Bodmin Jail Hotel, UK Hotel

Bodmin, Cornwall

Not all themed hotels are equal. Especially when the theme is the building’s former life – in this case, an 18th-century prison whose inmates were guilty of the worst crimes, which even had its own gallows. Bodmin Jail Hotel, on the edge of Cornwall’s Bodmin Moors, manages to tick both boxes: being a quality hotel and genuinely telling the story of its past. The scale of its structure is epic – made using 22,000 tonnes of granite, with huge outer walls – but cells are now comfortable, cosy rooms with all mod cons. The history hits you as soon as you breach the outer wall and every room includes the former inmate’s tale, although you share little of their experience: gruel is now gourmet, there’s a cocktail bar, and local, seasonal produce comes from the kitchens, including excellent afternoon teas. Such is the transformation, even the appearance of ghosts is not guaranteed.

Doubles from £192.

Words by Alex Mead.

This article was taken from the June 2025 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.