St Petroc's Church, Bodmin - Image 1
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St Petroc's Church Bodmin

4.6
·175 reviews·, United Kingdom

Cornwall's largest church, St. Petroc's offers stunning architecture, a rich history, and a unique venue for concerts and events.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

December

Festive Christmas Tree Festival

CrowdMedium
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St Petroc's Church, Bodmin - Image 1

St Petroc's Church Bodmin

Best Time

December

Festive Christmas Tree Festival

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Cornwall's largest church, St. Petroc's offers stunning architecture, a rich history, and a unique venue for concerts and events.

4.6
(175 reviews)

"A surprisingly good venue for a concert. Beautiful church and was a fabulous venue for music."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Event Tickets Early

For popular concerts, early bird tickets sell out fast! Book online to secure your spot.

🚶 Explore the Ruins

Don't miss the atmospheric 15th-century ruins behind the main church for a different perspective.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Ruined Church

The Ruined Church

Behind the main sanctuary

Discover the atmospheric remains of the original 15th-century church, a stark contrast to the main building.

Reddit
Christmas Tree Festival

Christmas Tree Festival

Main church interior

Experience the festive spirit with beautifully decorated trees during the annual Christmas Tree Festival.

Instagram+1
Concert Venue

Concert Venue

Main sanctuary

Enjoy live music in this unique setting, from classical ensembles to tribute bands.

Instagram+5
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Planning Your Visit

Check for Events Before You Go

St. Petroc's Church is a popular venue for concerts and events, from classical music to ABBA tributes. Check their schedule to see if your visit coincides with a special performance or to plan your trip around one. Instagram+5

Explore Beyond the Main Sanctuary

While the main church is impressive, don't miss the original 15th-century ruined church behind it. This atmospheric area offers a unique historical perspective and is perfect for quiet contemplation or photography. Reddit

Best Times

When
December
Why
Festive Christmas Tree Festival
Crowd
Medium
When
Event evenings
Why
Unique concert atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Come and have a mooch with me 😊 Just around the corner from Smithfield Market lies one of the City of London’s absolute gems St Bartholomew the Great, the oldest surviving parish church in the City. I like to approach it from a slightly different angle, walking through the narrow alley of Cloth Court. I hope you enjoy that touch too! It’s the perfect build-up: tucked away in these lanes you’ll pa...
@londonlayers1
3.3K likes • 53.8K views

🎟️ Book Event Tickets Early

For popular concerts, early bird tickets sell out fast! Book online to secure your spot. Instagram+2

🚶 Explore the Ruins

Don't miss the atmospheric 15th-century ruins behind the main church for a different perspective. Reddit

Join us!! ✨🎉 For a superb evening of classical music in Cornwall's largest church - the beautiful St Petroc's, Bodmin! Performed by Symfoni Kernow 🎵 on Saturday 6th September. Book your tickets now 🔗 https://intobodmin.co.uk/events
intobodminevents
3 likes • 197 views
Mighty St Petroc's in Bodmin, Cornwall. A fortress of a building on the edge of the moor. This is one of those buildings that you can imagine a 16th century peasant looking at and thinking "this God fella must be pretty powerful." It straddles that fine line between awe and terror. Amazing. #cornwall #Church #chuchcrawling #churches #visitcornwall #bodmin #amazingplaces #gothic #gothicchurch #chu...
ecclesiasangliae
26 likes • 280 views

📸 Capture the Autumn Glow

Visit in autumn for beautiful golden light illuminating the church. Instagram

🤫 Be Mindful During Services

If visiting during a service, be respectful of worshippers. Reddit

Beautiful St. Petroc’s Church shines in autumn’s golden glow 🍂☀️ #StPetrocsChurch #stpetrocschurchbodmin #autumn #ExploreCornwall #bodmin #cornishheritage #AutumnVibes #visitbodmin #discovercornwall #CornwallChurches
bodminway
11 likes • 197 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Event Tickets Early

For popular concerts, early bird tickets sell out fast! Book online to secure your spot. Instagram+2

🚶 Explore the Ruins

Don't miss the atmospheric 15th-century ruins behind the main church for a different perspective. Reddit

📸 Capture the Autumn Glow

Visit in autumn for beautiful golden light illuminating the church. Instagram

🤫 Be Mindful During Services

If visiting during a service, be respectful of worshippers. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(175 reviews)

Reviews Summary

St. Petroc's Church is lauded for its impressive architecture and its unique role as a venue for concerts and events, with many praising the beautiful atmosphere. However, some visitors have noted that the memorial garden is neglected and can be an issue, and concert etiquette among some attendees has been a point of contention. Reddit

"One of The Thousand. Bustling congregation on our visit. Detailed history inside. Large hall with intriguing sculptures beyond."

Peter Robinson

"The memorial garden which I have been coming to for years to visit a passed family member is so neglected and overgrown. You can’t even see the graves anymore as it’s so derelict. Because of this it’s now it’s used as a local hangout spot for drug users and completely ruined with litter and drug paraphernalia. It used to be so beautifully looked after when Father Graham was around 💔"

Hannah

"A surprisingly good venue for a concert. Just a shame that after paying good money for the show some people don't know how to shut up - but that clearly isn't the venues fault."

Andy Wakeman

What People Like

Beautiful church architecture
Great concert venue
Atmospheric ruins

What People Dislike

Neglected memorial garden
Noisy concert-goers

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St. Petroc's Church is located in the heart of Bodmin, Cornwall. It's easily accessible by car, with local parking available nearby. For those using public transport, Bodmin has a bus station and a train station, though the church is a short walk from both. Instagram

Yes, there are several public car parks within a short walking distance of St. Petroc's Church in Bodmin. Check local signage for the most convenient options.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the main church for general visiting is typically free, though donations are welcome. However, for specific events like concerts, you will need to purchase tickets in advance. Instagram+2

Opening hours can vary, especially for events. It's best to check the church's official website or local event listings for the most up-to-date information on visiting times and event schedules. Instagram

Absolutely! St. Petroc's Church frequently hosts a variety of events, including classical music concerts, tribute band performances, and the popular Christmas Tree Festival. Instagram+6

🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find a large hall with intriguing sculptures and detailed history. The church is known for its impressive architecture and a bustling congregation during visits. Reddit

Yes, St. Petroc's Church offers excellent photographic opportunities, especially the atmospheric 15th-century ruins and the exterior during different seasons like autumn. InstagramReddit

St. Petroc's is Cornwall's largest church and has a rich history, with parts dating back to the 15th century. It's described as a fortress of a building on the edge of the moor. Instagram

While there is a memorial garden, some visitors have noted it can be neglected and overgrown, impacting the overall experience. Reddit

🎫 🎶 Music & Events

The church hosts a diverse range of musical performances, including classical music by ensembles like Symfoni Kernow, folk musicians, and popular tribute acts such as ABBA. Instagram+5

Many attendees find St. Petroc's Church to be a surprisingly good and beautiful venue for concerts, offering a unique acoustic and atmospheric experience. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While St. Petroc's Church is a place of worship and historical significance, families might find it most engaging during special events like the Christmas Tree Festival. The visual spectacle of decorated trees can captivate younger visitors. Instagram+1

For a more active experience, consider checking the event schedule for family-friendly concerts or performances. The unique venue can make for an exciting outing. However, for general visits, the historical aspects might be more appreciated by older children or those with a keen interest in history and architecture.

🎶 Music Lovers

St. Petroc's Church is a gem for music enthusiasts, offering a unique and atmospheric venue for live performances. You can catch everything from classical music and folk acts to lively tribute bands. Instagram+5

Many reviewers rave about the acoustics and the special ambiance of attending a concert here. It's highly recommended to check the event listings in advance and book tickets early, as popular shows can sell out quickly. Instagram+2

📸 Photographers & History Buffs

Photographers and history enthusiasts will find St. Petroc's Church particularly rewarding. The main church boasts impressive architecture, but the real draw is the adjacent 15th-century ruined church. InstagramReddit

This atmospheric ruin offers incredible photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hours of autumn. Instagram The historical depth of the site, with its layered past, provides ample material for exploration and documentation.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History: The Ruined Church

Beyond the main structure of St. Petroc's Church lies a significant historical remnant: the original 15th-century ruined church. This area offers a stark and atmospheric contrast to the preserved main building, providing a tangible connection to centuries past. Visitors often describe it as a place that evokes a sense of awe and historical depth, making it a must-see for those interested in the church's long heritage. InstagramReddit

Exploring these ruins allows for a unique perspective on the evolution of the site. It's a space where one can imagine the lives of those who worshipped there centuries ago. The quiet stillness and historical weight of the ruins make it an ideal spot for reflection, photography, or simply appreciating the passage of time. Reddit

For those seeking a deeper understanding of St. Petroc's, dedicating time to explore this less-visited section is highly recommended. It adds another layer to the overall experience, showcasing the resilience and layered history of this significant Cornish landmark.

St. Petroc's as a Vibrant Event Space

St. Petroc's Church in Bodmin has established itself as a popular and versatile venue for a wide array of events, particularly live music performances. Its unique architectural setting provides an exceptional backdrop for concerts, transforming the sacred space into an intimate performance hall. From classical symphonies to energetic tribute bands and folk musicians, the church has hosted a diverse range of artists, drawing audiences from across Cornwall and beyond. Instagram+5

Attendees frequently praise the church as a 'surprisingly good venue for a concert,' highlighting the beautiful acoustics and the special atmosphere created by the setting. This makes it a sought-after location for both performers and audiences looking for a memorable live music experience. Planning your visit around an event can offer a completely different, yet equally captivating, way to experience St. Petroc's. Reddit

Beyond music, the church also hosts seasonal events like the popular Christmas Tree Festival, which transforms the interior into a festive wonderland. This event, often featuring numerous beautifully decorated trees, is a highlight of the local holiday calendar and draws many visitors. Instagram+1

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