You might not fancy a night in the clink, but for one Brit, a stay at Bodmin Jail in Cornwall was nothing short of comforting. Travel advisor Sarah shared her experience on TikTok, giving viewers the lowdown on this curious Cornish attraction.
Nestled on the fringes of Bodmin Moor, the jail, built back in 1779, has been reborn from its ruins after ceasing its role as a prison in 1927. Fast forward to a redevelopment which commenced in 2015, and by 2021 it swung open its historic doors offering swanky rooms, an educational museum, a gift shop, guided tours and much more.
Captivated by its transformation, Sarah enthused in a caption: "Originally a notorious jail, this unique hotel was converted three years ago and still has the 'wow' factor," and declared: "The building has a definite atmosphere that you have to experience for yourself to believe."
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In her video, Sarah starts off among the floors of former cells, admitting she "didn't know what to expect" from the "most unique and intriguing" hotel she's ever encountered. As the tour unfolds, she delves into one of the revamped wings, lauding it as "five-star luxury" and welcoming of children and pets.
Meandering further, she points out preserved parts of the past like staircases that mysteriously "eerily lead to nowhere", as well as the original windows and ironworks. She raved: "The main staircase and walkways are impressive. The building is seriously quiet because the walls are super-thick. When you walk up and down the staircases, you feel like you're the only one there."
After describing the eerie sound of wind whistling through the jail's original air vents, Sarah unveiled other facilities, including the Chapel Restaurant - a former chapel of rest for inmates, a café, a fully-equipped gym, a champagne bar, and a 24-hour reception area. Sarah then entered her room, which was three former cells knocked into one, complete with a family room featuring a sofa bed and a dog bed.
She also showcased the room's complimentary mini bar and "beautiful bathroom". Guests can even request to stay in "haunted" rooms with "known activity" of the paranormal kind, she revealed. "I was told of a ghost of a little girl that has been seen in the hotel called Harriet," she added spookily.
Sarah concluded: "I'm told that kids enjoy exploring this quirky hotel, and I'd love to come back and see what it's like for families to stay here. Whether you're fascinated by history or curious about its haunted past, seeing this hotel in person is key. It's got its own personality, in the best way!"
The Bodmin Jail Hotel proudly proclaims on its website: "You will no longer find a dilapidated, derelict old building, but instead you will be in awe of the creative, contemporary design that weaves the past and present together. After 100 years of neglect, the Bodmin Jail is ready for new stories, cherished memories and unlimited possibilities. Come and see it for yourself!"
Excited by the hotel's transformation, one individual commented on Sarah's video, saying: "I would love to stay there," while expressing a desire to experience a 'haunted' room. Another chimed in with their own glowing review: "I've stayed here before with my mum! It was absolutely amazing! And only 30 mins to the Eden project and Charlestown! Would totally recommend going!"
However, not everyone is enthralled with the idea. One TikTok user admitted: "No, I heard the ghost in the naval jail before the hotel was built. Scary as," and another shared: "It is haunted, I've been on a physic investigation and there was loads of activity."
