Things To Do Archives - More to Bodmin

Following the incredible success of its Spring Equinox debut, TIMEPIECE: Tempus Fugitives! is returning to Bodmin town centre this autumn, inviting residents and visitors to once again step into a magical and unexpected journey through time.

This unique, immersive arts experience transforms Bodmin’s historic streets into a living stage, where stories from the town’s past come to life through performance, light, heritage and imagination. Best of all, it’s a wonderful opportunity to explore Bodmin in a completely new way.

A Journey Through Time

Those who joined the original event in March will remember how Bodmin came alive with an illuminated trail of performances and discoveries. Audiences followed the adventures of the mysterious Tempus Fugitives, a group of accidental time travellers who found themselves stranded in Old Bodmin.

As participants journeyed through the town, they uncovered clues, encountered fascinating characters from different periods of Bodmin’s history, and experienced a series of creative pop-up performances in unexpected locations. The event blended local heritage with storytelling and visual spectacle, encouraging visitors to see familiar landmarks through fresh eyes.

Now, the time travellers are back.

More Tales, More Adventure

The autumn edition promises another captivating evening of exploration, creativity and discovery. Created and delivered by a talented team of local artists and performers, the event celebrates Bodmin’s rich heritage while offering a playful and engaging experience for all ages.

Whether you attended in the spring or are discovering TIMEPIECE for the first time, this new chapter offers the chance to delve deeper into Bodmin’s stories, uncover hidden histories and enjoy an experience unlike anything else in Cornwall.

The event’s roving format means visitors can follow the action through the town centre, becoming part of the story as they encounter characters, clues and moments of surprise along the route.

Discover Bodmin

TIMEPIECE is more than a performance. It’s an invitation to spend time in Bodmin, explore the town centre, and discover the unique character that makes the town special.

From historical locations and hidden corners to familiar streets transformed by light and performance, visitors can experience Bodmin’s vibrant cultural scene while supporting local businesses, cafés and shops along the way.

The event is also a fantastic family-friendly activity, offering an accessible and engaging way for people of all ages to connect with the town’s heritage and community spirit.

Join the Adventure

If you missed the spring event, now is your chance to see what everyone was talking about. And if you were one of the many people who followed the Tempus Fugitives on their first adventure, prepare for another unforgettable journey through Bodmin’s past.

Gather your fellow time travellers, wrap up warm and get ready to follow the clues.

TIMEPIECE: Tempus Fugitives! is back, and time is running away once again.

📍 Location: Bodmin Town Centre
🎟️ Tickets
ℹ️ More information

Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience Bodmin’s history, culture and creativity in a way you’ve never seen before. We look forward to welcoming both returning adventurers and first-time explorers to the next chapter of the TIMEPIECE story.

Check out More to Bodmin What’s On pages for more local events.

Bodmin is a place that reveals more the deeper you explore. This September, residents and visitors are invited to uncover new stories, landscapes and historic landmarks through two brand-new Heritage Sketching Trails that bring together art, history and discovery. Inspired by Bodmin’s rich heritage and unique character, these creative experiences offer a fresh way to connect with the town’s remarkable places and people.

Developed through a collaboration between the Experience Bodmin project and Bodmin Creative Studio & Gallery, the trails encourage participants to slow down, look closer and experience Bodmin through an artist’s eye.

 

Two Unique Trails, Two Ways to Explore

 

The Mount Folly Heritage Art Trail

Step into the historic heart of Bodmin and discover centuries of stories hidden within its streets, architecture and public spaces. Led by artist Karen Howse, this guided trail explores iconic locations including Mount Folly Square, Bodmin Town Museum and St Petroc’s Church. Along the way, participants will sketch historic details, experiment with creative techniques and gain fascinating insights into the area’s heritage.

Suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced artists, the trail offers a welcoming opportunity to connect with Bodmin’s past while enjoying a creative morning outdoors.

Saturday 19 September, 10.30am to 1pm
Saturday 3 October, 10.30am to 1pm

Camel Trail and Bodmin Jail Sketching Experience

For those who enjoy both natural landscapes and historic landmarks, the second trail offers a unique journey from the scenic Camel Trail to the dramatic surroundings of Bodmin Jail. Guided by artist Lisa Cooper, participants will sketch and paint along the route, capturing everything from woodland views and natural textures to the striking architecture of one of Cornwall’s most famous heritage attractions.

The experience combines gentle walking, observational sketching and watercolour techniques in a relaxed and supportive environment, making it ideal for anyone looking to try something new.

Saturday 12 September, 2pm to 5pm
Tuesday 22 September, 2pm to 5pm

 

 

A New Way to Experience Bodmin

The trails were created following successful pilot sessions, where participants praised the opportunity to discover new aspects of Bodmin, learn creative skills and connect with others in inspiring surroundings. From historic streets and ancient landmarks to the natural beauty of the Camel Trail, each route celebrates the places that make Bodmin unique.

Whether you’re passionate about local history, curious about heritage, love spending time outdoors or simply want to try your hand at sketching, these trails offer a memorable way to experience more of Bodmin.

Places are limited, and all materials are provided.

To find out more and book your place, visit Bodmin Creative Studio & Gallery or keep an eye on the More to Bodmin What’s On pages for upcoming opportunities.

Come and discover the stories, landscapes and creativity that make Bodmin special. You might be surprised by what you uncover.

Strange, tragic, and gory, there’s a darker side to Bodmin’s story. Where the walls hold memories and mist creeps over the moor, there’s a thrill to be found by digging  deeper. 

From ghostly footfalls to legendary beasts, Bodmin has some wild tales to tell. These dark histories cast an intriguing shadow on local landmarks. Beneath the stones and  behind the doors of our imposing buildings, you’ll find secrets lurking. The eerie and  uncanny are just another dimension of Bodmin’s character.  

A haunted past

This place has stood through centuries of change and conflict, from the Dissolution  of the Monasteries and the Civil War, to famous trials and public executions. So, it’s  no surprise that Bodmin is reportedly home to some of Cornwall’s most haunted  locations. 

In one day (and maybe even a night), you can take in a cluster of notorious spots.  Whether you believe in ghosts or prefer to stay sceptical, these places conjure atmospheric and evocative stories of Bodmin’s past. A walk to the Shire Hall on  Mount Folly Square will take you to the site of the town’s most infamous courtroom  dramas. Here, in 1844, local farm worker Matthew Weekes was accused of killing  18-year-old Charlotte Dymond on Bodmin Moor. The crime, and the trial held in this  building, prompted a surge of public interest, which reached its peak when Weekes  was found guilty and sentenced to death. You can follow his fatal route by walking  from the former court to nearby Bodmin Jail, where Weekes was taken to be  imprisoned and hanged. A memorial to Charlotte Dymond now stands on the edge of  Roughtor, on Bodmin Moor.  

Today, the ghost of Matthew Weekes is rumoured to reside in Bodmin Jail, protesting  his innocence. But he’s certainly not the only one. The site’s troubled past saw many  people arrive, destined never to leave. They include Sarah Polgrean, who murdered  her husband with arsenic, and the highway robbers-turned-killers James and William Lightfoot. In fact, the jail is considered so haunted that you can join dedicated ghost  experiences – including lantern-lit storytelling tours and overnight paranormal  investigations.  

Further afield, at Lanhydrock, resident ghosts are said to include a lady dressed in  grey, who has been seen in the long gallery – one of the only parts of the original  17th century house to survive a disastrous fire. And, if you smell cigars in the  smoking room, there’s a chance this has a spectral source. Others have reported the  same scent over the years, too. 

Spend a day: 

Misty wanderings on Bodmin Moor

For centuries, the vast and lonely expanse of Bodmin Moor has captivated  storytellers. It was here, during her twenties, that the author Daphne du Maurier  became hopelessly lost while exploring with a friend. She’d later write that ‘In a  moment all was desolation.’ They sheltered from the rain in an abandoned cottage,  crossed a ghostly railway line (which she’d never be able to find again), and let their  horses eventually lead them towards the ‘gaunt chimneys’ of Jamaica Inn. The eerie  memory sparked the creation of her future novel, also named Jamaica Inn, years later. 

But Du Maurier wasn’t the only figure to wander through this place. People have lived  and worked on the moor since prehistoric times, leaving their traces in stone circles  and long-sealed tombs. Trethevy Quoit, for instance, was constructed to house  remains during the Neolithic period. The naming of King Arthur’s Hall, an ancient  ceremonial site, hints at the figure of this legendary king stalking the moors.  According to stories, nearby Dozmary Pool is where his sword, Excalibur, was  returned to the Lady of the Lake.  

Dozmary Pool is also associated with another Cornish ghost story – the tale of Jan Tregeagle. Versions vary, but it’s popularly told that in the 17th century, Tregeagle  pursued a dark path, bargaining away his soul in a pact with the Devil. After his  death, he was condemned to empty the waters of Dozmary Pool with a limpet shell – a task that causes such misery, he haunts the moor for eternity. Other shadowy  figures include a White Lady, said to wander through the moorland village of Altarnun, and the ghostly spirit of a druid who offers drinks from a golden cup near Rillaton Barrow.  

However, it’s not just ghosts that are linked to the landscape here. During the 1990s,  the British Government officially investigated sightings of “the Beast of Bodmin Moor”. This large, black, panther-like animal may be the stuff of legend, but some  believe it really is a species of wild cat, or an escaped or released creature that lived  on the moor. Others point to a paranormal explanation, like a phantom cat. The  nineties investigation didn’t find any concrete proof of the so-called beast’s existence  – but neither could it rule it out.  

Spend a day: 

 

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.

Camel Trail

Meandering along for more than 18 miles, the Camel Trail creates the rare chance for children (and parents) to roam in confidence. Outside of its main towns, the trail is entirely car-free, so younger walkers can stroll safely, while its flat surface makes it perfect for family cycle rides. Pick up the route here in Bodmin from Scarletts Well Road, heading along the main pathway towards Padstow, or out in the direction of Wenford Bridge. With younger children, it’s probably best to tackle just one leg of the tour (such as Bodmin to Wadebridge), although you’ll also find cafes for rest points along the way.

Cardinham Woods

Just ten minutes outside Bodmin, Cardinham Woods is a popular family destination. If you’re off for a walk, the best route for little ones and pushchairs is around Lady Vale, which follows the river upstream. If your children are older or more confident, there are also downloadable cycle trails available (or follow the coloured trail markers around the woods). Or, you might prefer to let the kids lead – curious explorers can look out for Gruffalo sculptures and resident wildlife. For a small charge, you can also hire a Forest Activity Bag from the Ranger’s Hut.

Super Tramp

If the weather takes a turn (or the kids just have energy to spare), Super Tramp could be the answer. This indoor trampoline park is designed for freedom: jumping, flipping, and bouncing in a safe environment. There are dedicated sessions for different age groups, including toddler times, so even the littlest bouncers can join in. Foam pits, dodgeball courts and obstacle courses all add to the fun and frolics.

Bodmin Beacon Nature Reserve

For an adventure closer to nature, head to the Bodmin Beacon Nature Reserve. This peaceful spot offers gentle walking trails with far-reaching views across Bodmin Moor and beyond. It’s an excellent place for wildlife spotting, so keep your eyes peeled for butterflies, birds, and (later in the day) bats. The paths are manageable for most ages, though pushchairs might struggle on some of the rougher sections. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it, letting the children amble at their own pace.

Bodmin takes pride in its warm welcome – for people and pets. So, if you’re exploring with your dog, you’ll find plenty for everyone to enjoy.

Its central location makes Bodmin an ideal destination for dog-friendly holidays. Moorland, woodland and parkland are all here in abundance, while Cornwall’s coasts are just a short journey away. For dogs, this means wide open spaces, inclusive attractions, and a huge range of outdoor activities.

Of course, not every venue is able to accommodate dogs, so to help things along, we’ve curated a guide to some of the best dog-friendly activities and attractions – forming a useful starting point for your travels.

Dog-friendly days out

When it comes to discovering new places, dogs win every time. So, while you’re out breaking new ground or learning more, let them join in the fun. Several of our local attractions are dog-friendly, such as Bodmin Keep, Bodmin Nursery and Bodmin Town Museum. At Bodmin Railway, they’ll even get their own ticket.

Other sites are happy to welcome dogs in certain areas. At Bodmin Jail, dogs can join you in the courtyard, Moor Café and gift shop, but not in the museum (where noises and sudden movements might scare them). Pencarrow, the atmospheric home of the Molesworth-St Aubyn family, is limited to assistance dogs in the house itself, but offers 50 acres of dog-friendly gardens and woodland for pets to enjoy.

It’s also handy to know that dogs can travel on Cornwall’s train lines, so if you’re heading out for the day by rail, they’re able to come along too.

Eating out

Lots of Bodmin’s pubs, cafes and coffee shops throw open their doors to dogs (so if you have a specific venue in mind, do check in advance). Among them are the Woods Café in Cardinham Woods; the St Kew Inn, just outside Bodmin; and the Borough Arms and Snail’s Pace Café, which are both on the Camel Trail.

Perched atop Bodmin Moor, Jamaica Inn has all the atmosphere of an old coaching point. Dogs can eat with their owners in the bar before heading off to roam around the on-site smugglers’ museum or take a walk on the moor.

Dog walks with a difference

Of course, we can’t forget the walkies. This is where Bodmin really comes into its own. The extent and variety of our surrounding landscape mean a wealth of shared adventures. Here, you can stride out on the flat, car-free Camel Trail, run wild in Cardinham Woods, or let your dog lead the way through the Lanhydrock estate.

Bodmin’s great outdoors also encompasses the vast beauty of its moors – and this rough, rugged landscape has sights and smells to please the most discerning of dogs. Well-known walking routes include Rough Tor and Brown Willy, where you can tick off Cornwall’s two highest peaks. In nearby Blisland, Lavethan Wood is a popular spot for locals, with the potential for a looping walk through the village too.

Or, to take in several stops at once, check out The Bodmin Way. This scenic circuit leads from one historic church to another, passing through Bodmin’s town and countryside. The churches themselves are usually dog friendly, meaning you can pause at each waypoint to rest and look around. The whole trail extends across 21 miles, but you could walk shorter sections as circular routes, or hop on a bus back when you’re done. We’ve also created our very own trails exploring Bodmin’s town centre and historic holy wells, so you can take a dog-friendly dive into our fascinating timeline.

Going further afield?

If you’re staying for a while, make Bodmin your base for other dog-friendly outings. Nearby, the National Lobster Hatchery, Lost Gardens of Heligan, and Pinetum Gardens all admit dogs, so you’ll find lots to do in the local area.

Where the River Camel winds through the heart of Cornwall, you’ll find the Camel Trail: just over 18 miles of flat, traffic-free discovery.

It’s no surprise that exploring the Camel Trail is one of Cornwall’s best-loved outdoor activities. Passing along woodland, marshland and riverbanks, it provides a rare chance to take in swathes of uninterrupted scenery.

The trail follows the footprint of an old railway line, which explains its flat, firm surface – making it perfect for bikes, horses, wheelchairs, scooters, and wandering feet. One of its starting points is right here in Bodmin, on Scarletts Well Road (just along from Bodmin Jail).

From Bodmin, you’re spoilt for choice: ours is the only location with two routes to try out. You can head towards Wadebridge (which leads on to Padstow), or take the former branch line to Wenford Bridge (with the potential to veer off track and explore nearby Bodmin Moor).

From Bodmin to Wadebridge

This section covers 6.7 miles (10.8km), taking in tree-lined avenues, patches of woodland, and riverside pathways. For a breather, you could stop off at the Camel Valley Vineyard or Camel Trail Tea Garden. If you go as far as Wadebridge, you’ll find local shops and cafes to browse while you’re there.

From Bodmin to Wenford Bridge

Or head out from Bodmin to Wenford Bridge, tracing the River Camel back towards its source on Bodmin Moor. This stretch spans 6.3 miles (10.1km), while adding in a medieval bridge, evocative industrial ruins and established woodland. At Wenford Bridge, the off-grid Snail’s Pace Café becomes your handy rest and refuel point.

How will you travel the trail?

Whatever your age or abilities, the Camel Trail is the perfect way to get out and hit your stride. Go on foot, choosing a stretch that suits you; tick off the trail section by section; or hop on a bike and breeze through the scenery. If you don’t have wheels with you, there are lots of local providers offering cycle hire, including Explore by Bike, here in Bodmin, and Camel Trail Cycle Hire in Wadebridge.

What to spot along the way

 Wildlife on the Camel Estuary

 With a lively collection of landscapes, the Camel Trail is a great route for wildlife watching. At the Camel Estuary near Padstow, you can often spot birds like oystercatchers, sanderlings and herons. And, if you’re (very) lucky, you might catch a rare glimpse of resident otters.

 The Iron Bridge

Built in 1899, the Iron Bridge arches across Little Petherick Creek, between Wadebridge and Padstow. It’s a popular spot to pause in for photos, or to linger and enjoy the waterside views.

Passing steam trains and railway history

Because it follows a reclaimed train line, the Camel Trail includes interesting echoes of its railway age. As you travel, look out for former stations and railway buildings. Depending on timetables, you may even spot steam trains passing along the Bodmin Railway.

Good to know…

If you’d like to know more, you can check out maps, overviews and parking information on the Camel Trail website.

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:


Connect with nature

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.

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.

If you have a morning (or afternoon)

 Making a little more time creates the chance to wander further, do more, and look deeper. With a half-day ahead, you can slow down and soak in your surroundings.

Visit Bodmin Jail

Rich in atmosphere and old, eerie tales, Bodmin Jail takes visitors on a journey through 200 years of crime and punishment. Self-guided tours mean you can take things at your own pace (we suggest allowing around two hours), before heading to the Moor Café for a spot of lunch. Or opt for a guided tour, peeping into some of the jail’s darkest corners with an expert storyteller.

You’ll find Bodmin Jail on Berrycombe Road, an easy walk from Fore Street.

Journey on the Bodmin Railway

Pop from town to countryside in a surprisingly short time – a ride on Bodmin Railway transports you through some of the area’s most scenic spots. Spend an afternoon steaming along its historic railway line, pulled by a vintage engine. A circular ticket will take you from the nearby Bodmin General station, along two branch lines and back home again, with short stops on the way.

Your starting station for Bodmin Railway is a 10-15-minute walk from the town centre, on Harleigh Road.

Join a workshop at Bodmin Gallery & Creative Studio

Keen to try something different? At Bodmin Gallery & Creative Studio, you can stretch your skills in a welcoming, friendly environment. The studio runs a number of half-day and full-day workshops throughout the year – these vary depending on the season or series, so we suggest checking and booking in advance. Past and current sessions have included activities like willow weaving, nature drawing and silverwork.

Workshops are based at the gallery, on Bodmin’s Fore Street.

Get hands-on at Discovering42 

Tap into the joy of discovery at Cornwall’s innovative (and award-winning) art, science and sustainability museum. Here, there’s every chance to get stuck in as you play, test and experiment. Fusing subjects like chemistry and physics with craft activities and environmental awareness, a visit will stretch your imagination in new and interesting ways.

If you have a full day

For those carefree days when you’ve got time in hand, combine some of the above to curate a full day out. For instance, Bodmin Jail and Bodmin Railway are conveniently close together, creating a living history tour of the town. Or make lunch at The Old Library Café your reward for climbing the Beacon. However you mix and match, Bodmin will make the most of your time.