A sense of isolation and a history that stretches back over four millennia
Bodmin Moor is one of Cornwall’s most hauntingly beautiful landscapes—a vast, windswept upland of granite tors, marshy valleys, and hidden prehistoric remains. For travellers who prefer the rugged path over the manicured coast, it offers a deep sense of isolation and a history that stretches back over four millennia.
The Heart of the High Moor: Minions
The village of Minions serves as an ideal gateway for those interested in both archaeology and industrial heritage. Situated on the eastern edge of the moor, it is surrounded by a dense concentration of ancient sites:
The Hurlers: A unique set of three Neolithic or Bronze Age stone circles arranged in a line. Local legend suggests they are the remains of men turned to stone for playing “hurling” on a Sunday.
The Cheesewring: A natural geological wonder consisting of enormous granite slabs stacked precariously by millennia of weathering.
Industrial Relics: The area is dotted with the skeletal remains of the copper and tin mining industry, including iconic engine houses that form part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site.
Literary Legend: Jamaica Inn
One of the most well-known places on the Moor is Jamaica Inn. Built in 1750 as a coaching inn for those braving the route between Launceston and Bodmin, it gained international fame through Daphne du Maurier’s classic novel with that name. Today, it serves as a atmospheric base for travellers. There is a Smugglers’ Museum, which houses one of the UK’s finest collections of smuggling memorabilia to explore, or simply enjoy a meal by the fire
The Davidstow Airfield
Visiting the disused airfield at Davidstow is a stark, evocative experience. Opened in 1942 during the Second World War, it served as a base for Coastal Command.
While the runways are now often used by grazing sheep or local hobbyists, the decaying control towers and hangars provide a somber, cinematic backdrop against the moorland mist. Nearby, the Cornwall at War Museum provides an excellent, detailed look at the airfield’s role in protecting Atlantic convoys.
Some people believe the airfield is haunted. Reports include hearing the distinct, unexplained roar of engines even though no aircraft are present. Apparitions of airmen in WWII uniform have been spotted walking around the airfield, often appearing suddenly and vanishing. The derelict control tower and nearby hangars are focal points for activity, including reports of shadowy figures and intense, localized haunting activity. Who knows? The Cornwall at War Museum, located on the site, keeps a “Book of Remembrance” for the 83 men who did not return from missions flown from this airfield.