A former Cornwall prison dating back to the 18th century has been transformed into a luxury hotel while retaining much of the architecture and history that defined the original building.
Bodmin Jail was built in 1779 and remained in use for almost 150 years before officially closing in 1927. Large sections subsequently fell into a derelict state before the site underwent a major restoration and redevelopment.
Between 2017 and 2021, Tudor Hotels undertook a £50 million programme of repairs, rebuilding and redevelopment, creating the 70-room Bodmin Jail Hotel alongside restaurants, a bar and fitness facilities.
The Grade II-listed former prison was redesigned by Twelve Architects, which says the project retained approximately 85% of the building’s original fabric.
Former cell blocks now house the hotel’s guestrooms, with the original granite walls incorporated into the accommodation.
A glazed roof was introduced above the central atrium, allowing the former cell wings and their historic structure to remain visible within the hotel.
Jackie Kelly, Group Sales Manager at Bodmin Jail Hotel, said: “The transformation of Bodmin Jail was a huge project with many complex layers.
“The hotel intertwines the imposing original architecture of the jail with creative, contemporary design, which retains 85% of the original fabric, enhancing the unrivalled atmosphere and sense of history.
“Every design decision was carefully considered to preserve the character and craftsmanship of the original prison, while introducing the comfort, warmth and elegance that today’s guests expect.”
The history of the jail includes more than 50 executions, with William Hampton becoming the final person executed at Bodmin Jail and in Cornwall on 20 July 1909 after being convicted of murdering Emily Tredrea.
Among its other former prisoners was Sarah Polgrean, who was executed in August 1820 after being convicted of poisoning her husband with arsenic.
The hotel’s food and beverage offer incorporates further elements of the building’s former use.
The Chapel Restaurant occupies the former prison chapel and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with menus centred on seasonal produce and Cornish ingredients.
The restored administration building was also adapted as part of the redevelopment to provide hospitality and leisure facilities.
Alongside standard hotel stays, Bodmin Jail Hotel has developed history-led packages designed around the building’s former use.
The Prisoner Experience combines accommodation within one of the converted cells with a welcome from the hotel’s Wardens, a history and paranormal tour, dinner and access to the Bodmin Jail Museum.
A separate Governor Experience is also available as part of the hotel’s current accommodation packages.
The adjacent Bodmin Jail Museum and Immersive Attraction continues to interpret the wider history of the site through exhibitions, heritage tours and interactive experiences.
Kelly added: “We have taken a space that was once defined by confinement and transformed it into the ultimate choice for luxurious experiences and immersive indulgence.
“It should be added to every UK staycation bucket list.”
The project represents an example of adaptive reuse within hospitality, combining the preservation of a substantial historic structure with a commercially operated hotel and visitor attraction.
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