St Mary's Catholic Church

The church sits quietly in Bodmin, a solid Victorian structure that commands attention without demanding it. St Mary's is the sort of place you stumble upon while exploring the town rather than specifically plan to visit, which is rather a shame because it's worth ten minutes of anyone's time.

Inside, the proportions are generous and the light falls nicely through the windows. There's decent Victorian stonework and stained glass that rewards a proper look if you care about that sort of thing. It's not the oldest church in Cornwall by a long shot, but it's a genuine working parish church with the kind of earnest, uncomplicated dignity that feels increasingly rare.

You'll get the most from it if you appreciate Victorian ecclesiastical architecture or you're doing a bit of local history research. Kids won't find much to hold their attention for long, and you're looking at perhaps 15 minutes inside unless you're really keen on brass rubbings and memorial tablets.

Admission appears to be free, though opening hours aren't published widely - your best bet is to turn up during daylight and hope, or ring ahead if you're making a specific journey. Bodmin itself has decent cafes and shops, so you can easily combine a visit with a proper morning in town.

If you're staying at Mena Farm or The Camping Field nearby, it's a straightforward drive in. The town makes for a good wet-weather option when the moorland walks around Bodmin Moor feel a bit grim.