budgets. Among them is Lavethan, which combines elegant accommodation with the character and charm of a historic Cornish estate.
Family holidays have long been part of Bodmin’s tourism story, and several accommodation providers offer experiences that are about much more than just a place to stay. Coombe Meadow gives families the chance to enjoy luxury lodges alongside wildlife spotting and farm animal encounters, creating memorable experiences for children and adults alike. Meanwhile, Hallagenna Farm Holiday Cottages offer spacious self-catering accommodation in a peaceful countryside setting, with opportunities for outdoor adventures, farm experiences and even riding holidays.
For visitors looking to slow down and embrace rural Cornwall, there are plenty of peaceful retreats to discover. Trehellas House Hotel remains a popular countryside base, while St Tudy Inn combines boutique accommodation with excellent food in one of Cornwall’s most attractive villages. Nearby, Trenewth Farm offers a tranquil escape surrounded by rolling countryside and open space.
The area’s connection to nature also makes it a fantastic destination for camping and glamping. Mena Farm has built a reputation as one of North Cornwall’s most popular camping, touring and glamping destinations, welcoming families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. For a more off-grid experience, South Penquite Farm offers camping, yurts and quirky accommodation in the heart of Bodmin Moor, where dark skies, wide-open landscapes and direct access to walking trails create an unforgettable stay.
What connects all these places is a sense of authenticity. Whether it’s a luxury suite in a historic landmark, a cottage on a working farm, a room above an award-winning village inn or a yurt overlooking the moor, the accommodation around Bodmin offers visitors the chance to experience Cornwall in a way that feels personal and connected to the landscape.
As more visitors discover everything Bodmin has to offer, the area’s accommodation providers continue to play an important role in showcasing the very best of Cornwall.
Whatever your budget, style or reason for visiting, you’ll find there’s more than one way to stay in the heart of Cornwall!
With thanks to the Bodmin Jail Hotel and Lavethan for the photos featured in this article.
