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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 26 April, 2023

Most visitors bypass Bodmin Moor en route to the coast, but they’re missing out; this 80 square mile patch of inland Cornwall boasts imposing granite ‘tors’, wonderful views across bleak moorland, and magical walks through wooded vales.

It’s also rich in history and folklore, with mysterious stone circles including the Hurlers, and legendary Arthurian sites such as Dozmary Pool, said to be the place where the sword Excalibur was clasped by the Lady of the Lake.

As well as myths and legends old and new, Bodmin Moor is recognised for its natural beauty and Bronze Age heritage – the moor is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Horseriding & Walking

If you prefer to explore on horseback, local stables Hallagenna Farm offer an excellent range of horse riding and pony trekking across the landscape for all abilities (plus accommodation for horse lovers). One route includes the famous Camel Trail.

See our recommendations below for two fine short walks up to see Bodmin Moor’s most famous ‘tors’.

Don't miss

One of the most visited places on the moor is Jamaica Inn, the legendary coaching house in Launceston where Daphne du Maurier wrote her excellent 1936 tale of smugglers, rogues and ruffians set in wild, rugged Cornwall landscapes.

While you’re there

Stop at Blisland, with its village green, Norman church, popular pub and nearby Hawk’s Tor; St Neot, with its gorgeous 15th-century church; and Altanun, with its church of St Nonna, the ‘Cathedral of the Moor’.

Jamaica Inn. Pub forecourt and sign. Outside tables. Cornish, American and UK flags. Moor in background. location for book by Daphne Du Maurier
Experience

Jamaica Inn

Launceston, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

One of the most visited places on the moor is Jamaica Inn, the legendary coaching house in Launceston where Daphne du Maurier wrote her excellent 1936 tale of smugglers, rogues and ruffians set in wild, rugged Cornwall landscapes.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Weathered slabs of granite at the top of Rough Tor on Bodmin Moor
Experience

Walk to Rough Tor and Brown Willy

Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Rough Tor and Brown Willy, Bodmin Moor’s highest summits and the setting for the climax of Jamaica Inn, are a relatively easy 5-mile circular walk with great views over the moors. Start at the car park at the end of Roughtor Road.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2 hours

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Hurlers stone circle at minions on Bodmin Moor Cornwall
Experience

Walk to the Cheesewring & Hurlers

Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Stop by the ‘Cheesewring’ and the ‘Hurlers’ on this easy, circular 4-mile walk that starts from the (free) car park in the village of Minions. It also takes in beautiful scenery, archaeological sites and mining and quarrying ruins. See the route online here.

Best for ages: 8+ | Free | 1-2 hours

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Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Bodmin Moor is a good place to explore independently by car. For a wide range of information on the area, head for the Bodmin Tourist Information Centre, which also can advise of good walking and provide walking maps. It’s open all year round, Monday to Friday.

For food & drink head to everyone’s favourite Bodmin Moor pub, the Blisland Inn; homely and hearty, it has Toby jugs hanging from the ceiling, home-cooked pub food and several ales on draught.

If you want to stay a night or two, and fancy something a little bit different, why not glamp? There are fully-equipped Mongolian yurts at South Penquite campsite.

When to do it

Days of driving rain and howling winds in winter (December to February) are probably best avoided, unless you fancy yourself as the heroine of Jamaica Inn.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

St Moritz Hotel

Trebetherick, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[22 miles]

Lovely art deco-inspired boutique in a cracking location between the boating haven of Rock and the surfing hotspot of Polzeath. Great for families.

Official star rating:

Padstow Harbour Hotel

Padstow, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[23.3 miles]

A luxury boutique gem, ideally located overlooking the picturesque coastal town of Padstow. Stunning sea views, easy access to beautiful beaches, and close to top attractions.

Official star rating:

Fowey Hall Hotel

Fowey, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[24.6 miles]

Lovely country house family hotel, located in the beautiful town of Fowey, with five acres of landscaped gardens and woodlands. Close to the Eden Project.

Official star rating:

Fowey Harbour Hotel

Fowey, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[24.7 miles]

Luxury boutique hotel with heart-stopping views of the Fowey estuary, set in a beautiful restored Victorian building. Close to the Eden Project.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Cornwall

Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

A region of craggy cliffs, sheltered creeks, glorious sandy beaches and quintessential villages – rich in local life, pagan legend and delicious, locally-made food and drink.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Bodmin Jail [ghost hunting]

Bodmin, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[12.2 miles]

Former 18th-century prison offering a fascinating glimpse into Victorian and Georgian crime and punishment. Excellent heritage tours and night time ghost hunts.

Best for ages: 7+ | £19

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Lanydrock House & Garden
Experience

Lanydrock House & Garden

Bodmin, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[14.1 miles]

This impressive Jacobean mansion – completely refurbished in high-Victorian style after a devastating fire in 1881 – offers an insight into the lives of the wealthy Victorian Agar-Robartes family. There are 50 rooms to explore, plus spectacular gardens famed for magnolias. Staff dress up on Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, enhancing the Victorian experience. Open daily.

Best for ages: 13+ | £18

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Aerial view down on castle ruins at Tintagel in Cornwall
Experience

Tintagel Castle

Tintagel, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[16.4 miles]

This medieval fortress located on the rugged north coast is believed to have been built in the 13th century and was associated with the legend of King Arthur. It partially destroyed during the 16th century, but its ruins still stand and you can see the remains of the Great Hall and the Inner Ward. Stop by the visitor centre for histories and legends.

Best for ages: 8+ | £16

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Fowey Valley Cidery & Distillery
Experience

Fowey Valley Cidery & Distillery

Lostwithiel, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[16.6 miles]

A small family-run cidery that produces a range of high-quality, award-winning ciders. The cider is made using a blend of locally sourced apples, including rare varieties, and traditional methods. Book in for tours of the orchards and pressing facilities, followed by cider tasting. They also offer cider-making courses.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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vistiors take a distillery course at Colwith Cornwall
Experience

Colwith Farm Distillery

Lostwithiel, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[18.7 miles]

This plough-to-bottle distillery, owned and run by the Dustow family, has mastered the art of transforming their potatoes into award-winning spirits, notably gin. You can book in for tours of the distillery and gin tastings, and courses to make your own custom bottle of gin.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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