Bodmin

Bodmin its North Cornwall's largest , most flourishing city and Cornwall's former capital. Ideal place for great family holiday, short break or a day visit.
Within easy walking distance of Bodmin`s center there are fascinating attractions like The Shire Hall-Courtroom Experience, Bodmin and Wenford Railway , Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry Military Museum , Town Museum , Bodmin Jail , St Petroc`s Church and Camel Trail .

Bodmin Moor has been made famous by Daphne du Maurier and there is a small museum commemorating the author of Jamaica Inn. If you are lucky you can get a glimpse at the famous Beast of Bodmin Moors. Bodmin Moors provide heaven for bird and wild life lovers , it's delightful place to walk and enjoy peace away from hustle and bustle of modern living. In Moorland villages you'll find welcoming oases with cozy inns and churches steeped in history.

Bodmin has largest Parish Church in Cornwall - St. Petroc`s .Rebuilt in 1469-72 it stands right in the heart of the city and houses the 12-th century casket with the relics of St. Petroc.Very little is known about St Petroc some say he was of Cornish origin some claim he was descended from royal house of Wales . Its known he traveled to Rome and Brittany performing many miracles and healing the sick. His casket can still be seen on display in the church.

Camel Trail is 18 miles long traffic free track that provides a very enjoyable day out for all the family whether walking or cycling. Converted from disused railway The Camel Trail runs through some of Cornwall's most beautiful landscape . It links the fishing port of Padstow to the market of Wadebridge and continues to the outskirts of Boodmin Moor home to the abundance of wildlife. There are many seats and picnic tables to stop and enjoy the views along the way.

Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry Military Museum opened in 1925 and occupies original barracks, its divided into two parts: the Main Historical Gallery and Armoury which contains fine collection of small arms , machine guns maps uniforms and paintings .

Bodmin and Wenford Railway this heritage steam railway attracts tourists, steam enthusiasts, hikers and cyclist who use it to reach various trails and nature paths . Opened in 1984 provides services between Boscarne Junction - Bodmin General and Bodmin parkway stations.

Bodmin Jail has a dark and sinister history built in 1776 was the first one to house inmates in separate cells and carried out public executions until eventually closing in1927 . Since than it became popular tourist attraction telling of its dark and grisly 150 years history. 55 executions have taken place for crimes like murder , rape and stealing . Most were carried out in public with last one in 1909 with thousands of onlookers to witness the event. The jail is open all year round and also offers all night ghost hunts for a price.

Bodmin Town Museum documents town history from early times to 1950 and among its many exhibits includes photographs , text artifacts , model forge , agricultural equipment , Victorian Cornish kitchen , 1770 fire engine and may other exhibits.

Shire Hall - Court Room Experience - 19-th century courtroom drama In 1844 body of beautiful young local girl was found in Bodmin Moor . Charlotte Dymond murder has been mystery ever since. Matthew Weeks was accused of this grisly crime. But was he really guilty? The courtroom drama is played out and you can become one of the jurors and cast your vote to decide Matthew Weeks fate. Shire Hall situated in the center of the town was built in 1837-38 at the beginning of Queen Victoria reign.

Author : barbie, 24.11.2007