How a Victorian Prison Became One of Cornwall’s Most Unique Luxury Stays

Once one of Cornwall’s most formidable prisons, Bodmin Jail is now a one-of-a-kind luxury destination, where centuries of history meet modern indulgence as guests can enjoy a stay at the distinctive Bodmin Jail Hotel.

The prison was built in 1779 during the reign of King George III and housed thousands of notorious criminals including Sarah Polgrean, who was sentenced to death in 1820 for poisoning her husband with arsenic hidden in butter, and William Hampton, the final person hanged at Bodmin Jail and in the entire county of Cornwall. He was executed in July 1909 for the murder of Emily Tredea by strangulation. 

The Grade II Listed prison was decommissioned in 1927 and became derelict, but reopened as a luxury hotel in 2021 following a £50 million restoration that transformed the neglected prison into a luxury, captivating destination while preserving its iconic architecture. 

Guests can immerse themselves in centuries of captivating historic storytelling where the landmark’s designs preserve the heritage of the building but breathes a new life into the historic structure.  The original granite cells are now indulgent boutique suites, and the communal central atrium is still intact and feeds into the rooms.

At the heart of the transformation is the hotel’s acclaimed dining experience, The Chapel Restaurant, set within the former chapel where guests can enjoy curated menus showcasing the finest locally sourced Cornish produce beneath dramatic high ceilings and historic stone walls. 

Jackie Kelly, Group Sales Manager at Bodmin Jail Hotel comments: “The transformation of Bodmin Jail was a huge project with many complex layers.

“The hotel intertwines the imposing original architecture of the jail with creative, contemporary design, which retains 85% of the original fabric, enhancing the unrivalled atmosphere and sense of history.

“Every design decision was carefully considered to preserve the character and craftsmanship of the original prison, while introducing the comfort, warmth and elegance that today’s guests expect.”

To elevate the experience, Bodmin Jail Hotel offers exclusive guest packages allowing them to decide the fate of their sentence. The Prisoner’s Experience offers a playful nod to the past where intrigue and luxury are paired with experiences from expert storytellers to ‘The Last Dinner’. For those looking to assume their place at the top of the hotel’s hierarchy, the Governor Experience offers guests enhanced comforts with premium access to the jail’s captivating past. 

Jackie Kelly continues: “We have taken a space that was once defined by confinement and transformed it into the ultimate choice for luxurious experiences and immersive indulgence. It should be added to every UK staycation bucket list.”

For more information about Bodmin Jail Hotel’s experiences, visit bodminjailhotel.com.