Haunted Cornwall: Ghostly Tales from Bodmin’s Dark Heart
If Cornwall has a supernatural capital, Bodmin is it. Between its wild moors and centuries-old buildings, this quiet market town is home to some of the region’s most chilling legends. Ready to walk among ghosts?
Jamaica Inn
High on the windswept Bodmin Moor, Jamaica Inn is the stuff of Cornish legend. Built in 1750 and made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s novel, it once sheltered smugglers and outlaws. Guests have reported shadowy figures, mysterious footsteps, and the echo of a man’s voice speaking in old Cornish. The ghost of a murdered smuggler supposedly haunts the courtyard, still searching for his lost contraband. The inn even runs its own ghost tours — perfect for those brave enough to sleep under its creaking roof.
Bodmin Jail
Once a symbol of harsh Victorian justice, Bodmin Jail is now one of the most atmospheric visitor attractions in Cornwall — and one of its most haunted. Built in the 18th century, it saw over 50 public executions. Visitors describe cold spots, flickering lights, and the eerie feeling of being watched. The spirit of Selina Wadge, executed for the murder of her child, is said to wander the prison crying for forgiveness. The jail’s after-dark tours offer a terrifyingly immersive peek into this grim history.
The Beast of Bodmin Moor
While not exactly a ghost, this legend has haunted Cornwall’s collective imagination for decades. Locals have long spoken of a huge black cat roaming the moors, slaughtering livestock and vanishing into the mist. Whether you believe it’s a phantom panther or a flesh-and-blood creature, walking the moor at twilight is enough to raise the hairs on your neck.
From haunted inns to spectral prisoners and mysterious beasts, Bodmin offers the ultimate mix of folklore, fear, and fascination. Whether you’re chasing chills or Cornish history, one thing’s certain — the spirits of Bodmin aren’t resting easy.