Bodmin Jail Hotel – The Prisoner Experience (Would You Do It?)
You’ve heard the stories of haunted jails… but would you actually spend the night in one?
We headed to Bodmin Jail Hotel for their Prisoner Experience — a new interactive package that lets guests step into the shoes of prisoners, wardens, or governors, all while staying at this luxury hotel in the heart of Cornwall.
(Disclosure: Our stay was gifted in collaboration with The Bodmin Jail Hotel. However, this review is entirely honest and based on our genuine experience.)
What is the Prisoner Experience?
Before arriving, I avoided all spoilers — no Googling, no reels, nothing! I’m so glad I did it that way.
Here’s the gist: you check into this stunning 5-star hotel (a former jail with a £65 million refurbishment), and take on a role — prisoner, warden, or governor. As a prisoner, you’re treated like one — barked at by wardens, ordered around, and if you’re unlucky (like we were), made to stand facing a wall.
It sounds intense, but it’s also fun — and the actors playing wardens are so good at what they do. We were told afterward that the more people get into character, the better it all flows… and I believe it. I’d definitely recommend just going with it.
A Luxury Hotel… with a Dark Past
Bodmin Jail Hotel opened nearly five years ago, transformed from a derelict prison into a boutique hotel and forms part of the Tudor Hotels Collection. It’s definitely one of the most atmospheric places I’ve ever stayed.
The experience starts in the Naval Wing with a glass of champagne before you’re whisked away by a warden on a walking tour of the jail’s history. You’ll learn about inmates from the past, including women, men, and even children as young as eight who were once imprisoned here.
There are stories of suicide (which used to be illegal), public hangings (including Cornwall’s biggest “whodunnit”), and even how well-behaved prisoners were gradually moved up towards the light — literally. At one point, the jail was five stories high with a glass roof, and had features considered modern for the time, like outdoor exercise areas and single-occupant cells.
Dinner… Prison-Style (But Gourmet)
One of the most memorable parts of the stay is dinner.
You’re taken to the Chapel Restaurant (a beautiful converted chapel), seated on communal tables with strangers — just like it might’ve been in the past. There’s no menu. You eat what you’re given.
We had:
- Mushroom soup (not for me, but very realistic!)
- Steak pie with mash, crusty bread, and veg
- A rich chocolate pudding with raspberries and cream (10/10, would eat again)
If you’ve got dietary requirements and preferences, make sure you let the team know. I forgot to say I don’t eat red meat, which was my mistake — but the pudding made up for it.
Paranormal Tour & Ghost Stories
You’ll also hear stories about the ghosts said to haunt the jail: Mr Shuffles, The Peepers, Sausage Fingers (yep), and more. Ask the museum staff if you want the full lowdown — they’re brilliant and appear passionate about their jobs – they genuinely love sharing what they know and are very respectful of those that would have lived in the prison.
After dinner, you’re led into the jail’s darker corners for a paranormal tour — including time in the basement with EMF readers and dowsing rods. My reader spiked a few times, and the rods crossed when I asked if someone was there… creepy, but maybe coincidence? Who knows.
Yes, we heard a few noises behind the walls (pipes maybe?), but honestly… you are sleeping in a 250-year-old prison. That’s all part of it, right?
There are still signs of the building’s past too — scratches in the stone, food slots in the wall, old ironwork. I loved that they kept these little details.
What’s It Like to Stay?
This was my second visit, and the hotel itself still wows me. The room (we stayed in Room 225) had all the luxury touches you’d expect:
We also treated ourselves to drinks:
- Super comfy bed
- Huge freestanding bath + rainfall shower
- Chromecast TV system (you can even hear it in the bathroom)
- Complimentary mini bar
- Fluffy robes, sliding wardrobes, suede chairs — every detail felt thoughtful
A Twist We Didn’t Expect
Something I hadn’t thought about going in was how social the experience would be.
We ended up seated with a table full of strangers — including a team of cyclists doing John o’Groats to Land’s End for Dementia UK (who booked it accidentally, and had no idea what they were in for). It was such a fun part of the evening and really added to the immersion.
Final Thoughts
I think this experience works because it’s not just a themed dinner or a history tour — it’s a mix of real stories, immersive acting, a bit of theatre, and a whole lot of unexpected connections.
It’s also clear the hotel team genuinely care — they even gathered feedback from us all at the end of the evening, which I loved.
I’m not going to spoil everything, because part of the joy is not knowing what’s coming. But I will say: if you’re up for something different — something that makes you laugh, squirm, think, and learn about what happened in a real prison — Bodmin Jail Hotel’s Prisoner Experience is definitely worth it.
This was a gifted stay, but we paid for extras, and my opinions are, as always, honest. I’d go back in a heartbeat… though maybe not to spend the night in the basement.
What about you, would you stay here?
⚡ Quick Info:
- Hotel: Bodmin Jail Hotel, Cornwall
- Experience: The Prisoner Experience (overnight stay + immersive event + access to the Bodmin Experience)
- Website: https://www.bodminjailhotel.com
- Nearby Attraction: Bodmin Jail Museum – highly recommend the guided tours, they are brilliant.
I have been to Bodmin Jail hotel before, but not to stay. You can read more about this experience here.
Ready to Book?
Want to try this experience for yourself? The prisoner, warden or governor experience can be booked direct with Bodmin Hotel here.
Should you just want a stay at the hotel, which is an experience in itself, you can also book via the link below.
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