What’s waiting inside Bodmin Jail this Halloween

Bodmin Jail has never been short of stories best told with the lights down. This October it is telling plenty of them.

The Bodmin attraction is billing itself as the home of Halloween in Cornwall, with a programme that runs until Saturday 31 October. It mixes a family puzzle trail and a gallery of hauntings with darker guided tours, ghost walks and an ’80s fancy-dress party, all set among the jail’s original prison spaces.

Some of it is already under way. Some starts this weekend. And the biggest nights land right at the end of the month.

A trick or treat trail for half-term

Families get their own way in from this Saturday (17 October), when the Trick or Treat Halloween Trail opens. It runs until 31 October, which covers Cornwall’s October half-term (26 to 30 October).

The trail winds through the jail with games, puzzles and riddles along the way. Children who follow it uncover some of Cornwall’s darker history and finish by claiming a prize from the gift shop.

It runs from 9.30am to 5pm and is included with self-guided entry.

Inside the Haunted Gallery

The Haunted Gallery is open throughout October, from 9.30am to 4pm. It looks at famous hauntings from around the world, paranormal phenomena and the ghostly stories tied to Bodmin Jail and beyond.

Themed cells and atmospheric displays invite visitors to examine the folklore, history and beliefs behind our fascination with the supernatural. The gallery is included with self-guided entry.

Go Darker guided tours

For anyone who wants more of the jail’s history, the Go Darker Guided Tour is running throughout October. The Halloween tour covers stories of crime, punishment and executions, and the people who lived behind the jail’s walls.

Published tour times are 9.30am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Ghost Walks after dark

Once the daytime visitors have gone, the Ghost Walks take over. They run every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in October and lead visitors through the jail after dark.

Along the way come stories of reported hauntings, paranormal encounters and some of the most chilling events in the jail’s history. The walks are recommended for ages 12 and over.

Banged Up in Bodmin Jail

On Friday 30 October the jail becomes a party venue. Banged Up in Bodmin Jail runs from 8pm until 2am and brings classic ’80s Halloween to the historic building, in partnership with Cornish favourites Jam & Meme.

Two stages are planned, with music, mayhem and fancy dress promised.

After Dark on Halloween night

Halloween itself, Saturday 31 October, brings the After Dark: Halloween Special for visitors after a more immersive paranormal experience. Availability should be checked on the official events calendar.

Offers, times and booking

Two offers are running this October.

• Kids Go Free: one free child ticket per full-paying adult, on self-guided entry only and subject to availability.
• Local residents’ offer: 20% off for local residents. Terms, eligibility and booking information apply.

Halloween at Bodmin Jail at a glance

• The Haunted Gallery: 1 to 31 October, 9.30am to 4pm. Included with self-guided entry.
• Go Darker Guided Tour: 1 to 31 October, tours at 9.30am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
• Trick or Treat Halloween Trail: 17 to 31 October, 9.30am to 5pm. Included with self-guided entry.
• Ghost Walks: every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in October. Recommended for ages 12+.
• Banged Up in Bodmin Jail Halloween Party: Friday 30 October, 8pm to 2am, with Jam & Meme.
• After Dark: Halloween Special: Saturday 31 October. Check the website for availability.

Visitors are being encouraged to book ahead. Ticket details, terms and availability are on the Bodmin Jail events page.