Bodmin Keep – The Home of Cornwall’s Regiment
The original home of the (DCLI) Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry.
1 / 10

Bodmin Keep Cornwall Regimental Museum

4.6
·435 reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore Cornwall's rich military heritage at Bodmin Keep, home to over 12,000 artifacts, uniforms, and weapons.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Bodmin Keep – The Home of Cornwall’s Regiment
The original home of the (DCLI) Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry.

Bodmin Keep Cornwall Regimental Museum

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Cornwall's rich military heritage at Bodmin Keep, home to over 12,000 artifacts, uniforms, and weapons.

4.6
(435 reviews)

"A fantastic museum staffed by people with a passion for the exhibits, making a huge difference!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff

Staff are passionate and informative, enhancing the museum experience. Don't hesitate to ask questions!

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Bring your canine companions! Bodmin Keep is a dog-friendly museum, perfect for pet owners.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

World War II Immersion

World War II Immersion

Exhibition Rooms

Experience authentic World War II scenarios with dressing up, rationing workshops, and trench exercises.

Extensive Military Artifacts

Extensive Military Artifacts

Main Exhibition Halls

Explore over 12,000 artifacts, including weapons, battlefield letters, uniforms, and personal stories.

DCLI Memorial

DCLI Memorial

Museum Grounds

A poignant memorial to remember soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Services are held on Remembrance Sunday.

Dog-Friendly Exploration

Dog-Friendly Exploration

Museum and Grounds

Bring your furry friends along! Bodmin Keep welcomes dogs, making it a great outing for the whole family.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Bodmin Keep

Discover Cornwall's military heritage at Bodmin Keep. Allow at least 1-2 hours to explore the extensive collection of artifacts, uniforms, and weaponry. Consider visiting during special event days for living history demonstrations.

Accessibility and Amenities

Bodmin Keep offers a picnic area and toilets. While the main exhibits are upstairs, there's a small building with cells downstairs. Check their website for specific accessibility details and any temporary closures.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Special event days
Why
Living history, reenactments, unique atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Half-term holidays
Why
Family-friendly activities and events
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

*Trigger Warning: Everything* Is this post still up? Bodmin Jail is a fantastic but slightly scary hotel which involves talking about the things that the filters don’t like. #bodmin #cornwalltiktok #cornwall #PlacesToVisit #hotelreview #britishhumour #ukcomedy #satire #LearnOnTikTok
@philc84
65.5K likes • 709K views

🎯 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff

Staff are passionate and informative, enhancing the museum experience. Don't hesitate to ask questions! Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Bring your canine companions! Bodmin Keep is a dog-friendly museum, perfect for pet owners. Instagram

Enjoying my morning @bodminkeep 🪖Do you like my soldier hat? Hehe . . #bodminkeep#bodmin#cornwall#dogfriendlycornwall#holiday#adventure#lurcher#lurcherlove#deerhound#deerhoundcross#rescuedog#sighthound#foreverhome
its_mr_lupin
114 likes • 0 views
It’s been a jam-packed week in Prep School, with two exciting trips to complete a busy half term of learning. Prep 6 headed to Bodmin Keep as part of their History studies on World War II. The girls were immersed into an authentic World War experience, with dressing up, rationing workshops, and interactive trench exercises, finishing with a team building session lead by Army Veterans from Footstep...
trurohighschoolforgirls
51 likes • 0 views

⏳ Allow Ample Time

You can easily spend an hour or more exploring the exhibits. Plan accordingly for a thorough visit. Reddit

👕 Kids' Dress-Up & Quiz

Engage younger visitors with children's uniforms to try on and an interactive quiz. Reddit

Snowfall upon #BodminKeep ❄️ Is it snowing where you are? #Bodmin #Cornwall #Museum
bodminkeep
36 likes • 355 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff

Staff are passionate and informative, enhancing the museum experience. Don't hesitate to ask questions! Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Bring your canine companions! Bodmin Keep is a dog-friendly museum, perfect for pet owners. Instagram

⏳ Allow Ample Time

You can easily spend an hour or more exploring the exhibits. Plan accordingly for a thorough visit. Reddit

👕 Kids' Dress-Up & Quiz

Engage younger visitors with children's uniforms to try on and an interactive quiz. Reddit

🚗 Parking Options

Limited parking at the Keep, but roadside and pay-and-display car parks are nearby. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(435 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Bodmin Keep for its extensive and well-presented collection of military artifacts, highlighting the passion and knowledge of the staff. The dog-friendly policy and engaging activities for children are also frequently mentioned positives. Some visitors note the admission price and the upstairs location of main exhibits.

"Young lady on front desk was informative and enthusiastic about the museum and its purpose. Definitely worth a visit.
Extensive collection of war memorabilia. £9.00 per adult admission price."

Ph93

"Visited here as I just visited Bodmin jail around the corner.Parked on the road right outside. It’s a militaria museum on a couple of levels nicely laid out. There’s a small building with 3 cells in downstairs. You can spend about an hour here and adults are £7 kids £3. Free re-entry for 12months. Friendly staff,picnic area,snacks and drinks and toilets available.Museum is mainly upstairs."

Mick Spanner

"Visited here today Found it very interesting Exhibits well laid out and labelled Small amount of parking at the keep but roadside parking and a pay and display car park within a very short distance Picnic tables outside and toilets on site Stairs to climb to visit the exhibits Uniforms for children to dress up in as well as a quiz for them to do on the way round The staff were friendly and helpful We all enjoyed our visit"

janice ellins

What People Like

Informative and enthusiastic staff
Extensive military memorabilia
Dog-friendly policy

What People Dislike

Admission price
Upstairs exhibits

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Bodmin Keep is located in Bodmin, Cornwall. Limited parking is available on-site, with additional roadside parking and a pay-and-display car park nearby. Reddit Public transport options to Bodmin can be researched via local bus and train services.

The museum is generally easy to locate within Bodmin. Look for signage directing you to the museum or the nearby Bodmin Jail, as they are in proximity. Reddit

The nearest major train station is Bodmin Parkway. From there, you would typically need to take a local bus or taxi to reach Bodmin Keep. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Adult admission is around £7-£9, with concessions for children. The museum offers free re-entry for 12 months with your ticket. Reddit

While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or for special events. Check their official website for the most up-to-date ticketing information. Instagram

Discounts may be available for children, seniors, and families. Keep an eye out for special offers or group rates advertised on their website or social media. Instagram

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Bodmin Keep website for the most current opening times before your visit. Instagram

Yes, Bodmin Keep sometimes offers free entry on specific days, particularly during half-term holidays. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Bodmin Keep houses an extensive collection of over 12,000 military artifacts, including weapons, uniforms, battlefield letters, and personal stories from various conflicts. Reddit

Yes, children can enjoy dressing up in uniforms and participating in an interactive quiz. The World War II exhibits also offer engaging learning experiences. InstagramReddit

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits. Instagram

Absolutely! Bodmin Keep is a dog-friendly museum, so you can bring your well-behaved canine companions along for your visit. Instagram

Yes, Bodmin Keep provides toilets on-site and has picnic tables available for visitors who wish to bring their own food. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the atmosphere of the military exhibits, the DCLI Memorial, and any living history reenactments. The dog-friendly aspect also offers unique photo opportunities. Instagram+2

It's advisable to check for specific signage regarding flash photography, as it can sometimes damage delicate artifacts. Personal photos are generally allowed. Instagram

While personal photography is usually permitted, always be mindful of other visitors and any areas where photography might be restricted for preservation or privacy reasons. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Bodmin Keep is a great family outing! Children can dress up in historical uniforms and tackle an interactive quiz as they explore the exhibits. InstagramReddit The World War II displays offer engaging insights into wartime life, making history come alive. The museum is also dog-friendly, so your furry family members can join the adventure too! Instagram

With picnic facilities available, you can easily spend a good portion of the day here. The friendly and enthusiastic staff are always happy to answer questions, making the visit educational and fun for all ages. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

Bodmin Keep is a dog-friendly museum, a rare gem that allows you to explore Cornwall's military history with your canine companion by your side. Instagram Your dog can accompany you through the exhibits, making it a perfect outing for pet owners who don't want to leave their furry friends behind. Instagram

This inclusive approach means you can enjoy the museum's extensive collection of artifacts, uniforms, and stories without having to compromise on your pet's company. It's a wonderful way to experience a historical site together. Instagram

📚 History Enthusiasts

For those with a deep interest in military history, Bodmin Keep offers an extensive collection of over 12,000 artifacts. Reddit You'll find detailed exhibits on the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry and other regiments, featuring weapons, battlefield letters, uniforms, and personal accounts. Reddit The museum's staff are often praised for their in-depth knowledge and passion, providing valuable context and insights that go beyond the displays. Reddit

Keep an eye out for special exhibitions, such as the 'Americans in Cornwall' display, which delve into specific historical connections. Instagram The museum also actively participates in commemorative events, offering a chance to connect with significant historical moments. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Cornwall's Military History

Bodmin Keep, the Cornwall Regimental Museum, offers a deep dive into the military history of Cornwall and its people. With over 12,000 artifacts, the museum meticulously chronicles the experiences of soldiers from various regiments, most notably the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry (DCLI). Visitors can expect to see a comprehensive range of weapons, uniforms, medals, and personal items that tell compelling stories of service and sacrifice. The exhibits are thoughtfully laid out, providing context and historical background for each display. Reddit

The museum goes beyond just displaying artifacts; it aims to bring history to life. Interactive elements, such as dressing up in historical uniforms and engaging quizzes, make the experience more immersive, especially for younger visitors. InstagramReddit Special attention is given to significant periods like World War II, with exhibits that recreate aspects of trench warfare and wartime life. The museum also commemorates important events, such as Remembrance Sunday, with services at the DCLI Memorial. Instagram

What truly sets Bodmin Keep apart is the passion of its staff. Many are deeply knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the exhibits, offering personal insights and anecdotes that enrich the visitor's understanding. Reddit This dedication ensures that the stories of Cornwall's military heritage are preserved and shared in a meaningful way. The museum is also proud to be dog-friendly, allowing visitors to share their historical exploration with their pets. Instagram

Living History and Special Events

Bodmin Keep frequently hosts living history events that transport visitors back in time. These events often feature reenactment groups like The D-Day Dodgers and The West Country Tommies, who bring historical periods to life with authentic displays and demonstrations. Instagram Visitors can witness historical encampments, learn about daily life during wartime, and interact with reenactors who are passionate about sharing their knowledge. These events provide a unique and engaging way to connect with the past, offering a more visceral understanding of military history than static displays alone. Instagram

These special occasions are a fantastic opportunity to experience the museum in a dynamic way. From World War I trench experiences to World War II scenarios, the reenactments are meticulously researched and executed. Instagram+1 The museum's calendar is often updated with these events, so checking their website or social media channels before your visit is highly recommended to make the most of your trip. Instagram The atmosphere during these events is often described as vibrant and educational, making them a highlight for many visitors. Instagram

You may also like