Bodmin’s Jamaica Inn offers more than a bed for the night – it’s steeped in smuggling history and shrouded in paranormal mystery. Whether you’re here for the eerie tales or the stunning surroundings, there’s something for everyone. Here are the ten best things to do at the Jamaica Inn, Cornwall!
The world-famous Jamaica Inn isn’t just a historic coaching house. Though you can stay here overnight, it is more than just a place to rest your head at night. Based on the remote moors of Bodmin, you’ll also find a restaurant and bar, a museum, a gift shop and a farm shop on-site. It’s more like a tourist attraction! When we visited, I spoke to guests who had travelled far and wide to visit – some as far as from Australia!
Because there is so much to see and discover in this iconic place, I’ve put together a quick guide to the best things to see and do here. Here’s what not to miss at the Jamaica Inn when visiting.
Want to see inside this iconic inn? Here’s a quick video about our stay!
Have a Drink in the Smugglers Bar
If there’s one thing you absolutely must do when visiting, it’s to enjoy a drink in the smuggler’s bar. This large but so cosy bar is an experience in itself. You could settle down into a comfortable armchair next to the roaring fire or sit up at the bar to chat with staff about the inn’s history. But personally, I would recommend having at least a few drinks as the bar offers such a cool atmosphere with lots of history on its walls to marvel at.
It’s no wonder Daphne du Maurier’s based her novel here! The inn has a rich history tied to Cornish smuggling routes, making it the perfect setting for du Maurier’s iconic novel. On a misty night, with the fire roaring inside, it’s truly an experience. Be sure to try their Jamaica Inn Rum or Ale while you’re at it!
Grab a Bite to Eat in the Pedlars Restaurant
Much like the bar, the onsite restaurant has tons of character with exposed wooden beams, beautiful stained glass windows and pirate-esque-themed artwork and pictures on the walls. And the food is delicious too! It’s really high quality and super tasty. I enjoyed Wild Mushroom Risotto, whilst my partner tucked into the Jamaica Inn Venison Stew. Between us, we shared Truffle, Parmesan & Rosemary Fries.
Read more: Everything You Need to Know About The Jamaica Inn, Cornwall
Explore the Smuggler’s Museum
The Smuggler’s Museum is a true gem in the inn. There’s so much to see inside and learn about, from the history of smuggling in Cornwall to all about Daphne du Maurier and her connection to the Jamaica Inn – plus a recreation of the room she used to stay in. You can also watch a short movie, which highlights more about the inn itself and its paranormal past.
Browse the Gift Shop (And Pick up a Copy Of Daphne du Maurier’s Jamaica Inn)
I wasn’t initially tempted to read Daphne du Maurier’s Jamaica Inn, but staying here definitely inspired me to pick up a copy. So I picked up a copy in the Jamaica Inn gift shop. I love that every time I read it, I can remember the wonderful trip I took and where I bought the book from.
I think it’s amazing that the inn has its own gift shop, and it sells everything from historic books and beautiful art from around Cornwall to witchy supplies and souvenirs. I’m not going to lie, I wanted everything. Even the Ouuji boards they had for sale!
I settled for my novel, a book about paranormal Cornwall, a souvenir snowglobe and a little traditional lucky Piskie, which I now keep in my purse for luck. But I could have spent so much money there.
Grab a Photo at Joss’s Bar
In one of the smaller areas of the bar, you can find a little photo op that represents scenes from the novel, Jamaica Inn. I actually didn’t know this existed before I went and we just stumbled across this when exploring all the different cosy corners in the Smuggler’s Bar! Whether you’ve read the book or not, it’s a fun little photo op that also counts as a reminder of your stay.
…and Visit the Spot Where Joss Merlyn Was Killed
Another nod to Daphne du Maurier’s Jamaica Inn is a small golden plaque placed into the vintage red carpet in the Smuggler’s Bar. I haven’t finished reading the book yet, so I can’t share too much insight into this, but basically, it’s a plaque dedicated to a character in the book – not a real murder!
At least, not in this exact spot anyway. Murders have definitely happened at the Jamaica Inn!
Purchase Some Cornish Produce From the Farm Shop
Packed with Cornish produce, the farm shop stocks everything from homemade jams and chutneys, chillis to charcuterie meats, patés and much more. There are also some handmade gifts in the shop and extra essentials you might want to stock up on during your stay like milk, eggs etc.
Stay the Night… If you dare!
I would absolutely recommend staying the night at the Jamaica Inn if you get the chance. There really is nothing like driving through the misty moors at night and seeing the historic stone building, checking into one of its warm and cosy (and perhaps even spooky!) rooms. We visited in October, so it was extra spooky with Halloween decorations, but one day I’d like to return over Christmas.
There are also plenty of events that run at the inn, like paranormal investigations (of course) and murder mystery nights, which sound SO fun. They have various themes, too, from The Haunted Mansion to A Midsummer Night Murder!
Personally, I loved staying here. Exploring Bodmin by day, then returning to soak up the atmosphere with a drink in the bar before heading to our room upstairs was the perfect way to wind down. I could have easily stayed for a week without getting bored. While the inn is definitely haunted, the vibe is more fun and spooky than eerie – though I’m sure I’d feel differently if we had stayed in one of the haunted rooms! I did visit the haunted corridor (pictured above), and that definitely had a more unsettling atmosphere.
Learn more about staying overnight at The Jamaica Inn in my guide: Everything You Need to Know about The Jamaica Inn, Cornwall.
Explore the Moors
The Jamaica Inn is based in a very atmospheric part of Cornwall, with rugged and beautiful moors for miles around. It’s the perfect place for a rambling holiday, particularly as it’s an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The moors are home to scenic walks, stunning waterfalls and a surprising amount of ancient sites and folklore spots.
Not far from the Jamaica Inn are Golitha Falls, The Cheesewring and Rillaton Barrow, as well as the Trippet Stone Circle, Leskernick Stone Circle and Stannon Stone Circle. There are a lot of stone circles – all within a 30-minute drive of the inn!
I’d definitely recommend checking out Dozmary Pool (it’s a mere five-minute drive away from the inn or a 30-minute walk – just cross the road and follow the lane!) which has plenty of folklore and legends attached. This pool (it’s actually a lake) is steeped in mystery and legend. And if you have more time, head into Bodmin to visit Bodmin Jail too.
Bodmin Moor is also the UK’s first International Dark Sky Place in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)! And let me tell you, the night sky is stunning on the moors. I couldn’t believe how bright and vivid the stars were. We even spotted the Northern Lights one evening!
Hunt for the Beast of Bodmin
Whilst in the area, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the Beast of Bodmin! This legendary piece of folklore (depending on what you believe!) has been around for at least three decades, telling the story of a phantom black cat the size of a puma that stalks the moors of Cornwall.
Over 60 reports have been filed since 1978, with sightings (and pictures/footage!) of a large cat-like creature with sharp teeth and white-yellow eyes. As well as eyewitnesses, there have also been reports of mutilated livestock. In 1995, The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food conducted an official investigation into the Beast of Bodmin, stating that there was no verifiable evidence of a phantom black cat stalking the moors, yet sightings still continue…
Despite being in a pretty remote location, the Jamaica Inn Cornwall has tons to see and do! I honestly felt like two nights were not enough there, as we spent a lot of time in Bodmin during our stay. However, I feel like visiting and staying overnight was a real bucket list experience for me and I’m glad I got to check it off. Next on the list is a stay there for New Year’s Eve, I think!
If you’re heading to Cornwall, the Jamaica Inn is a must-visit. Its blend of history, mystery, and folklore will leave you wanting to return again and again. Even if you just head inside for a quick drink, you won’t regret stepping over the threshold of this iconic Smuggler’s bar!
The Jamaica Inn
www.jamaicainn.co.uk
Jamaica Inn, Bolventor, Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, PL15 7TS
Free entry or ££3.95 to enter the Smugglers Museum. Room rates start at £61.00 per night.
There are toliets on site, a restaurant, farm shop and a small gift shop. There’s also a large free car park outside.
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