Living in Bodmin

Bodmin is known for its strong community spirit, with a diverse mix of long-term residents and newcomers. The town is often described as welcoming, with an active network of community groups supporting everything from arts and crafts to amateur dramatics and youth sports.

The Bodmin Riding & Heritage Festival is a highlight of the town’s calendar, celebrating local traditions with parades, music, and family entertainment. Weekly markets, local food festivals, and seasonal fairs add to the sense of togetherness, while community centres and church halls provide spaces for regular social activities.

Outdoor life is a significant part of Bodmin’s appeal, thanks to its access to Bodmin Moor and the scenic Camel Trail, both highly popular with walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers. Priory Park and nearby Cardinham Woods deliver ample opportunity to get outside and enjoy the Cornish landscape, while the leisure centre offers swimming and fitness facilities for all ages.

Safety continues to be a key consideration for those thinking of living in Bodmin. In general, Bodmin is viewed as a relatively safe town by both residents and visitors, though, as with any town, some areas experience more anti-social behaviour than others.

Crime rates in Bodmin are similar to other market towns of its size, with occasional spikes in anti-social incidents linked to the town centre, particularly during busier evenings. Residential areas and surrounding villages are regarded as safer, with strong community ties encouraging vigilance and neighbourhood watch schemes.

Devon and Cornwall Police maintain a visible presence and regularly work with the community to address concerns. There have been recent regeneration projects in some areas, focusing on reducing crime and improving facilities. The town’s policing teams support local safety initiatives, engaging with schools and community groups to tackle youth-related issues proactively.

Parking in Bodmin is generally manageable, especially compared to popular coastal destinations in Cornwall. The town centre benefits from several public car parks, including Priory Car Park and Fore Street Car Park, which are reasonably priced and accessible for both visitors and residents.

Much of the residential area offers on-street parking with some parts requiring permits. As a historic town with narrow streets, parking spaces in older parts of Bodmin can be limited, though outlying estates provide more generous off-road parking options. Road congestion is moderate, mainly during peak tourist seasons or school times.

Bodmin’s location on the A30 and close proximity to the A38 make it well connected for drivers. Both routes are principal arteries for getting around the county and reaching destinations further afield. Key journey times include:
Truro – approx. 35 minutes via A30 (27 miles)
Plymouth – approx. 50 minutes via A38 (32 miles)
Newquay – approx. 30 minutes via A39 and local roads (18 miles)
St Austell – approx. 20 minutes via A391 (14 miles)

Bodmin offers an appealing mix of food, pubs, and nightlife, combining traditional Cornish hospitality with newer venues and eateries. Several long-established pubs such as the Hole in the Wall and the White Hart Inn serve cask ales and feature regular live music or quiz nights, giving the area an authentic pub atmosphere.

For dining, the town centre offers everything from classic British cafés to independent bistros serving locally sourced, seasonal produce. Options range from artisan bakeries and quaint tearooms to popular takeaways and global cuisine, while family-run restaurants and pubs frequently highlight Cornish seafood and pasties.

The nightlife in Bodmin tends to be relaxed and low-key rather than club-driven. A handful of bars offer live music or themed evenings, and Bodmin Jail’s bar and restaurant add to the town’s evening appeal, especially for those looking for something more unusual. Nearby Wadebridge and Newquay provide further options for those in search of more energetic nightlife or larger late-night venues.

School Quality
Families in Bodmin benefit from access to both well-regarded primary and secondary schools, with Bodmin College and several top-rated primary schools helping to meet educational needs.

Parks and Green Space
Priory Park, Cardinham Woods, and Bodmin Moor provide extensive play areas, picnic spots, and safe trails for families to enjoy the outdoors together. These green spaces are easily accessible from most residential parts of town.

Childcare
A variety of nurseries and playgroups serve younger children, supported by after-school clubs and extracurricular facilities attached to many schools. This ensures working parents have options for balancing childcare and jobs.

Safety
The town’s atmosphere is generally positive and reassuring for families, with proactive policing and neighbourhood networks adding to the sense of community safety.

Family Activities
Popular local attractions for families include Bodmin & Wenford Railway, Bodmin Jail tours, and regular library activities. The Camel Trail offers an accessible way for families to cycle or walk together, making Bodmin a rewarding and practical place for children to grow up.

Bodmin is an excellent location for pet owners, with extensive access to countryside walks, moorland, and public parks. The surrounding Bodmin Moor is especially favoured by dog-walkers, offering miles of scenic paths and relatively traffic-free routes. Priory Park and Cardinham Woods are also frequent haunts for local pets and their owners.

The town supports pet-friendly living through a selection of veterinary surgeries, pet shops, and boarding kennels. Many pubs and cafés in the area welcome dogs, reflecting Bodmin’s laid-back and inclusive approach.

Housing in much of Bodmin is well-suited to pet life, with gardens and green spaces prevalent in newer developments. Renting with pets is generally feasible, though tenants may need to confirm pet policies with individual landlords or letting agents.

Transport links in Bodmin are a strong feature of life in the town. The area is particularly well served by both road and rail connections, making it a practical base for commuting or exploring Cornwall and beyond.

The main railway station, Bodmin Parkway, is situated a few miles south of the town centre and lies on the key Cornish Main Line. Regular services connect Bodmin to larger hubs including Plymouth, Truro, and Exeter, providing onward links to London Paddington and the rest of the UK. A shuttle bus connects the station to Bodmin centre for convenience.

The A30 dual carriageway runs just south of the town, offering fast road access east towards Exeter (around 1 hour 20 minutes) and west to Truro (about 35 minutes) and Penzance (about 1 hour). The A38 also links Bodmin to Plymouth in approximately 50 minutes.

Regular bus routes run through Bodmin, serving other Cornish towns and supporting those without a car. For air travel, Newquay Cornwall Airport is just over 18 miles away and offers flights to UK cities and some European destinations.

Typical commute times by train or road:

• Plymouth – 50 minutes by car via A38; 1 hour by train from Bodmin Parkway
• Truro – 35 minutes by car via A30; 40 minutes by train
• Exeter – 1 hour 20 minutes by car via A30; around 2 hours by train
• London Paddington – direct trains from Bodmin Parkway take just over 4 hours

Bodmin provides a comprehensive education landscape, catering well to families and students of all ages. The town’s primary and secondary schools offer a mix of community-focused and academically driven environments, which are often cited as a draw for those relocating with children.

Primary Schools
St Petroc’s Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School is prominent, recognised for its inclusive ethos and community involvement. Berrycoombe School is another well-regarded option, offering a nurturing approach to early years learning. Robartes Primary Academy, part of a multi-academy trust, emphasises a supportive and challenging curriculum. St Mary’s Catholic Primary School also provides a faith-based education with a good reputation locally.

Secondary Schools
Bodmin College stands out as the leading secondary option, offering both GCSEs and a varied sixth form curriculum. The college last received a 'Good' Ofsted rating in October 2017 and is noted for its strong leadership and extracurricular activities. Wadebridge School and Sir James Smith’s School—both within easy reach—offer alternatives for older students seeking a different setting.

Further Education & Colleges
The Callywith College, established as a satellite of Truro and Penwith College, lies just north of Bodmin and provides both A-Levels and vocational courses in a modern environment. The college is rapidly gaining a reputation for academic excellence and post-16 progression opportunities.

Universities
Bodmin itself does not host a university campus, but the town’s central location in Cornwall makes it feasible to access higher education institutions in Truro and Penryn. Both the University of Exeter (Penryn Campus) and Falmouth University offer a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and are reachable by public transport within an hour.