Lanhydrock and Bodmin

Old before the Saxons came, Bodmin has always been one of Cornwall’s most enthralling and important towns.

The town is basically constructed of old brown stone and granite and the streets themselves have a warm atmosphere from these restful coloured buildings. Although Truro has its Cathedral, Bodmin has its superb fifteenth century parish church which is the largest in Cornwall, and is dedicated to the Patron Saint of the County, namely, St Petroc. Enshrined in the south wall you will see a casket which is said to contain the remains of the Saint.

Bodmin Jail, which was the main centre for keeping criminals in Cornwall and features in many historical novels, is now open to the public. Visit the jail to see and feel what life was like for those convicted of crimes in earlier times.

The original Bodmin Jail was built in the reign of George 3 in 1779; the Jail you see today was built by Prisoners in the 1850s using 20,000 tons of granite. Closing in 1927, the last prisoners to leave were our own naval prisoners.

Experience the life of an eighteenth century prisoner, visit the execution pit and underground cells, then relax in the restaurant and enjoy the best of Cornish food. Set over 5 floor and 3 acres, you will be amazed at the architecture. This fascinating building was once home to State papers, the Doomsday Book and allegedly the Crown Jewels during the First World War.

The Grade II listed building was acquired by the Wheten family in 2004. They are ploughing all revenue back into the restoration of this unique heritage asset.

Bodmin also offers the chance to discover the excitement and romance of steam travel with a journey back in time on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway. A day out on the Railway allows you time to explore and enjoy some of Cornwall’s finest countryside from a steam-hauled branch line train, you could also combine your trip with a walk along the ‘Camel Trail’ for a pub lunch or a visit to Lanhydrock House.

Special events operate throughout the year including 1st Class Dining Trains, Murder Mystery Evenings, Steam, Beer & Jazz Specials and many more. There is a well stocked Souvenir Shop and Buffet at Bodmin General and a Café on the Main Line Station at Parkway. For more information, call 0845 1259678, visit www.bodminandwenfordrailway.co.uk or pick up a 2010 Timetable.

Walk further up the hill and you will find Cornwall's Regimental Museum. The Museum and regimental archive are housed in a listed Militia building, built in 1859. From the raising of the regiment in 1702 and the capture of Gibraltar in 1704, the museum covers the history of the County Regiment of Cornwall until its amalgamation in 1959. More recent displays relate to its successor regiments, The Light Infantry and The Rifles. Exhibits include weapons, medals, insignia, uniforms and George Washington’s Bible, captured by the 46th Foot in 1777.

The Town Museum in the Public Rooms house a delightful variety of collections and displays telling the enthralling story of Bodmin and its locality from the earliest times to the 1950s including a typical Cornish kitchen, bearing mute witness to the daily grind of a kitchen without water or electricity. The Shire Hall will immerse you in a re-enactment of Cornwall’s most famous trial, that of Matthew Weeks for the murder of Charlotte Dymond. Vote ‘Guilty” or “Not Guilty” before hearing the 1844 verdict.

Lanhydrock, owned by the National Trust, is one of the most fascinating late 19th-century houses in England, full of period atmosphere and the trappings of a High Victorian country house. Over 50 rooms are open to visitors and you should allow at least 2.5 hours to tour the house, which reflects the entire spectrum of life in a rich and splendid Victorian household, from the many servants’ bedrooms, the kitchens, sculleries and nursery wing to the splendour of the formal dining room and Long Gallery.

Lanhydrock

The garden features a stunning collection of magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias, and offers fine colours right through the year. All this is set in a glorious estate of 900 acres of woods and parkland running down to the Fowey River, with a network of paths providing a variety of walks. There is also an adventure playground for children.

Lanhydrock offers a variety of excellent catering facilities located in the old stable block and the servants’ quarters with different menus and prices to suit all pockets. The garden is open daily all year round from 10 - 6 and the house is open 15th March - 2nd November daily except Mondays (but open Bank Holiday Mondays and every Monday in August) from 11 - 5.30 (from October, closes at 5pm). Shop and refreshments open daily 9th February - 24th December; plant sales 1st March - 2nd November. Dogs are permitted on leads in the park and woodland.

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