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.
Bodmin’s Beacon is a natural haven for all – from adventuring families to native wildlife. Local residents have walked, talked and played here for at least 200 years. This granite-studded ground has hosted Cornish wrestling tournaments and wartime armies, but today the atmosphere is more tranquil. Now a nature reserve, it’s carefully tended to encourage a huge range of settled species.
Across the Beacon’s 87 acres, there’s a rich diversity of areas. You’ll find woodland, heathland and wildlife meadows, as well as a picnic field and “bird delis”: fields especially planted with crops to feed birds throughout the year. While exploring, you might also come across Bodmin’s community woodland, populated with 30,000 trees. Or, head up to the monument and marvel at its spectacular views.
Each season breathes new life and interest – dormant wildlife wakes and plant species spring into action. So, while you’re here, see what you can spot.
In spring and summer, birdsong provides the soundtrack, with many different species stopping by. An abundance of wildflowers tempts bees and butterflies, while thriving insect numbers support resident bat colonies. And, throughout the year, you’ll see pops of colour, courtesy of the Beacon’s plant life; from pink butterfly fungi and purple heather to bright yellow gorse.
Planning a visit? We’ve collected the key details to help you plan ahead.
From Fore Street car park, you can cut through the Burgage Plots. Walk along Meadow Place, up Beacon Hill and Robartes Road, and past Beacon Academy. Cross the road onto Beacon Road, and walk up to the car park entrance.
With so many routes to explore, dogs are guaranteed a good time at the Beacon. But, because there’s so much wildlife at home here, we suggest keeping them on short leads near any farm animals or nesting birds.
The reserve features graveled and tarmacked paths, but some of its most intriguing hidden corners are off the beaten track. Depending on the season, some sections can be muddy underfoot, so it’s best to be prepared with practical footwear.
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.