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Town in east-central Cornwall, England
Photo: Zaian at English Wikipedia, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Bodmin (Cornish: Bosvena) a small town of around 15,000 people in the middle of North Cornwall to the south west of Bodmin Moor. It was the major religious and administrative centre for Cornwall throughout the Middle Ages from the late Saxon period onwards (Bodmin = abode of the monks). Originally the county town in Cornwall and the site of a Cornish Stannary then the home of the County Assize until 1980s. With the rise of the railway in the 19th century, Truro became the county town and in 1870 was given city status with the opening of its cathedral. Some may say this a more apt location for county town.
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A small military museum, if this is your bag.
Described as a holiday attraction, may not be everyone's cup of tea. The gaol dates from the 1770s and is rather large, with many ghost and scare stories to go with it. The Beast of Bodmin legend may have arisen to scare any prisoners thinking of escaping across the Moor.
Grade 1 listed country house dating back to 1620 on a 360-hectare estate owned by the National Trust.
A ruined castle run by English Heritage, notable for being almost completely cylindrical. You can walk around most of the castle's walls circumference by climbing the stairs on either side of the castle's former gatehouse. There are a few signs detailing the castle's history, but they are worn and in need of replacement.
Volunteer-run museum. Small exhibition in the window for when the museum is closed.
Remarkable set of caverns created by mining. Occasionally used for concerts or for stashing the Royal Navy's stores of rum.
An 18th-century coaching inn and restaurant made famous by Daphne du Maurier's book by the same name. The property also hosts the Smuggling Museum and the du Maurier Museum.
Cornish: Hr Carwynnen
A group of three stone circles similar to but smaller than Stonehenge. The site is half-a-mile (0.8 km) west of the village of Minions on the eastern flank of Bodmin Moor, and approximately four miles (6 km) north of Liskeard. Each stellar alignment was given with tabulated declinations at a date in the range of 2100 to 1500 BC!
A lovely walk and cycle ride way, converted from an old railway runs close to the centre of the town. The Trail runs from Padstow to high on Bodmin Moor. Experienced bike riders should avoid the trail on summer weekends, as it is full of families with young children all over the path. It is level with a gentle slope west to east.
15th-century church building. Largest parish church in Cornwall. See 11th-century granite font with carved Celtic design and 12th-century bone reliquary for remains of St Petroc.
Walk through the forestry commission's Cardinham Woods site which offers various trails through the deep cut valley including past the overgrown remains of the engine house of the former lead and silver mine at Wheal Glynn.
Self-guided trails by mobile phone, introducing the history and environment of Lostwithiel and Restormel in the Fowey Valley.
Small farm gin distillery, which offers masterclases in gin production. Also three cottages for rent, and a perfume and candle business.
Vineyard offering tours.
Also does food and drink.
Also does food and drink.
Gastropub with four rooms in a picture-perfect village.
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Newquay · Regional · NQY
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