Today, let’s explore one of Britain’s lesser-known tourist spots, the former Bodmin Jail located in a small town in southeast England. Bodmin Jail was designed by John Call in 1799 and constructed by French prisoners of war. It operated for 150 years and was known for being the first prison where inmates stayed in single cells rather than crowded dormitories.
Initially, the single cells housed people who couldn’t pay their debts. In 1869, the jail’s purpose shifted, and it became a naval penal colony. From 1735 to 1909, over 60 executions took place there. The prison was eventually closed in 1927 and left abandoned for decades. Recently, parts of it have been restored and turned into a tourist attraction.
For a unique experience, visitors can join Ghost Walks, which start at 10:30 PM and end at 7:00 AM with breakfast. There are also three-course dinners in a paranormal setting, followed by ghost tours through the prison’s corridors, cells, and dungeons. Alternatively, you can visit the jail’s restaurant from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, which also features a well-stocked wine bar.