Bodmin Moor is a landscape of legends. It is a place where granite tors pierce the skyline and ancient stone circles stand guard over the heather. Whether you are hunting for the “Beast of Bodmin,” tracing the footsteps of Poldark, or simply looking for the best view in the county, the moor offers a wilder, more rugged side to Cornwall.
Here is our curated guide to the best things to do in and around Bodmin Moor.
Our Top Picks
To truly understand the moor, you need to experience its extremes: the highest peaks and the deepest woodlands.
1. Rough Tor & Brown Willy
You cannot visit Bodmin Moor without conquering its summits. Brown Willy is the highest point in Cornwall, offering 360-degree views that stretch from coast to coast. Rough Tor, its slightly lower neighbour, is arguably more dramatic with its stacked granite avenues.
- The Experience: Park at the Poldue car park and hike up Rough Tor first. From there, you can cross the valley to summit Brown Willy. It is a challenging but rewarding walk.
- The Highlight: The Neolithic settlements scattered around the base of Rough Tor, which are among the best-preserved Bronze Age landscapes in Europe.
- Website: Rough Tor Guide
2. Golitha Falls
At the edge of the moor, the River Fowey cascades through a steep, wooded valley known as Golitha Falls. It is a National Nature Reserve and a stark contrast to the open moorland.
- The Experience: It is a magical place for a walk, especially after heavy rain when the falls are at their most powerful. The ancient oak woodland is draped in lichens and mosses.
- The Highlight: Inkies Smokehouse, located in the car park, serves some of the best BBQ food in Cornwall, making it the perfect post-walk treat.
- Website: Golitha Falls
History & Heritage
Bodmin Jail Attraction
Recently transformed into a world-class immersive attraction, Bodmin Jail offers a glimpse into Cornwall’s dark past. It combines cinematic technology with the original Victorian architecture to tell the stories of the prisoners who lived and died here.
- The Experience: The “Dark Walk” is a sensory experience that takes you through the history of the jail, followed by a chance to explore the cells and the execution pit.
- The Highlight: It is genuinely atmospheric and spooky—reputedly one of the most haunted places in the UK.
- Website: Bodmin Jail Attraction
Ancient Mysteries
The Hurlers & The Cheesewring
Near the village of Minions, you will find a concentration of ancient sites. The Hurlers are three bronze-age stone circles, while the Cheesewring is a natural granite formation that defies gravity.
- The Experience: It is an easy walk from the village car park to see the stones. The landscape here is also scarred by 19th-century mining, with iconic engine houses dotting the horizon.
- The Highlight: Standing in the centre of the stone circles at sunset is a mystical experience that connects you to Cornwall’s ancient past.
- Website: The Hurlers Stone Circles
Take a walk around Bodmin Moor
Ready for a hearty meal?
After conquering the highest peak in Cornwall, you will need some serious sustenance. View our guide to the best places to eat in Bodmin Moor.