Shire Hall Bodmin
Historic courthouse turned vibrant visitor centre, offering a unique Courtroom Experience and community hub in Bodmin.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant local atmosphere
Shire Hall Bodmin
Best Time
Vibrant local atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic courthouse turned vibrant visitor centre, offering a unique Courtroom Experience and community hub in Bodmin.
"A fascinating glimpse into Bodmin's past with friendly staff and a great community feel."
🎯 Friendly Staff & Info
Staff are super helpful with local history and tourist info. Grab a cuppa in the warm space! :coffee:
📅 Check Event Schedule
Look out for monthly markets and special events like Christmas lights! :calendar:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Courtroom Experience
Inside Shire Hall
Step back in time and witness a mock trial in this historic courtroom. A must-see for history buffs!
Architectural Gem
Exterior and Interior
Admire the stunning 1830s architecture, including the granite facade and cantilevered staircase.
Community Hub
Ground Floor & Gallery
Discover local history displays, grab tourist info, and enjoy the warm space with a cuppa.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check for Local Events
+2Explore the Courtroom Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Friendly Staff & Info
Staff are super helpful with local history and tourist info. Grab a cuppa in the warm space! +1 :coffee:
📅 Check Event Schedule
Look out for monthly markets and special events like Christmas lights!
🚶♀️ Local Walk Leaflets
Pick up leaflets for town and local walks at reception. Perfect for exploring the area. :hiking_boot:
🏛️ Explore the Gallery
Don't miss the first-floor gallery for more historical insights. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Friendly Staff & Info
Staff are super helpful with local history and tourist info. Grab a cuppa in the warm space! +1 :coffee:
📅 Check Event Schedule
Look out for monthly markets and special events like Christmas lights!
🚶♀️ Local Walk Leaflets
Pick up leaflets for town and local walks at reception. Perfect for exploring the area. :hiking_boot:
🏛️ Explore the Gallery
Don't miss the first-floor gallery for more historical insights. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Shire Hall Bodmin for its historical significance, particularly the Courtroom Experience and impressive architecture. The friendly and informative staff, along with the building's role as a community hub hosting markets and events, are frequently highlighted as positive aspects. Some reviews mention the potential for more community use of the second courtroom.
"Initially went inside as I thought there might be a tourist information type desk but there was so much more! This building use to be the local courthouse, containing 2 courtrooms. One is free to visit and has been set up in the style of an old fashioned trial. The other courtroom has been opened up as a community space. Staff very friendly and informative about the history. There's a good range of tourist information in the reception area and you can purchase additional leaflets of town and local walks too."
Elizabeth Baker
"Beautiful building, lovely helpful and friendly staff. There is a warm space where you can pop in and have a cuppa. There are monthly markets that are worth visiting and the Christmas light switch on was fabulous this year."
Mickayla Byrne
"Old Shire Hall is now a comprehensive visitor’s centre, with tourist information, displays of Bodmin’s history, and the Courtroom Experience. We liked the old building. Don’t miss first floor gallery"
Doug Neilson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shire Hall is centrally located in Bodmin town. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options include local bus services that stop close to the hall.
Yes, Shire Hall is a prominent building in Bodmin town centre, often used as a landmark for local events and markets.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the main areas of Shire Hall, including tourist information and the community space, is generally free. There might be specific events or exhibitions that require tickets. +1
Opening hours can vary, especially on market days or when events are scheduled. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
One courtroom is free to visit, set up as an old-fashioned trial. The other courtroom is a community space.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic courtrooms, learn about Bodmin's history through displays, get tourist information, and enjoy community events and markets. +1
Absolutely! It was the local courthouse until 1988 and features displays on Bodmin's history and a recreated trial courtroom. +1
Yes, Shire Hall has a reception area with a good range of tourist information, including leaflets for local walks. +1
Shire Hall frequently hosts monthly markets, craft fairs, and community gatherings. They also participate in town events like Christmas light switch-ons.
The warm space is a welcoming area where visitors can relax, have a cuppa, and find a friendly atmosphere.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
While Shire Hall itself offers a 'warm space' with the option for a cuppa, there are cafes and eateries nearby in Bodmin town centre.
Yes, the monthly craft and community markets often feature local food vendors selling treats and produce.
📸 📸 Photography
The building's architecture, especially the granite facade and interior staircase, makes for great photos. Drone photography of the exterior during events like Christmas lights is also popular.
Focus on the imposing granite front facade and the unique cantilevered staircase inside. The exterior during festive events is also a popular subject.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for community markets which often have a lively atmosphere and diverse stalls that can capture children's interest. Picking up local walk leaflets from the visitor centre can also be a great way to plan a family-friendly exploration of Bodmin after your visit.
📚 Book Lovers
The mobile library also makes regular stops outside Shire Hall, providing access to a wide range of reading materials and encouraging participation in reading challenges.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Bodmin's Judicial Past
One of the most compelling aspects of a visit is the Courtroom Experience. This setup allows visitors to step into a recreated old-fashioned trial, providing an immersive understanding of the judicial proceedings that once took place within these walls. While one courtroom is dedicated to this experience, another has been thoughtfully transformed into a vibrant community space, demonstrating the building's evolution and continued relevance.
Beyond the courtrooms, Shire Hall functions as a comprehensive visitor's centre. Here, you can find essential tourist information, browse displays detailing Bodmin's rich history, and even pick up leaflets for local walks. The friendly and informative staff are always on hand to share insights, making it a welcoming hub for both locals and tourists.
Community Events and Markets
+1These markets create a lively atmosphere, transforming the area outside Shire Hall into a bustling marketplace. Visitors can often find everything from handmade soaps and cakes to books and artisanal goods. The Christmas light switch-on is another highlight, showcasing the hall's role in town celebrations and drawing significant crowds.
Beyond markets, Shire Hall also hosts other community activities, such as the mobile library visits, providing access to books and promoting reading challenges. It's also been a venue for performances, like poetry readings, demonstrating its versatility as a space for cultural engagement.
+1 Checking the local listings or Shire Hall's social media is recommended to catch these engaging events. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit