What are the opening hours?

Monday Closed Tuesday 10am - 5pm Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday 10am - 5pm Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 5pm

Bodmin Keep: Cornwall's Army Museum

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Bodmin Keep: Cornwall's Army Museum

Bodmin Keep: Cornwall's Army Museum — bringing Cornwall's rich military history to life. Bodmin Keep is a friendly and fun museum in Bodmin, Cornwall.
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Explore 12,000 artefacts spanning 300+ years, and discover the stories of ordinary men and women living through extraordinary times. We hold all kinds of events and activities on selected dates all year round, and welcome all visitors, including groups, children, and even well behaved dogs! We are recognised as probably the finest Military Museum in the South West of England. As well as seeing our

collections, come and explore our home, Bodmin Keep, which is a Grade II listed building, constructed at the time of the Napoleonic threats. Bodmin Keep was the home of Cornwall's Military life for over 150 years, and still has original features such as the great stone staircases and original fireplaces. You can even experience our Cold-War era military police cell! Covering a period between 1702 until 2007, the museum's displays tell the stories of the Cornwall Volunteers and Volunteer Militia, the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry (DCLI), and we are extremely proud and honoured to be home to the National Collection of the Light Infantry (LI). A fine collection of medals, weapons, uniforms, paintings and artefacts (as well as a few surprises in the collection!) are clearly displayed and will appeal to all age groups, enhancing and bringing to life much of the country’s history covered in the National Curriculum. The museum has an extensive library and archive and a team of research volunteers who are proud to help over 300 families per year discover their military family history. Bodmin Keep is located on Lostwithiel Road, 100 yds from the Bodmin and Wenford Railway which was built to service the Barracks. ADMISSION:
Admission is great value at £9 Adult, £5 Child (under 5 years FREE) and well-behaved dogs are also welcome. Once you have paid you can return free for a year too! OPENING TIMES:
Summer Opening (April 4th – October 30th) Open: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm (Last entry 4pm)
Winter Opening (November 1st – April 1st) Open@ Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm (Last entry 4pm)

28/05/2026

🚀 Happening TODAY at Bodmin Keep! 🚀

Clear the runway! Our special guests from RAF St Mawgan are back to help you reach new heights.

Led by expert STEM ambassadors, this hands-on workshop invites you to step into the world of aviation as you make and launch your very own aeroplane right here in our courtyard! From mastering the perfect wing shape to seeing your creation take flight, it’s a brilliant opportunity to learn from the experts.

🕒 Time: 11am to 3pm (Drop in anytime!)
💰 Cost: Only £2 per person to take part. Book on our website or pay cash or card on arrival.
https://bodminkeep.org.uk/whats-on/events

While you're here, don't miss out on all the action on-site:

💣 Anderson Shelter: Step inside our newly restored shelter with immersive sound!
🎯 Shooting Range: Test your aim and see if you have what it takes.
🪖 WW1 Trench: Walk through our life-sized First World War trench.
🎞️ Regimental Cells: Watch a short film of our Collection Highlights in a truly unique setting.
🏎️ Ferret Scout Car: Get up close to our beautifully restored armored vehicle!

Whether you're a budding pilot or a future engineer, come along for a day of high-flying fun and "Chocks Away" action! No booking required—just turn up, build, and fly! ✈️

27/05/2026

🚀 Happening TODAY at Bodmin Keep! 🚀

Join us in our courtyard to design and launch your own rocket with the team from RAF St Mawgan!
Only £2 per person to take part.

🕒 Time: 11am to 3pm (Drop in anytime!)

While you're here, don't miss out on all the action on-site:

💣 Anderson Shelter: Step inside our newly restored shelter with immersive sound!
🎯 Shooting Range: Test your aim and see if you have what it takes.
🪖 WW1 Trench: Walk through our life-sized First World War trench.
🎞️ Regimental Cells: Watch a short film of our Collection Highlights in a truly unique setting.
🏎️ Ferret Scout Car: Get up close to our beautifully restored armoured vehicle!

🎟️ No booking required—just turn up, build, and launch! See you there!

26/05/2026

Happening now! The Berlin Wall – Art, Assets & Archaeology!

We’ve just unearthed our original piece of the Berlin Wall for our workshop on the Berlin Wall. Unleash your inner rebel and design your very own piece of vibrant wall art! Inspired by the famous graffiti that transformed a symbol of division into a canvas of hope, you'll create a masterpiece to take home.
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£2 per person. Drop in anytime!

🏰 While you’re here, don’t miss:
• 💣 Anderson Shelter: Step inside our newly restored shelter!
• 🎯 Shooting Range: Test your aim.
• 🪖 WW1 Trench: Explore our life-sized First World War trench.
• 🎞️ Regimental Cells: Watch a short film of Collection Highlights in a unique setting.

24/05/2026

🚀Rebels, Rockets and Runways! May Half Term at Bodmin Keep: Cornwall’s Army Museum
Get ready for actioned packed workshops where history takes flight and creativity knows no borders.
🎨 Tuesday 26 May: The Berlin Wall – Art & Archaeology
With Lore & Piece Join archaeologist Laura to delve into the story behind the iconic Berlin Wall.
🚀 Wednesday 27 May: Rocket Building
With RAF St. Mawgan The expert STEM Ambassadors are back! Design, build, and launch your very own rocket while mastering the art of aerodynamics.
✈️ Thursday 28 May: Plane Workshop
With RAF St. Mawgan — Brand New Workshop!
Step into the world of aviation with our redesigned aeroplane session.
• How to join: For more details and to book your space please visit (link to What's On page)

21/05/2026

Workshop: Awesome Aerodynamics Thursday 28 May 2026
🛩️ Clear the runway! Our special guests from RAF St. Mawgan are back at Bodmin Keep to help you reach new heights. Led by expert STEM ambassadors, this hands-on workshop invites you to step into the world of aviation as you make and launch your very own aeroplane right here in our courtyard.

✈️ From mastering the perfect wing shape to seeing your creation take flight, it’s a brilliant opportunity to learn from the experts. Whether you're a budding pilot or a future engineer, come along for a day of high-flying fun and "Chocks Away" action!

For more information visit https://bodminkeep.org.uk/visit-us/whats-on

20/05/2026

Rocket Building with RAF St. Mawgan Wednesday 27 May 2026
🚀 Ready for lift-off? Join us and special guests from RAF St. Mawgan for an out-of-this-world rocket building workshop! Led by expert STEM ambassadors, this is your chance to step into the shoes of an engineer as you design, build, and launch your very own rocket in our courtyard.

🌟Whether you're aiming for the stars or just looking for some high-flying fun, our guest experts will be on hand to help you master the art of aerodynamics. It’s a high-speed, hands-on experience that the whole family will love—don’t miss your chance to see how high your creation can fly!

19/05/2026

Workshop: The Berlin Wall – Art, Assets & Archaeology! Tuesday 26 May 2026
Think archaeology is just about dusty old pots? Think again! Join archaeologist Laura from Lore & Piece for a thrilling dive into the world of the Berlin Wall. This isn't your average history lesson—it's a chance to see how modern ruins tell incredible stories, guided by a professional who knows exactly where the secrets are hidden!
In this workshop, you will:
🗺️ Trace the Great Divide: Discover how the Roman army isn't the only force to leave its mark on the landscape—uncover how the Berlin Wall changed the world forever.

🔎Examine the Evidence: Learn how archaeologists study the "recent" past and what Cold War artifacts tell us about life behind the Iron Curtain.

🖌️Make Your Mark: Unleash your inner rebel and design your very own piece of vibrant wall art! Inspired by the famous graffiti that transformed a symbol of division into a canvas of hope, you'll create a masterpiece to take home.

🏛️Come and see how archaeology helps us understand the modern world through fresh, expert-guided eyes. Let’s get creative and make some history!

For more information visit https://bodminkeep.org.uk/visit-us/whats-on

16/05/2026

🚀 Join us for Rebels, Rockets and Runways this May Half Term!

Bodmin Keep - Cornwall’s Army Museum is the place to be this holiday. We have an action-packed programme where history takes flight and creativity knows no borders.

🎨 Tuesday 26 May | The Berlin Wall – Art & Archaeology
With Lore & Piece, delve into the story behind the iconic Berlin Wall with archaeologist Laura Miucci. Unleash your inner rebel and design your very own piece of vibrant wall art!
• Join us for 1-hour sessions starting at either:
10:45am, 12:00pm or 1:30pm.
• £2 per person

🚀 Wednesday 27 May | Rocket Building with RAF St. Mawgan
Design, build, and launch your very own rocket while mastering the art of aerodynamics!
• Drop in anytime between 11:00am – 3:00pm
• £2 per person

✈️ Thursday 28 May | Plane Workshop With RAF St. Mawgan — Brand New Workshop!
Step into the world of aviation with our redesigned aeroplane session.
• Sessions starting at 11:00am and 1:00pm
• £2 per person

While you’re here, don’t miss:
💣 Anderson Shelter: Step inside our newly restored shelter!
🎯 Shooting Range: Test your aim
🪖 WW1 Trench: Explore our life-sized First World War trench.
🎞️ Regimental Cells: Watch a short film of Collection Highlights in a unique setting.

Keep an eye on out on our website and social media for bookings or pay on arrival.

15/05/2026

See our May newsletter for details of our May half-term activities and community programme; or book tickets for an exhilarating talk about the crucial Battle for Hill 112 in July 1944 from military historian Christopher Jary and explore the last archive finds. Bodmin Keep May Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/bodminkeep/bodmin-keep-january2026-newsletter-6752102

11/05/2026

The grandson of Private Henry Dale, a Penzance resident and soldier of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry (DCLI), recently contacted us to share a remarkable family story.

Private Dale was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for rescuing wounded comrades under fire during the First World War. In April 1918, he was himself wounded and taken to Germany as a Prisoner of War, where his injuries eventually led to the amputation of his leg.

While in the hospital, he formed a close friendship with a German nurse. As a gesture of kindness, she gifted him the traditional doll pictured here.

Now over 100 years old, this photograph and doll have been kept in the family for generations. We are grateful to Dale’s grandson for sharing this story with Cornwall’s Army Museum, helping us tell the personal stories of the DCLI during the Great War.

Address

The Keep, Castle Canyke Road
Bodmin
PL311EG

Opening Hours

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	10am - 5pm
Wednesday	10am - 5pm
Thursday	10am - 5pm
Friday	10am - 5pm
Saturday	10am - 5pm

Telephone

01208 72810

Website

http://www.bodminkeep.org.uk/

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