Bodmin Moor is Cornwall’s wild heart. It is a landscape of granite tors, roaming ponies, and ancient legends. The dining scene here reflects that rugged character; you won’t find many delicate tasting menus, but you will find roaring fires, historic coaching inns, and some of the heartiest portions in the county.
Whether you have been hiking Rough Tor or exploring the forests, here is our curated guide to eating out on Bodmin Moor.
Our Top Picks
These pubs are more than just places to eat; they are landmarks that define the moorland experience.
1. Jamaica Inn
You cannot talk about Bodmin Moor without mentioning Jamaica Inn. Immortalised by Daphne du Maurier, this coaching inn at Bolventor stands high on the moor and is steeped in tales of smugglers and ghosts.
- The Vibe: Atmospheric and historic. With its cobbled courtyards and dark, beamed interiors, it leans heavily into its smuggling past, complete with a museum next door.
- The Highlight: The Smugglers’ Bar carvery. It is exactly what you need when the mist rolls in—warm, filling, and traditional.
- Website: Jamaica Inn
2. The Old Inn, St Breward
Lying on the edge of the moor, The Old Inn claims to be the highest inn in Cornwall. It is a sprawling 11th-century pub that has welcomed weary travellers for nearly a thousand years.
- The Vibe: Welcoming and vast. Huge granite fireplaces dominate the interior, keeping the place toasty even in the depths of winter.
- The Highlight: The Sunday Roast is legendary in North Cornwall, known for its generous portions of meat and “proper” gravy.
- Website: The Old Inn
3. The Blisland Inn
Located in the pretty village of Blisland, overlooking the village green, this pub is a pilgrimage site for beer lovers. It has won the CAMRA National Pub of the Year award and serves an incredible array of real ales.
- The Vibe: Quirky and eccentric. The ceiling is covered in hundreds of mugs and Toby jugs, creating a unique visual experience to go with your pint.
- The Highlight: The beer selection. There are usually at least six real ales on tap, often from local Cornish micro-breweries.
- Website: The Blisland Inn
Forest Feasts
Woods Café
Hidden deep within Cardinham Woods, Woods Café is a magical spot. It is a stone cottage that looks like it has been lifted straight from a fairytale, serving food to walkers and cyclists.
- The Vibe: Rustic and cosy. In winter, the log burner is always lit, and in summer, you can sit outside under the trees listening to the stream.
- The Highlight: The homemade cakes. They are enormous, fresh, and best enjoyed with a hot chocolate after a long walk in the woods.
- Website: Woods Café
Planning a moorland adventure?
The moor is a vast area, so finding the right base is key to exploring the tors and villages. View our guide to the best places to stay in Bodmin Moor.
Please note: The Image in the header is for illustrative purposes only.