This Christmas, Bodmin Jail invites visitors to embrace the magic, mystery, and mischief of the festive season with two limited-run experiences: the Naughty or Nice Guided Tour and the Christmas Ghost Walk. Whether you’re seeking a delve into Victorian winter traditions or a spine-chilling seasonal night-time adventure, Bodmin Jail offers a Christmas experience unlike any other
The Naughty or Nice Guided Tour
Perfect for families, festive outings, and anyone curious about the true meaning of being “naughty or nice,” this special guided tour uncovers the winter traditions, punishments, and peculiarities of Christmases past.
Led by the Jail’s expert storytellers, guests will:
• Explore the darker – and occasionally humorous – side of Victorian justice
• Learn how the festive season was celebrated behind prison walls
• Discover how concepts of good and bad behaviour shaped the era’s harsh sentencing
• Enjoy a tour that blends history, folklore, and festive fun
The Christmas Ghost Walk
For those craving something a little more chilling as the nights draw in, Bodmin Jail presents the Christmas Ghost Walk – a lantern-lit journey through the shadowed cells where history refuses to rest.
In this atmospheric experience, guests will:
• Hear authentic tales of hauntings, apparitions, and unexplained encounters
• Learn about Cornwall’s winter ghost traditions and long-forgotten local legends
• Follow the footsteps of figures said to linger within the Jail’s walls
• Embrace the darker side of the festive season with a uniquely Bodmin twist
Perfect for couples, groups of friends, or anyone with a taste for the paranormal, this experience pairs seasonal storytelling with genuine chills. Recommended for ages 12+
Festive Food, Gifts & Winter Warmth
Visitors don’t need a ticket to enjoy everything the site has to offer. Bodmin Jail’s Moor Café is open to everyone – whether you’re popping in for a hot chocolate in front of a roaring fire, a festive treat, or a cosy place to meet friends.
Alongside the café, our retail spaces – including the brand-new The Other Side store – are open daily and packed with seasonal surprises. From unusual Christmas gifts to paranormal-inspired treasures, the shops offer something for those seeking a more unconventional festive present.
New for Winter: Free Paranormal Audio Trail
All standard entry tickets now include our brand-new Paranormal Audio Trail – a self-guided journey through Bodmin Jail’s most mysterious spaces. Layered with eyewitness accounts, historical evidence, and immersive sound design, the trail brings Cornwall’s supernatural heritage to life in a fresh, accessible way.
