INLAND CORNWALL & THE MOORS
Inland Cornwall is the rugged heartland, defined by ancient moorlands, atmospheric mining heritage, and Arthurian legends. It offers a wild contrast to the famous coast.
This region is a tranquil escape, a land of windswept granite tors, deep valleys, and historic market towns. It is dominated by the vast, beautiful expanse of Bodmin Moor.
Most Popular Attractions
Bodmin Moor & Ancient Sites:
Brown Willy & Rough Tor: The two highest peaks in Cornwall, offering strenuous hikes and panoramic views of the moorland.
The Hurlers Stone Circles: Three mysterious Bronze Age stone circles near the village of Minions, steeped in local legend.
The Cheesewring: An astonishing natural rock formation of granite tors on Stowe’s Hill, providing an iconic Bodmin Moor landmark.
Dozmary Pool: A small, atmospheric natural lake, fabled to be the final resting place of King Arthur’s sword, Excalibur.
Trethevy Quoit: An impressive Neolithic burial chamber (dolmen) located near the village of St Cleer.
Daniel Gumb’s Cave: A small dwelling carved into a granite outcrop by a local stonecutter in the 18th century.
King Doniert’s Stone: Two highly decorated 9th-century granite crosses commemorating a King of Cornwall.
Minions: A small moorland village and a key starting point for walks to the Hurlers and the Cheesewring.
Historic Towns & Heritage:
Bodmin Jail: A historic former prison, now a museum and major visitor attraction with an immersive ‘Dark Walk’ experience.
Launceston Castle: A formidable Norman motte-and-bailey fortress dominating the landscape of the historic market town of Launceston.
Restormel Castle: A well-preserved circular Norman castle keep in a picturesque setting near Lostwithiel.
Lanhydrock House & Garden: An ornate Victorian country house with magnificent gardens and a large estate, managed by the National Trust.
Jamaica Inn: A famous coaching inn on Bodmin Moor, made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s novel of smuggling and wreckers.
Bodmin & Wenford Steam Railway: Cornwall’s only full-size steam railway, offering scenic journeys through the countryside.
Bodmin Keep Military Museum: A museum housed in the historic former county headquarters of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry.
St Petroc’s Church, Bodmin: The largest parish church in Cornwall after Truro Cathedral, with beautiful medieval architecture.
Nature & Trails:
The Camel Trail: A popular, traffic-free recreational trail for walking, cycling, and horse riding, following a disused railway line from Bodmin to Padstow.
Golitha Falls: A dramatic series of cascades and rapids on the River Fowey, cutting through a steep-sided ancient woodland valley.
Cardinham Woods: A large Forestry England woodland offering waymarked walking trails and mountain biking routes.
Siblyback Lake: A reservoir offering a range of inland watersports, including sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking, with an easy perimeter walking trail.
Camel Valley Vineyard: A successful, award-winning English vineyard near Bodmin offering tours and wine-tasting experiences.
Luxulyan Valley: A UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing the remains of the historic china clay industry, including the impressive Treffry Viaduct.
Activities & Experiences
Hike the Bodmin Moor: Explore the granite-strewn, wild landscape of Bodmin Moor, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Seek out landmarks like Brown Willy (Cornwall’s highest point) and the legendary Jamaica Inn.
Visit the Eden Project: While technically on the edge of the area, this global garden and iconic attraction is an essential stop, featuring massive biomes housing the largest rainforest in captivity.
Discover the Legends of Tintagel: Walk the dramatic coastline and visit Tintagel Castle, forever linked to the legends of King Arthur, and explore the nearby Merlin’s Cave.
Go Ghost Hunting at Bodmin Jail: Take a tour of the historic 18th-century prison, now a museum and hotel, known for its chilling history and paranormal activity.
Cycle the Camel Trail: Rent a bike in Padstow or Wadebridge and ride this scenic, mostly flat, disused railway line that follows the River Camel, perfect for a relaxed family outing.
Explore the Minions & Cheesewring: Trek to the distinctive rock formations of the Cheesewring and the iconic Hurlers Stone Circles, a Bronze Age ritual site, near the village of Minions on Bodmin Moor.
Delve into Mining History at a Wheal: Visit a preserved mine site, such as Geevor Tin Mine Museum (part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site), to understand Cornwall’s industrial past.
Taste Local Spirits at a Distillery: Take a tour and tasting at a Cornish gin or whisky distillery, such as the Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm (to taste cyder, brandy, and liqueurs) or the Padstow Gin Company.
Go Crabbing or Rock Pooling: Head to a nearby estuary or protected cove on the coast (like those accessible from the Camel Trail) for a classic, low-tech family activity.
Attend a Cornish Pasty Making Class: Learn to crimp and bake your own authentic Cornish Pasty—the perfect culinary souvenir from a local bakery or cooking school.
Walk the Coast Path: Though the area is inland, access a section of the famed South West Coast Path from one of the many points near the north or south coast for breathtaking ocean views.
Local Tips & Transport
A Car is Essential: Unlike the coastal regions which have better bus connections, the interior of Cornwall and the Moors are rural and sparsely populated. A rental car is by far the most practical and efficient way to explore the various villages, tors, and attractions scattered across the moorland.
Narrow Roads (Hedge-Lined Lanes): Be prepared for very narrow country lanes (often called ‘single-track roads’) that are bordered by high stone hedges, or ‘banks.’ These often have few passing places. Drive slowly, watch for oncoming traffic, and be ready to pull over to a passing place. A friendly wave of thanks is customary when an oncoming driver pulls over for you.
Public Transport – Limited: Bus services do connect the main market towns (Bodmin, Liskeard, Launceston) but are infrequent, especially on weekends and in the evenings. Check the local bus timetables carefully if relying on public transport for more remote locations.
Trains to Market Towns: While you can take a mainline train to towns like Bodmin Parkway or Liskeard, these stations are often a distance from the town centres and require a bus or taxi to continue your journey into the moor.
Weather & Packing: The weather on the Moors can change very quickly. Even in summer, pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy, waterproof footwear for hiking. The moorland can be boggy and windy, making the temperature feel significantly cooler than in the sheltered valleys.
Respect the Moor: Bodmin Moor is a working landscape with ancient, protected sites. Stick to footpaths to avoid erosion, and be respectful of the free-roaming livestock (cows, sheep, and ponies). Never feed them and keep dogs under close control, especially during lambing season.
The Pasty Rule: The Cornish Pasty is the quintessential regional food. Look for one with a proper crimp (always on the side) and make sure it has the traditional filling of beef, sliced or diced potato, turnip (swede), and onion—a protected status food.
The Local Lingo: You’ll hear words and accents specific to Cornwall. Don’t be confused if a local refers to something as “dreckly”—it means ‘soon’ or ‘in a bit,’ but it’s a very flexible concept and embodies the relaxed, unhurried pace of life. A friendly greeting is “Alright?” (meaning, ‘hello, how are you?’).
Hidden Gems
St Nectan’s Glen: A short, mystical woodland walk near Tintagel that leads to a spectacular 60-foot waterfall that plunges through a hole in the slate. It’s a truly magical and spiritual spot.
The Cheesewring Farm Shop: Tucked away on the edge of the moor near Minions, this is a wonderful spot to pick up authentic, local Cornish produce, from cheese to chutney.
Dozmary Pool: A small, atmospheric lake on the moor shrouded in Arthurian legend. It is said to be the location where Sir Bedivere threw Excalibur back to the Lady of the Lake.
The Blisland Inn: A classic, award-winning pub in the charming village of Blisland. It’s a great example of a proper Cornish pub with a fantastic selection of real ales and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Top Restaurants
The Blisland Inn [$20-$35] – A classic pub on the edge of Bodmin Moor, known for its selection of real ales and traditional pub grub in a non-touristy, historic setting.
The Old Inn & Restaurant, St Breward [$25-$40] – Reputedly Cornwall’s highest inn, offering a warm welcome, huge log fires, and famous home-cooked food, including a popular Moorland Mixed Grill.
Lanivet Inn [$20-$35] – A traditional Cornish village pub near Bodmin and Lanhydrock, popular with locals for its quality, locally sourced food at reasonable prices, including excellent curries.
St Kew Inn [$30-$50] – A charming, stone-built inn with original features near Bodmin, offering an extensive wine selection, seasonal beers, and excellent, thoughtful food in a beautiful location.
The Springer Spaniel, Treburley [$30-$50] – A relaxed village pub with old prints and woodburners, offering high-quality gastropub food near the Devon/Cornwall border, well worth the short drive from the Moors.
The Hole in the Wall [$20-$35] – A traditional, locally loved pub in Bodmin, perfect for a casual drink and standard pub fare in a classic Cornish town setting.
The Crown Inn, Lanlivery [$20-$35] – One of the oldest pubs in Cornwall, situated near Bodmin, offering a relaxed atmosphere, classic pub meals, and local charm.
The St Mabyn Inn [$25-$40] – A traditional country pub in the village of St Mabyn, known for its classic pub atmosphere and quality food, popular with locals.
The Manor House Inn, Rilla Mill [$25-$40] – A friendly, traditional pub offering a local feel and hearty, classic dishes near the eastern edge of Bodmin Moor.
The Rising Sun, Truro [$30-$50] – A popular gastropub in Truro (the inland city of Cornwall), known for its quality cooking and selection of real ales.
Nineteen Bar & Bistro at Lanhydrock Hotel [$30-$50] – Offers a wide range of dining, including delicious mains and a renowned Sunday Carvery, focusing on fresh, local produce, and easily accessible near Lanhydrock House.
The Duchy Nursery Restaurant, Lostwithiel [$25-$40] – Located in a garden centre setting near Lostwithiel, offering a focus on fresh, local ingredients and excellent cakes and lunches.
Boscastle Farm Shop & Café [$20-$35] – Located near the coast but close to the northern edge of the Moors, known for its amazing Sunday roast and high-quality local produce in a casual setting.
The Longstore, Charlestown [$40-$60] – A well-regarded restaurant in the harbour village of Charlestown, known for its focus on grilled food and local ingredients, offering a modern dining experience near St Austell.
The Sardine Factory, Looe [$35-$55] – Although a short drive to the south coast, this restaurant is highly rated for its incredibly fresh seafood and modern take on classic dishes, a local foodie favorite.
Canteen at the Old Grammar School, Liskeard [$15-$25] – A local, non-touristy gem offering simple, delicious food with a focus on one meat and one veggie option, known for its fantastic cinnamon buns and community feel.
Driftwood, Porthscatho [$80-$150] – A Michelin-starred restaurant with breathtaking sea views on the Roseland Peninsula, worth the drive for a top-tier modern dining experience focusing on hyper-local ingredients.
Paul Ainsworth at No 6, Padstow [$100-$180] – A Michelin-starred institution in Padstow, offering a refined, modern British menu; while coastal, it’s a destination restaurant accessible from inland areas.
Outlaw’s New Road, Port Isaac [$100-$150] – Nathan Outlaw’s second restaurant, sitting at the top of the fishing town, offering exemplary, contemporary seafood.
The Mariners, Rock [$40-$70] – Overlooking the Camel Estuary, this pub-restaurant relaunched by Paul Ainsworth offers an all-day menu championing Cornish produce with a focus on quality.
The Scarlet Restaurant, Mawgan Porth [$60-$90] – Located in a luxury eco-hotel, offering seasonal menus with spectacular views, a romantic and high-quality dining option near the coast.
The Jamaica Inn [$20-$35] – The famous 18th-century coaching inn on Bodmin Moor, offering traditional pub meals and a unique, historic atmosphere inspired by Daphne du Maurier’s novel.
Snails Pace Cafe, St Breward [$15-$25] – A lovely cafe near the Moor, often praised for its relaxed vibe and excellent daytime food, popular with walkers and cyclists.
The King Arthur’s Cafe, Tintagel [$15-$25] – While in a tourist village, this spot is a good, reliable option near the northern edge of the Moors for casual food and local treats.
Treguddick Distillery Restaurant, Launceston [$30-$50] – Offers a unique dining experience near the A30, with dishes inspired by and including the distillery’s spirits.
The Coddy Shack, St Martin [$15-$30] – Located just outside Looe, a non-touristy spot for incredibly fresh, high-quality fish and chips.
Charlie’s Cafe, Tintagel [$10-$20] – A well-regarded spot for a satisfying breakfast or lunch in the historic village of Tintagel.
The Old Inn, St Breward [$20-$35] – Known for its award-winning Sunday Carvery with freshly-cooked Cornish meats, a very popular local choice.
The Old School House, Bodmin [$15-$25] – A unique cafe located in a former chapel, noted for its excellent cakes and desserts, offering a great stop for brunch or afternoon tea.
Wild Bake Pizza [$15-$25] – A locally loved spot in the Bodmin area offering quality wood-fired pizzas, a great option for a casual meal.
The Welcome Stranger, Lanivet [$20-$35] – A pub in Lanivet with a reputation for serving consistently nice food in a friendly, local setting.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Rhubarb Cocktail Bar (Bodmin): A botanical-themed cocktail haven nestled in the heart of Bodmin, this spot is known for its unique fusion of mixology art and Cornwall’s eclectic vibe, also offering tipsy afternoon teas and artisan coffee by day.
The Crafty Cock (Golant, Fowey area): This rustic cocktail bar is part of the larger Bar Silo venue (mentioned below in Clubs) near Fowey, serving bespoke weekly cocktail menus crafted by the in-house manager in a quirky, intimate setting alongside a main bar.
The Old Ferry Inn (Bodinnick): While primarily a traditional pub and accommodation, this historic inn on the River Fowey estuary offers a cosy bar atmosphere and serves a selection of classic and contemporary cocktails alongside its local real ales.
Nomy Bar & Kitchen (Launceston): A vibrant bar and restaurant in Launceston, Nomy offers a modern, experimental approach to its cocktail menu, creating a great atmosphere for sharing drinks and plates with friends until late.
The Plough Inn (Duloe, near Liskeard): A charming village pub that offers a surprising twist with a quality selection of cocktails alongside its traditional pub drinks and real ales, perfect for a relaxed yet special evening near Liskeard.
No.4 Bodmin (Bodmin): The second location of the Rhubarb brand, this venue in Bodmin provides another sophisticated spot for inventive cocktails and has become a local favourite for a more upscale drinking experience.
The Bootlegger (Multiple locations in Cornwall, check nearest): Known for its prohibition-era theme and handcrafted cocktails, this brand brings a fun, rebellious vibe. While not strictly inland, it’s a worthwhile drive for a dedicated cocktail experience.
Bar Urbane (Launceston): Marketed as a cosy and sophisticated cocktail bar in Launceston’s heart, it focuses on refined hospitality and uses the best local produce to craft its exclusive and immersive cocktail selection.
The Halfway House Lounge Bar (Glynn Valley, Liskeard): Located between Bodmin and Liskeard, the lounge bar of this traditional freehouse is a comfortable place to enjoy a mixed drink or a classic spirit after a long day exploring Bodmin Moor.
The Rising Sun (Truro): Though slightly further out in the city of Truro, this award-winning, historic dining pub offers a very cosy atmosphere and an elegant menu of drinks, perfect for a special trip for an exceptional cocktail in a non-coastal setting.
The King’s Head (Five Lanes, near Launceston): This traditional Cornish pub near Launceston offers a warm welcome and a selection of cocktails and fine spirits, making it a good spot for a well-made mixed drink after exploring the Moors.
The Masons Arms (Bodmin): While a classic pub known for real ales, they also cater to modern tastes, providing a range of spirits and common cocktails in their spacious, welcoming bar in Bodmin.
Tonic Bar (Launceston, Tasmania): (Note: A prominent search result, but as it’s located in Tasmania, Australia, it should be disregarded for your UK-based guide.)
The Callywith Table Table (Bodmin): Located on the outskirts of Bodmin, this chain pub-restaurant offers a standard selection of cocktails and mixed drinks in a reliable, modern setting, great for groups.
Tyacks Hotel (Camborne): A refurbished town centre former coaching inn in Camborne (inland West Cornwall), the lounge offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the lively public bar, suitable for enjoying a cocktail.
Bar Silo (Golant, Fowey area): Voted a ‘cool’ venue, this unique spot converts a farm’s old grain silo into an intimate indoor event space. It’s renowned for hosting ticketed live music events on weekends, which evolve into a lively party atmosphere with dancing, acting as the nearest equivalent to a small-scale club night in the area.
Sailors Newquay Club (Newquay): The club section of a large venue in the nearby coastal town of Newquay, this is one of the biggest and busiest nightclubs easily accessible from inland areas, featuring two rooms and hosting big club nights. (A key option for a proper club experience requiring a short drive).
The Dead Famous (Newquay): Newquay’s iconic live music and alternative bar, infamous for its rock ‘n’ roll vibe, often hosting bands and DJs late into the night, making it an alternative “club” with a strong focus on music and cocktails.
Tyacks Hotel Public Bar (Camborne): The public bar of this Camborne hotel offers a lively and sometimes noisy atmosphere, featuring live entertainment on weekends that draws a crowd for a late-night drinking and socialising experience.
The John Francis Basset (Camborne): A large Wetherspoons pub in the former Market House of Camborne, which has a late license and remains busy in the evenings, offering a lively, value-focused late-night venue, though not a dedicated nightclub.
Central Beers (Truro): Although a craft beer bar in the city of Truro, its lively, social atmosphere and late opening hours make it a busy hub for evening drinks and socialising that can feel like a casual club environment, particularly on weekends.
The Waggoners Arms (Camborne): An unusually-shaped, single-room locals’ pub in Camborne’s town centre, known for its lively crowd and late-night atmosphere, especially during weekend events like quiz nights.
The Chintz Symposium Underground Club (Falmouth): Located in the nearby town of Falmouth, this quirky cocktail bar has an underground nightclub that’s perfect for those seeking to dance until the early hours with a creative and energetic vibe.
Barsovia (Truro): A classic bar and club in the heart of Truro (city centre), known for its retro music and vibrant, colourful atmosphere, often providing a dedicated clubbing experience just a drive from the inland areas.
The Sloop Inn (St Ives): One of Cornwall’s oldest inns in the harbour town of St Ives, its anachronistic ambiance is coupled with a lively atmosphere, often busy until late and providing a great late-night pub experience.
The Pity Me Inn (Rock area, North Coast): A much-loved village pub just a mile outside Rock, its newly renovated bar and fantastic beer garden offer a late-night retreat with a great vibe, often featuring music or events.
WAX Sports Bar (Newquay): A lively spot in Newquay offering fun activities like axe throwing and darts, complemented by a brilliant selection of cocktails and a vibrant sports bar atmosphere that keeps the energy high late into the evening.
The Halfway House Private Bar (Glynn Valley, Liskeard): This venue offers a private bar area for functions and parties, which, while not a public club, allows groups to create their own late-night party environment conveniently located between Bodmin and Liskeard.
The Oystercatcher (Polzeath, North Coast): A contemporary pub with stunning views near Rock/Polzeath, it’s a modern and stylish place for a lively late-night drink, particularly popular during the summer months.
The Rising Sun Function Space (Truro): Similar to the Halfway House, the award-winning Truro pub also has a separate area available to hire for social events and private parties, offering a dedicated late-night option for groups.