
Bodmin Moor
Vast, untamed moorland in Cornwall, famed for ancient stone circles, rugged tors, and the legend of the Beast.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, warmer temps

Bodmin Moor
Best Time
Clearer skies, warmer temps

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast, untamed moorland in Cornwall, famed for ancient stone circles, rugged tors, and the legend of the Beast.
"Absolutely stunning only advice I can give is to get in the car and go straight away!!"

Pack for all weathers 🌦️
Moorland weather is unpredictable. Layers, waterproofs, and sturdy boots are essential for a comfortable visit.
Download offline maps 🗺️
Paths can be unclear. Ensure you have navigation tools ready, as phone signal can be spotty.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hurlers Stone Circles
Bodmin Moor
Ancient Bronze Age stone circles, steeped in mystery and offering a glimpse into prehistoric Cornwall.

Golitha Falls
River Fowey, Bodmin Moor
Enchanting woodland walks with cascading waterfalls along the River Fowey. A tranquil natural escape.

Brown Willy & Rough Tor
Bodmin Moor
Cornwall's highest points offer breathtaking 360-degree views and rewarding hikes for all levels.

Bodmin Jail
Bodmin
A historic former prison, now a visitor attraction with a dark past and intriguing stories.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild Weather
Navigate with Care
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for all weathers 🌦️
Moorland weather is unpredictable. Layers, waterproofs, and sturdy boots are essential for a comfortable visit.
Download offline maps 🗺️
Paths can be unclear. Ensure you have navigation tools ready, as phone signal can be spotty.
Respect the wildlife 🐑
Observe grazing ponies, sheep, and cattle from a distance. Never feed them.
Visit Bodmin Jail 🏰
Explore the history of this atmospheric former prison, a unique attraction on the moor's edge.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for all weathers 🌦️
Moorland weather is unpredictable. Layers, waterproofs, and sturdy boots are essential for a comfortable visit.
Download offline maps 🗺️
Paths can be unclear. Ensure you have navigation tools ready, as phone signal can be spotty.
Respect the wildlife 🐑
Observe grazing ponies, sheep, and cattle from a distance. Never feed them.
Visit Bodmin Jail 🏰
Explore the history of this atmospheric former prison, a unique attraction on the moor's edge.
Seek out stone circles 🗿
Discover ancient sites like the Hurlers for a touch of prehistoric magic and stunning views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bodmin Moor for its stunning, rugged beauty and opportunities for hiking and exploration. The ancient stone circles and dramatic tors are highlights, offering a sense of wildness and history. Some find the weather unpredictable and paths challenging, but most agree the desolate charm is well worth the visit.
"Visited Cornwall last year. Great walking on the moor, fun hikes up the hills. And the huge stones are very cool!"
Mark Edwards
"Beautiful, ruggered, and somehow desolate scenery. We visited the hurlers ,saw loads of tins mines, rock formations, lovely wildlife like sheep, cows, and ponies. To us, it always seems so much colder in temperature on bodmin around the hurlers"
Anita Collyer
"Really beautiful place! We did an 8km hike to the two highest peaks - Roughtor and Brown Willy - and it was fairly accessible, easy to navigate and incredibly beautiful."
Tina Golubeva
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bodmin Moor is accessible by car, with several parking areas dotted around its perimeter. The nearest major town is Bodmin, which has a train station, though it's a short drive from the moor itself. Consider using a GPS or navigation app, as roads can be narrow and winding.
Public transport options to Bodmin Moor are limited. While buses serve Bodmin town, reaching specific points on the moor often requires a car or a pre-booked taxi. Some local bus routes may pass near the edges, but check schedules carefully.
There are several informal parking spots and designated car parks around Bodmin Moor, particularly near popular walking routes like Rough Tor and Golitha Falls. Be aware that some areas may have limited facilities.
Yes, Bodmin Moor is centrally located in Cornwall, making it a feasible day trip from many coastal towns and other inland areas. Driving times will vary depending on your starting point.
While not as common as in more tourist-heavy areas, some local guides or walking groups may offer guided tours of Bodmin Moor, especially focusing on its history or wildlife. It's worth checking local tourism websites or community boards.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bodmin Moor itself is a vast, open landscape and is free to enter and explore. There are no admission fees for the natural landscape.
Bodmin Moor is accessible 24/7 as it is a natural landscape. However, visiting during daylight hours is highly recommended for safety and visibility.
Most informal parking spots on Bodmin Moor are free. Some designated car parks might have small charges, but this is not widespread.
It is advisable to book tickets for Bodmin Jail in advance, especially during peak season or weekends, to guarantee entry and potentially save time.
Entry fees for Bodmin Jail vary depending on age and any special exhibitions. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Popular walks include the ascent of Rough Tor and Brown Willy for panoramic views, exploring Golitha Falls with its waterfalls, and visiting the Hurlers Stone Circles. Many trails are well-marked, but always be prepared for varied terrain.
You're likely to see native ponies, sheep, and cattle grazing freely. Keep an eye out for various bird species, and if you're lucky, you might spot some of the moor's more elusive wildlife.
Yes, Bodmin Moor offers accessible areas like Golitha Falls with its gentle paths. However, some higher ground can be challenging, so choose routes appropriate for your children's ages and abilities.
The 'Beast of Bodmin Moor' is a local legend of a large, unidentifiable feline creature said to inhabit the area. Sightings have been reported for decades, adding a layer of mystery to the moor.
Facilities are scarce on the open moor. Bodmin town and some nearby villages offer cafes and restrooms. Golitha Falls has some basic facilities. It's best to come prepared with your own refreshments and water.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
For traditional pub fare, the Old Inn in St Breward is highly recommended for its food and ales. Near Golitha Falls, Inkies offers a western-inspired menu with locally sourced meats. Bodmin town also has various eateries, including cafes and restaurants.
Cornwall is known for its pasties and cream teas. You might also find local cheeses, like the 'Dozmary' Camembert-style cheese made on the edge of Bodmin Moor. Look for local ales in traditional pubs.
Absolutely! Bodmin Moor is a perfect spot for a picnic. Find a scenic viewpoint and enjoy the natural surroundings. Remember to take all your litter with you.
While the moor itself is wild, the nearby town of Bodmin and surrounding areas offer a range of dining experiences, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants. Some hotels also have excellent dining facilities.
The Old Inn in St Breward is a popular choice for its atmosphere and selection of ales. Many traditional pubs in the surrounding villages offer a warm welcome and local beverages.
📸 📸 Photography
The Hurlers Stone Circles offer dramatic compositions, especially at sunrise or sunset. Golitha Falls provides opportunities for capturing waterfalls and woodland scenes. The panoramic views from Rough Tor and Brown Willy are spectacular. The atmospheric fog can also create unique photographic opportunities.
Sunrise and sunset often provide the most dramatic light, casting long shadows and warm hues across the landscape. Misty mornings can also create a magical, ethereal atmosphere.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or capturing waterfall motion. A polarizing filter can help manage glare on wet surfaces or enhance sky colors.
Look for the ancient standing stones, grazing ponies and sheep, the rugged tors, and the atmospheric mist. The 'Beast of Bodmin Moor' legend also adds a touch of mystery for creative shots.
Drone usage is subject to regulations. Always check current aviation authority rules and local bylaws before flying a drone over Bodmin Moor to ensure you are compliant and respectful of the environment and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
👻 Those Interested in Folklore and Mystery
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Bodmin Moor's Ancient History
Beyond the stone circles, the moor holds secrets of more recent history. Bodmin Jail, a formidable 18th-century prison, offers a chilling glimpse into penal history and is a popular visitor attraction. The Jamaica Inn, famously associated with Daphne du Maurier's novel, evokes tales of smugglers and highwaymen, adding a layer of romantic intrigue to the wild landscape.
For those interested in the spiritual and mythical, the moor is steeped in legend. Tales of the 'Beast of Bodmin Moor' persist, adding an element of mystery and folklore to the rugged terrain. The presence of ancient churches, like St. Catherine's in Temple, further enhances the sense of history and spirituality that permeates Bodmin Moor.
Hiking and Outdoor Adventures on Bodmin Moor
For a more tranquil experience, the Golitha Falls offer a beautiful woodland walk along the River Fowey, with picturesque cascades and a serene atmosphere. This area is perfect for a leisurely stroll and appreciating the natural beauty. The Camel Trail, a disused railway line, also passes near Bodmin, offering a flatter, more accessible route for cycling and walking, connecting to the wider Cornish network.
When planning your outdoor adventures, remember that weather preparedness is key. The moor can be exposed, and conditions can change rapidly. Sturdy footwear, waterproofs, and layers are essential. Downloading offline maps or carrying a physical map and compass is highly recommended, as mobile signal can be unreliable.
The Mystical and Mythical Side of Bodmin Moor
Beyond the Beast, the moor is rich in folklore and ancient beliefs. The Hurlers Stone Circles are not just historical sites but are often imbued with spiritual significance, believed to have been used for ancient ceremonies or astronomical observations. The dramatic and often desolate landscape itself can feel otherworldly, especially when shrouded in mist, leading to feelings of enchantment and mystery. Some believe the moor is home to fae folk or other mythical beings, adding to its magical allure.
Even the names of places, like Brown Willy, can spark curiosity and imagination. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, the pervasive sense of mystery and the ancient, untamed nature of Bodmin Moor make it a captivating destination for those drawn to the mystical and the unknown.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit