Guided Tour
- Tours on every day
- Monday–Friday: 1pm, 3pm & 6pm. Sat & Sun: 9.30am, 1pm & 3pm
- Duration: 2 hours
- Parental discretion
- Step count - approx 1000
- Adult £25pp | Child £15pp
Join one of our award-winning guides and experience a personal, in-depth historical tour through Bodmin Jail.
From the crimes to the courthouse and gallows to the grave, Bodmin Jail provides a unique opportunity to get up close to the Georgians and the Victorians. Our guides will take you from the eighteenth-century ‘Bloody Code’ to the last execution in Cornwall in 1909, revealing the complex legal landscape of the time.
On the way, you will experience what life was like for our prisoners behind bars, visiting the infamous Victorian execution pit, now restored to full working condition. This immersive experience offers a historical glimpse into the realities of incarceration and the harsh punishments of the era. Gain insight into the kinds of crimes being committed that may have earned you the noose, exploring fascinating stories of notorious criminals.
From arsenic poisoners to arsonists, murderers to mutinous hanging crowds, Bodmin Jail’s Guided Tour is one of our most popular experiences, steeped in history and suitable for the whole family. You'll learn about the grim fates of those who walked the halls and the broader social context of crime and punishment during the Georgian and Victorian periods.
As you wander through Bodmin Jail's historic corridors, take a moment to reflect on the lives lost and the stories untold. This tour is not just a journey through time; it’s an opportunity to engage with Cornwall’s rich cultural heritage and understand the evolution of justice and morality in society.
Join us for a captivating guided exploration of Bodmin Jail—where history comes alive behind bars.
You can meet our amazing History Team here >>
We also run seasonal tours throughout the year that replace our standard guided tour with different and exciting themes! Find out more information here >>
Seasonal Tours
These replace the standard Heritage Tour at certain times of year.
We’ll break your hearts, not your necks with the ‘Broken Hearts’ tour. This tour only runs in February.
Find out more here
Discover hanging folklore, infamous hangmen and punishments beyond the gravel. You’d be foolish not to. This tour only runs in April.
Find out more here
At Halloween, Bodmin Jail is stepping into their darkest stories and history. An eye-opening heritage tour will bring you up close to the Georgians and Victorians at their most grim.
Find out more here
Check out our December tour! Bodmin Jail invites you to take a festive jaunt through the Victorian period as we meet the naughty or nice of the 1800s.
Find out more here