Bodmin Parkway has a number of accessible stations and tracks. One of these is Colesloggett Halt which is the perfect place to alight from for walks in Cardinham Woods.
If you are interested in history you can visit the town’s museum which has displays ranging from stone age tools to two centuries of military history. It’s also home to the re-vamped Bodmin Keep and the army museum.
1. Bodmin Beacon
Bodmin Beacon is the town’s highest point and the site of a distinctive, 144ft tall granite monument to Sir Walter Raleigh Gilbert. It is a local nature reserve and part of a community green space. You can walk across it, or head out for a longer hike along the Camel Trail. Dogs are welcome as long as they’re kept on a lead.
If you’re looking for things to do near Bodmin moor then there are plenty of options here too. The historic houses at Pencarrow and Boscarne are both worth a visit – as is the charming 1.5-acre peaceful cottage garden at Pinsla which has become famous for its work of ‘garden art’ – decorative paths, arches and shelters.
Another must visit attraction is the eerily atmospheric Bodmin Jail which offers immersive tours around the former prison that was a prototype for many of the 19th century’s jails. It’s a great place to learn about Cornwall’s rich history and the town’s place within it – and it also shows how much progress has been made in terms of human rights and social justice. Also in the town, there’s a re-vamped Bodmin Keep (army museum) that explores military history from two centuries back. It holds all the eight Victoria Crosses won by the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry.
2. Lanhydrock
Visiting a stately home is one of the best ways to explore the past. Here, the late Victorian house provides a window into upper-class life in Cornwall. It stands as a living museum, where visitors can travel the corridors that once echoed with laughter and whispers, the resplendent drawing rooms, and the huge bedrooms “upstairs.”
The gardens are worth a visit in their own right as well, especially when the azaleas bloom in the Higher Garden at the back of the house. There is also a lot of native woodland to see and the fast-flowing stream, Borlase, runs underneath magnolias throughout the property.
While the house and gardens are popular with visitors, you can also get out on two wheels with a cycle hire trail here. There are flat and hilly trails for all abilities, but you should ring ahead to book a bike.
You can also hop on a steam train from Bodmin Parkway Station (see below) for an immersive experience in the countryside. The line runs from March to October, with special events and Christmas trains running at times too.
3. Cardinham Woods
One of the best things to do in Bodmin is exploring it on foot. Long walks with clean air refresh your mind and body and help you uncover the little secrets of a city. Bodmin is a small town, so you can easily cover it on foot.
Cardinham Woods are a hidden gem of Bodmin, offering walking trails that take you into the woodland’s secret glades. The fresh air and awe-inspiring viewpoints will rejuvenate your senses.
Start from the Car Park, cross a wooden bridge over Cardinham Water and follow a broad forestry track into the woodland. Keep to the right at a three-way junction (ignoring a sign left for Liddicoat Valley Walk) and continue on until you reach Lady Vale Walk, with a picnic area by a little rock face on the bend.
From here you can walk along a beautiful mossy tunnel to Lanhydrock House, which sits in 650 acres of serene countryside drained by the trickling Cardinham Water. It’s an ideal spot for a scenic family walk, and you can save 10% in the restaurant and shop by arriving car-free with your train ticket.
You can also explore Bodmin’s eerie past on an immersive tour of the former county jail. You’ll be awed by its haunting echoes and fascinating stories from times gone by.
4. Camel Trail
Whether you cycle or walk, the Camel Trail is an incredible traffic-free route that originally started out as a railway line. It’s a wonderful way to spend the day with family or friends, and there are plenty of places to stop along the way for a bite to eat or a drink.
Heading north from Bodmin Parkway Train Station is the most popular stretch to Wadebridge and Padstow, however, you can also go further up the trail to Blisland, Tresarrett and Wenfordbridge or down towards Coleslogget Halt, Poley’s Bridge and St Breward. This section of the trail is less busy and travels through lovely tree-covered areas, although it does get busier as you approach Padstow.
If you’re staying in the area, it’s worth heading to a local winery for a glass or two! Camel Valley Vineyard are a family run business who began producing wine in 1989 and have since won countless awards for their delicious products.
They’re located near to the Bodmin Parkway Train Station, making it a great spot for a tour or a tasting session. Plus, show your train ticket at the door to receive a 10% discount!
