Bodmin Town Museum

About the museum

Bodmin Town Museum is housed in the basement of a cinema complex on Mount Folly, in the centre of the old county town. The site was once a friary and later held the town’s Public Rooms.

The museum is run entirely by volunteers and is funded by donations, its own publications and sales of books and souvenirs. It holds full accreditation from Arts Council England, most recently confirmed in August 2025.

The permanent displays cover the social history of the town, including law and order, rocks and minerals, St Lawrence’s Hospital (formerly the county asylum), the First and Second World Wars and a Cornish kitchen. One display tells the story of the Joint Services School for Linguists, which trained in Bodmin from 1951 to 1956. Newer displays follow Bodmin’s history from early times to the end of the 19th century and the story of the town’s grammar school. Temporary displays are changed from year to year.

Highlights

• Displays on Bodmin’s history from early times to the end of the 19th century
• Joint Services School for Linguists, based in Bodmin from 1951 to 1956
• St Lawrence’s Hospital, the former county asylum
• Cornish kitchen and First and Second World War displays
• Interactive screen with oral history and a children’s game

Permanent exhibition

• Permanent displays on Bodmin’s history – Displays on the town’s social history, including both World Wars, the Joint Services School for Linguists, St Lawrence’s Hospital and a Cornish kitchen.

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free. Donations are gratefully received; the museum is run entirely by volunteers.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Wheelchair access is possible but not easy. Visitors who need help are asked to email before their visit. A folder with photographs and information on the displays in Room 3 is available on request. Dogs that are well behaved are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

The museum describes itself as family friendly. Children can play games on an interactive screen, including a game in which they follow an owl around Bodmin, and complete free quizzes.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on Mount Folly in the centre of Bodmin, in the basement of the cinema complex. Sat nav postcode: PL31 2DQ.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

A shop sells books, leaflets and souvenirs.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit