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.
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.
In every rainy day – whether it’s damp Cornish drizzle or a heavy downpour – there’s an invitation to change course, step inside and seek shelter. Wet weather can be a prompt to discover something new.
Spring is famous for its showers, but even the summer months can bring their share of sweeping dark clouds. In Bodmin, there’s no reason for rain to stop play. From stately homes to live shows, there’s always an undercover adventure to find.
Atmospheric attractions
New experiences aren’t only found in the great outdoors – our local attractions are steeped in atmosphere. Step inside Bodmin Jail, where tall stone walls and jail cells have tales to tell. Here, you can capture the eerie thrill of histories that unfold “behind bars”. Or journey into the countryside while staying safely under cover, courtesy of Bodmin Railway. A ride in a vintage carriage gives you a window onto 13 miles of scenery, with the added magic of steam power.
Historic houses
When the forecast looks mixed, take a trip to one of Bodmin’s historic estates. Both Lanhydrock and Pencarrow have vast gardens to explore during dry spells, as well as woodland areas for shelter during showers. And, if rain sets in – or even if it doesn’t – you can head inside to explore their grand houses. Both estates have cafés serving cream teas, cakes and lunches, while Lanhydrock also has a second-hand bookshop for a leisurely browse.
Performances and screenings
If the weather outside is gloomy, escape to another world for an hour or two. Bodmin’s Capitol Cinema on Mount Folly Square shows a mix of recent releases and stage-to-screen productions. Or tap into stories, song or dance at a live performance. Found in the heart of town, the BEAT offers a packed programme of shows, with other events held at The Old Library, St Petroc’s Church, and local community venues.
Discovery hotspots
A day spent indoors can lead to a wealth of fresh discoveries. With more time to spare, immerse yourself in places that provoke curiosity. At Bodmin Town Museum, a wander among the collections takes you deep into the lives of generations past. Not far away, at Bodmin Keep, exploration takes a military turn, with 300 years of army history in one place. And, at Discovering42, you can stretch your imagination and understanding as you get hands-on with interactive art and science exhibits.
Good to know…
Some local attractions adopt winter opening hours, or close during the quietest months of the year. We’d always recommend checking ahead, before setting off.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you’d like to know more, you can check out maps, overviews and parking information on the Camel Trail website.
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.
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.
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.