Bodmin

Bodmin is a town and civil parish in Cornwall, England. It lies in the valley of the River Camel in central Cornwall, near the wooded expanse of Bodmin Moor. The town sits on the A30 corridor and has historically served as a market town and local administrative centre for the surrounding countryside.

Bodmin’s history stretches back to the early medieval period with the establishment of St Petroc’s Church. The parish church remains the town’s architectural centerpiece and preserves elements from various periods. The surrounding area developed through markets, inns, and, in the wider parish, mining activity that reflected Cornwall’s industrial heritage.

Notable features in and around Bodmin include Bodmin Jail, built in the late 18th century to house county prisoners; today it operates as a museum and visitor attraction. The town is also the base for the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, a preserved railway offering heritage passenger services. The nearby Bodmin Moor and the Camel Valley provide opportunities for walking, cycling, and outdoor recreation, with the Camel Trail—an extensive traffic-free path—linking Bodmin with Wadebridge and the coast.

Governance and services: Bodmin is a civil parish within Cornwall Council and has a town council. It serves as a regional centre for shopping, education, and transport in mid-Cornwall, supporting both residents and visitors with a range of facilities and services.