10 Things To Do In Bodmin, Cornwall Near Meadow Oak Accommodation
Nestled in the heart of Cornwall, Bodmin is one of the county’s most underrated destinations. Often overshadowed by the famous Cornish coastline, this historic market town and the surrounding landscape offer an extraordinary wealth of things to see and do — from spine-chilling historical jails and grand Victorian mansions to ancient moorland monuments and world-class gardens. Whether you’re here for a short break, a romantic retreat, or a longer family holiday, you’ll quickly discover that staying at Meadow Oak Accommodation puts you at the very heart of it all.
Located on Lostwithiel Road, PL30 5AB, Meadow Oak is the perfect launchpad for exploring everything the Bodmin area has to offer. Our guests enjoy beautifully appointed rooms — including our famous Eden Room, Lanhydrock Room, Pencarrow Room, and Cardinham Room, each named after the iconic local landmarks you’re about to discover. After a day of adventure, return to our cosy, affordable accommodation and wake up refreshed and ready to do it all again.
Here are 10 unmissable things to do near Meadow Oak in Bodmin, Cornwall
1. Bodmin Jail Attraction
No visit to Bodmin is complete without stepping inside one of Cornwall’s most dramatic and darkly fascinating historical sites. Bodmin Jail was built in 1778 and served as the county prison for nearly 150 years. In its heyday, it was notorious for cramped conditions, hard labour, and public executions — drawing enormous crowds from all over Cornwall. Today, this landmark has been sensitively restored into one of the region’s premier visitor attractions, offering a captivating journey through Georgian and Victorian crime and punishment.
Visitors can explore the original cell blocks, learn the grim stories of the prisoners who were held here, and discover some of Cornwall’s most haunting true crime tales. There’s even the infamous The Dark Walk — a spine-tingling experience for those who dare. The jail is particularly popular with families and history enthusiasts, and the interactive exhibitions bring the past to life in a way that genuinely stays with you. If you’re feeling brave, you can even join one of the renowned ghost tours or paranormal evenings for a truly memorable night out.
The attraction also includes a fantastic on-site hotel and restaurant, making it an excellent evening destination even if you’ve already completed the daytime tour. Bodmin Jail is just a short drive from Meadow Oak, making it one of the easiest and most rewarding days out from our accommodation.
Don’t miss: The authentic prison cells, the Dark Walk experience, and the fascinating historical exhibits on Cornish crime.
2. The Eden Project
Few places on earth can match the sheer wonder of The Eden Project. Located just a short drive from Bodmin near St Austell, this world-renowned attraction is built inside the dramatic landscape of a former china clay pit — and what emerged from that barren landscape is nothing short of extraordinary. Opened in 2001, the Eden Project has grown into one of the UK’s most visited attractions, drawing visitors from every corner of the globe.
At its heart are two enormous geodesic biomes: the Rainforest Biome, one of the world’s largest indoor rainforests where you can walk beneath towering palms and banana trees in tropical humidity; and the Mediterranean Biome, filled with olive groves, citrus trees, and fragrant herbs that transport you to the sun-drenched shores of southern Europe. Beyond the biomes, the outdoor gardens showcase the very best of native Cornish and UK planting across the seasons.
But Eden is far more than just a garden. It is a living, breathing centre for education, conservation, and community engagement. There are outstanding cafés, restaurants, a zip wire for the adventurous, and an ever-changing programme of seasonal events — from summer concerts to a magical winter ice rink. It is truly a destination that rewards repeat visits throughout the year. Our Eden Room here at Meadow Oak is named in honour of this spectacular attraction, which gives you some indication of just how important it is to the Bodmin area.
Top tip: Book tickets online in advance, particularly during school holidays. The outdoor gardens are included in the ticket price, so make sure you allow a full day.
3. Lanhydrock House & Gardens
Just moments from Meadow Oak, Lanhydrock House is one of the National Trust’s crown jewels in Cornwall. This magnificent late Victorian country house offers visitors a genuine and immersive window into upper-class life in the 19th century. Built in the 17th century and substantially remodelled after a devastating fire in 1881, Lanhydrock is famous for its ‘upstairs, downstairs’ narrative — giving visitors the rare opportunity to explore not only the grand state rooms and family quarters, but also the extensive servants’ quarters, kitchens, sculleries, and larders that kept the household running.
The house contains over 50 rooms to explore, each beautifully preserved with original furnishings, textiles, and artefacts. The kitchen and domestic wing is considered one of the finest examples of a Victorian service quarter in the entire country. Outside, the formal gardens are renowned for their spectacular spring display of magnolias, bronze-leaved parterres, and herbaceous borders, while the wider 900-acre woodland estate offers miles of tranquil walking and cycling trails.
The estate also has an excellent restaurant, second-hand bookshop, plant sales area, and cycle hire facilities. Dogs are welcome in the woodland estate, making Lanhydrock a brilliant destination for all the family. Our Lanhydrock Room at Meadow Oak takes its name from this wonderful estate, which is practically on our doorstep.
Perfect for: Families, history lovers, walkers, and cyclists. Open from 1st March to early November, with additional winter opening.
4. Pencarrow House & Gardens
Just four miles north of Bodmin lies Pencarrow House, one of Cornwall’s finest Georgian mansions and a genuine hidden gem that visitors tend to stumble upon and fall utterly in love with. The Molesworth-St Aubyn family has owned this enchanting Palladian house for over 500 years, and their continued stewardship gives Pencarrow a warmth and authenticity that is difficult to find elsewhere.
The house itself is a delight to explore. Guided tours reveal lavishly decorated interiors featuring a stunning rococo ceiling, antique furnishings, and a fine collection of paintings and porcelain. The composer Arthur Sullivan — of Gilbert and Sullivan fame — famously wrote part of Iolanthe here, testament to the house’s creative and cultural heritage.
The 50-acre gardens are considered among the finest in Cornwall. A long drive lined with rhododendrons, camellias, and blue hydrangeas leads to the house, and beyond lie formal Italian gardens, a large Victorian rockery, an ice house, and a tranquil lake. The woodland gardens contain more than 700 varieties of rhododendrons, making a spring visit an absolute riot of colour. Dogs are welcome on leads, children are free, and visitors are even encouraged to pick their own soft fruit when in season. The Peacock Café is a lovely spot for lunch or afternoon tea.
Our Pencarrow Room at Meadow Oak is named in honour of this wonderful house, which is one of our absolute favourite recommendations for guests.
Best time to visit: Spring (March–May) for the spectacular rhododendron and camellia displays.
5. Cardinham Woods — Walks & Cycle Trails
On the western edge of Bodmin Moor, just a few miles from Meadow Oak, Cardinham Woods is a magnificent Forestry England site that offers an excellent range of outdoor activities for all ages and abilities. The woods cover a dramatic valley landscape with shady glades, rushing streams, and a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere that feels a world away from the summer bustle of the coastal resorts.
For walkers, there are several well-maintained footpaths winding through the trees, including family-friendly riverside routes. For cyclists, Cardinham is famous as the home of the Bodmin Beast — a formidable 12km single-track mountain bike trail that has set the benchmark for off-road riding in Cornwall. The Beast features technical ascents, steep descents, tight banked corners, rollers, and tabletops, making it a genuine challenge for experienced riders. For those seeking a more gentle ride, there are additional family-friendly trails and even cycle hire available on site.
The Woods Café at Cardinham is legendary among locals — a wonderful spot for a well-earned coffee, cake, or light lunch after a walk or ride through the trees. The café is housed in a charming old barn and serves fantastic homemade food using locally sourced ingredients. Our Cardinham Room at Meadow Oak pays tribute to this beautiful woodland, which is one of our most frequently recommended destinations for guests of all ages.
Facilities: Car park, cycle hire, café, toilets. Open dawn to dusk every day except Christmas Day.
6. The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Described by The Times as “the garden restoration of the century,” the Lost Gardens of Heligan near Mevagissey are one of the most extraordinary horticultural stories in British history. Covering some 200 acres of estate, the gardens at Heligan had been completely swallowed up by nature after the First World War took away virtually all of the estate’s gardening staff. The gardens lay abandoned for decades until their remarkable restoration began in the 1990s.
Today, Heligan is a place of genuine magic. The gardens are divided into distinct areas, each with its own character and atmosphere. The Jungle is probably the most spectacular — a subtropical valley where giant rhubarb, tree ferns, and bamboo create an impossibly exotic atmosphere in the heart of Cornwall. The Productive Gardens showcase Victorian kitchen gardening at its finest, with beautifully maintained glasshouses, melon houses, and a pineapple pit. The Woodland Walks wind through ancient woodland studded with remarkable sculptures, including the iconic Mud Maid, Grey Lady, and Giant’s Head.
Wildlife is exceptional throughout the estate, and the working farm adds to the sense of authentic, living heritage. Heligan is open all year round from 10am, making it a great destination in any season. Allow at least half a day, though most visitors find themselves wanting a full day to do justice to everything on offer.
Best for: Garden lovers, families, photographers, and anyone with an interest in social and horticultural history.
7. Cornwall’s 300+ Beaches
It would be wrong to write a guide to things to do near Bodmin without giving proper recognition to one of Cornwall’s greatest assets — its extraordinary coastline. Cornwall has over 300 beaches, ranging from vast, surf-battered Atlantic strands to tiny, sheltered coves accessible only on foot. Staying at Meadow Oak Accommodation puts you in an excellent central position to reach beaches on both the north and south coast within a reasonable drive.
On the North Cornwall coast, you’ll find dramatic, surf-friendly beaches like Polzeath, Daymer Bay (wonderful for families and paddleboarding on the Camel Estuary), Trebarwith Strand, and Bude. These beaches are known for their consistent Atlantic swells, making them ideal for surfing and bodyboarding. The scenery is wild and spectacular, with towering cliffs and wide open skies.
On the South Cornwall coast, the beaches tend to be smaller, more sheltered, and calmer — perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Lantic Bay, near Fowey, is a spectacular National Trust beach accessible by foot, while Porthcurno in west Cornwall, with its turquoise waters and clifftop Minack Theatre, is one of the most photogenic spots in the entire country. Charlestown near St Austell is a UNESCO-listed historic harbour that doubles as a beautiful beach destination and has featured in many TV productions.
Top tip: Avoid the car parks at peak times and instead look for the many hidden coves and smaller beaches that are signposted off the main roads. A decent OS map and a sense of adventure will reward you handsomely.
8. Bodmin Moor — The Cheesewring, The Hurlers, Jamaica Inn & The Kerdroya Labyrinth
Bodmin Moor is the rugged, beating heart of Cornwall, and it offers a collection of experiences quite unlike anywhere else in the country. This ancient landscape of granite tors, windswept moorland, and mysterious prehistoric monuments is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty — and once you venture out onto it, you’ll understand immediately why.
The Cheesewring (or Cheesewring as it’s formally spelled) is one of the moor’s most extraordinary natural features — a precarious-looking stack of naturally balanced granite slabs on top of Stowes Hill near the village of Minions. The geological formation, created over millions of years by weathering, looks almost impossibly man-made. The surrounding area also contains Daniel Gumb’s Cave, where an 18th-century quarryman carved his home into the rock face, and the remains of a rich copper and tin mining heritage.
The Hurlers are among the most impressive Bronze Age stone circles in the south-west of England. Dating back over 3,500 years, the three interlocking circles near Minions are steeped in legend — Cornish tradition holds that they were men turned to stone for the sin of playing the game of hurling on the Sabbath. The views across the moor from this spot are simply magnificent.
Jamaica Inn at Bolventor is one of Cornwall’s most famous landmarks, immortalised in Daphne du Maurier’s classic smuggling novel. Today it remains a working pub and hotel on the A30, where you can stop for a meal, explore the small museum dedicated to du Maurier’s life and work, and soak up the atmospheric surroundings that inspired her writing.
A brand new attraction has recently been added to the Bodmin Moor experience: the Kerdroya Labyrinth near Colliford Lake, created by Golden Tree Productions (goldentree.org.uk/kerdroya/). This remarkable contemporary labyrinth is a powerful piece of landscape art that blends ancient traditions with modern creativity, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the moor. It is fast becoming one of the most talked-about new attractions in Cornwall.
Also worth seeking out on the moor is the Story of Emily’s (see their Facebook page), a wonderful community-led heritage and cultural experience that brings the stories of Bodmin Moor to life in a unique and engaging way.
Don’t forget: Sturdy footwear and an OS map are essential for moorland exploration. Always check weather forecasts before heading out.
9. Bodmin & Wenford Steam Railway
For a truly nostalgic and thoroughly enjoyable day out, a journey on the Bodmin & Wenford Steam Railway is utterly unmissable. This is Cornwall’s only standard-gauge railway to operate both steam and diesel traction, and it offers visitors the rare pleasure of riding behind a working steam engine through some of the most beautiful countryside in the south-west.
The railway runs from Bodmin General Station (conveniently located near the town centre) to either Boscarne Junction, where it connects with the famous Camel Trail cycle route, or Bodmin Parkway on the main London Paddington line. The journey through the rolling hills and woodland valleys is utterly charming, with the steam engine adding an atmospheric quality that makes the whole experience feel genuinely special.
The railway is operated almost entirely by a dedicated team of volunteers, and the stations along the route have been lovingly restored to their 1950s character, complete with period signage, vintage coaches, and genuine British Railways memorabilia. There are special events throughout the year, including Thomas the Tank Engine days, Santa Specials, and evening dining trains — making it a brilliant destination for families and enthusiasts alike.
The Bodmin & Wenford Railway is a short drive or walk from Meadow Oak Accommodation, and we frequently recommend it as one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences in the area.
Practical info: Check the timetable in advance as services vary throughout the week. Tickets can be booked online or purchased at the station.
10. Restormel Castle, Lostwithiel
Just a few miles from Meadow Oak, Restormel Castle near Lostwithiel is one of the finest and most complete examples of a circular medieval fortress in the whole of England. Perched on an elevated mound above the River Fowey, this magnificent shell keep dates back to the early 14th century and was once the luxurious retreat of the Earls and Dukes of Cornwall — including the Black Prince himself, who was bestowed the castle by Edward III in 1337.
The great circular keep still stands to an impressive height, and walking along the inside walls gives visitors a real sense of the grandeur that once existed here. The high windows, immense fireplaces, and traces of the great hall are all clearly visible, making it remarkably easy to imagine life inside this medieval fortress. The elevated position also provides sweeping panoramic views over the River Fowey valley and the beautiful surrounding countryside.
The castle sits within parkland that is alive with wildlife and wildflowers in spring, and it makes a wonderful picnic spot. English Heritage manages the site, and admission is free for English Heritage members. The pretty town of Lostwithiel — just a short walk away — is well worth exploring in its own right, with its ancient guildhall, independent shops, artisan food producers, and welcoming pubs.
Restormel Castle is so close to Meadow Oak Accommodation that it’s practically on our doorstep, making it an easy and thoroughly rewarding half-day visit.
Opening: Open seasonally — check the English Heritage website for current opening times and admission prices.
Make Meadow Oak Your Base for Exploring Bodmin and Cornwall
The ten attractions described above represent just a fraction of what awaits you in and around Bodmin. With Meadow Oak Accommodation as your base, you have easy access to everything this extraordinary part of Cornwall has to offer, without the stress of long drives or expensive coastal accommodation.
We offer a range of stays to suit every type of guest. Our bed and breakfast option is perfect for those who want to start each day with a hearty Cornish breakfast before heading out to explore. Our self-catering facilities are ideal for families or guests who prefer the flexibility of their own kitchen. We also offer short breaks for those who only have a few days to spare, as well as long stays for guests who want to truly immerse themselves in all that Cornwall has to offer.
Whether you’re planning a romantic break for two or a relaxing break away from the stresses of daily life, Meadow Oak Accommodation provides the warm, comfortable, and affordable base you need to make the very most of your time in this magnificent part of the world.
Visit our places to visit page for more inspiration, and check our facilities to find out exactly what we offer to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Ready to book?
Contact us today and let us help you plan your perfect Cornish adventure from the heart of Bodmin.
