Historic jail unlocked as unique luxury retreat

A former Victorian prison has been given a new lease of life as a luxury hotel combining more than two centuries of history with modern hospitality.

Bodmin Jail Hotel in Cornwall occupies the Grade II-listed Bodmin Jail, which was built in 1779 during the reign of King George III and housed thousands of prisoners before closing in 1927.

Following decades of dereliction, the landmark reopened as a hotel in 2021 after a £50 million restoration designed to preserve its historic character while introducing contemporary accommodation.

Original granite cells have been transformed into boutique suites, while the prison’s central atrium remains at the heart of the building.

Guests can also dine at The Chapel Restaurant, located within the former prison chapel and serving menus centred around locally sourced Cornish produce.

Jackie Kelly, group sales manager at Bodmin Jail Hotel, said: “The transformation of Bodmin Jail was a huge project with many complex layers.

“The hotel intertwines the imposing original architecture of the jail with creative, contemporary design, which retains 85 per cent of the original fabric, enhancing the unrivalled atmosphere and sense of history.

“Every design decision was carefully considered to preserve the character and craftsmanship of the original prison, while introducing the comfort, warmth and elegance that today’s guests expect.”

The hotel’s history includes prisoners such as Sarah Polgrean, who was sentenced to death in 1820 for poisoning her husband, and William Hampton, the final person to be executed at Bodmin Jail and in Cornwall in 1909.

Visitors can delve further into the building's past through themed packages including The Prisoner’s Experience, which combines storytelling with a ‘Last Dinner’, and the Governor Experience, offering additional comforts and access to the jail's history.

Jackie added: “We have taken a space that was once defined by confinement and transformed it into the ultimate choice for luxurious experiences and immersive indulgence. 

“It should be added to every UK staycation bucket list.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.