Bodmin was once the county town of Cornwall.  The town grew up around the St Petroc’s Monastery in the 6th century and hence the name Bodmin was dervived from the Cornish ‘bod’ (dwelling) and ‘monegh’ (monks). 

Attractions in the town include the Bodmin Museum and Bodmin Gaol, once notorious for public executions but now open to the public. For steam enthusiasts a ride on the Bodmin and Wentford Steam Railway is a must.

Bodmin moor is 100 square mile of wild and windswept granite uplands.  Although smaller than Dartmoor and Exmoor, Bodmin Moor it is well known to visitors who pass along the A30 that cuts through the area.  The highest point of the moor is also the highest point in Cornwall, this is Brown Willy at 1377 feet, and Rough Tor at 1300 feet close behind. 

Along the edge of Rough Tor visitors can see evidence of Stone age settlements and field systems.

The moor is also home to Dozmary Pool, which according to the legend, is where Arthur's sword Excalibur was thrown after the Battle of Camlann. From the waters of the lake rose the hand of the Lady of the Lake to receive the sword.

The most infamous site on Bodmin Moor has to be the Jamaica Inn near the village of Bolventor. Once a lonely desolate inn used by smugglers in the 18th century, it was immortalised by Daphne du Maurier in her haunting book, Jamaica Inn.  Today the Inn stands on the A30.