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.
Vast and rugged, Bodmin Moor is one of Cornwall’s greatest natural wonders. This landscape of granite-peaked grass and heather is an endless source of inspiration and activity.
Bodmin Moor claims the largest section of the Cornwall National Landscape, a patchwork of areas known for their outstanding natural beauty. It’s a place of wild variety, with towering granite tors, hidden marshland valleys, and miles of immense moorland.
Here, it’s easy to gain perspective. On Bodmin Moor, you can climb Cornwall’s highest point, Brown Willy, which offers spectacular panoramic views as a reward to those who reach the top. Centuries fold back as you roam among neolithic monuments and medieval settlements. And at night, in this designated you can discover the ideal arena for stargazing.
Rising from the bedrock of Bodmin Moor, Rough Tor and Brown Willy are its two highest peaks. Set out with sturdy footwear to conquer one or both – they’re nicely close together, making this a good half-day exploration (around five miles) if you build in picnic stops at the summits.
With a history stretching all the way back to neolithic times, The Hurlers encompass three of the southwest’s most notable stone circles. Their story is curious and legendary: in folklore, the stones are said to be local people punished for playing the game of hurling on a Sunday.
At over 700 acres, this nature reserve managed by Cornwall Wildlife Trust is home to a complex mosaic of habitats, including heathland, mire, scrubland, bog, ancient woodland, wet woodland, and acid grassland. Explore this rugged landscape by following the 8-mile (13 km) wilderness trail around the heart of the reserve.
Lying deep in the age of myth and mysticism, Dozmary Pool has long-standing associations with King Arthur, Excalibur and the Lady of the Lake. Other tales describe the punishment of poor Jan Tregeagle, doomed to eternally empty the pool with a limpet shell.
The Cheesewring crowns Stowes Hill on the moor’s south side. It was once described by writer Wilkie Collins as “a great pile of stones”, and he was right – but it’s entirely natural in origin. Its stack-like appearance was created by erosion, and named after the process of pressing apples into “cheeses”.
Bodmin Moor enfolds wide areas of land peppered with hamlets, villages and towns – rich in potential for pub lunches and café pit-stops. Historic Jamaica Inn sits high on the moor, making it a natural waypoint for weary wanderers. And, if you’re off in the direction of Cardinham Woods, the Woods Café is a tranquil hidden gem.
Bodmin Moor is a rough, rugged landscape, with areas that are exposed to the elements and wet underfoot. To be ready for anything, we suggest packing sensible footwear, a water bottle, and either waterproof coats or sun cream and hats (depending on the season).
It’s easily reached by car on the A30, which cuts across the moor itself. If you’re travelling by public transport, the nearest train stations are Bodmin Parkway and Liskeard. From there, local bus services run to villages around the moor, though services can be infrequent, so it’s worth checking timetables in advance. If you’re driving, you’ll find several car parks dotted around at popular spots like Jamaica Inn and Minions.
Set yourself up for a night out with a difference. Beneath nature’s very own lightshow, you can gaze, wonder, and look upwards with fresh eyes.
On the clearest nights, dark skies aren’t dark at all. Step out, let your eyes adjust, and you’ll see there’s a scatter of stars lighting up the sky. Depending on where you are, you might spot just a few – or you may revel in thousands.
Across the globe, a small number of areas have become designated Dark Sky Places. This means they’re officially certified and conserved as dark sky areas, protected from light pollution. For stargazers, this equals clearer skies, better views, and seriously awe-inspiring experiences.
Bodmin is home to one of just seven Dark Sky Parks in the UK: in 2017, Bodmin Moor became a recognised site for dark skies. Its traditional farming character and National Landscape status mean it’s been set apart from intensive development and excessive lighting.
So, if you’re exploring the moor during the day, you may want to head back out when the sun sets. There’s a whole universe just waiting to unfold.
A stargazer’s guide to Bodmin Moor
After a busy day, stargazing is a blissfully “slow” activity. Action gives way to gentle watching and waiting. Best of all, this is something everyone can get on board with. For younger children, there’s the excitement of being out after dark, scouring the skies for the brightest stars or well-known constellations. For adults, it’s a chance to feel the undeniable pull of connecting with something so vast.
By night, spectacular views can be found almost anywhere on Bodmin Moor. However, darkness is a given in this rough and wild landscape, so we’d recommend staying close to your car (and each other) – there’s no need to go far. Car parks at Siblyback Lake, Colliford Lake, and The Hurlers are all good spots to try. If you do walk onto the moor, be sure to wear sensible footwear as the terrain is rugged and often wet.
The best conditions for stargazing are clear skies and ideally a new moon: the brighter the moon, the harder it is to see celestial bodies. Bring equipment if you have it, but in a Dark Sky Park, telescopes are optional. The dark conditions mean you can see the Milky Way, major constellations, and planets like Venus, Jupiter and Mars with the naked eye.
Other things you might need include:
It’s not just stars you can gaze upon in Dark Sky Parks. A large focus of dark skies education actually relates to conservation. And in a place like Bodmin Moor, it’s easy to see this care in action.
Here, with light levels protected, nocturnal wildlife can thrive. In the darkness, ecosystems find their natural rhythm based on the sun’s rise and fall. For us, this means owls, bats, badgers and foxes (as well as the elusive polecat) can live as nature intended. So, while you’re out spotting stars, you’ll be sharing the nighttime canopy with a range of other creatures, too.
International Dark Sky Week
Every year, International Dark Sky Week celebrates the beauty of dark nights. In 2026, it falls on 13–20 April, making this a perfect time to get involved with raising awareness, joining events, or just venturing out to appreciate the sky in all its natural majesty.