Bodmin Keep: Cornwall's Army Museum

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)

On 3 September 1939, Britain declared war on Germany following N**i Germany's invasion of Poland two days earlier.This t...
03/09/2026

On 3 September 1939, Britain declared war on Germany following N**i Germany's invasion of Poland two days earlier.
This telegram from Bodmin Keep's archives, sent to the Officer Commanding, 2nd Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, records the mobilisation of troops in response to the invasion.

27/08/2026

📍 We're heading to the Predannack Anti-Aircraft Battery and Museum on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August for their fantastic 1940s Weekend!

Come and see our Ferret Scout Car and explore our interactive museum display, showcasing the fascinating story of military communications through the ages.

🎶 On Saturday evening, Company B will be performing a selection of wartime classics, bringing the sounds of the 1940s to life.

Join us for a fun, informative, and nostalgic weekend. We look forward to seeing you there!

✈️ Awesome Aerodynamics is back for one final workshop of the summer! Join us, alongside RAF St Mawgan,  for this hands-...
26/08/2026

✈️ Awesome Aerodynamics is back for one final workshop of the summer!

Join us, alongside RAF St Mawgan, for this hands-on workshop which invites you to step into the world of aviation as you make and launch your very own aeroplane right here in our courtyard.

📅 Today
⏰ 11am–3pm
📍 In the courtyard

We’ll see you there! ✈️

25/08/2026

Happening now! Join us today at Bodmin Keep for some military themed printing and check out our other attractions while you are here. Activities and entry all free!

🎨 COURTYARD SESSIONS TODAY AT BODMIN KEEP! 🎨We are thrilled to welcome award-winning artist Fran Rowse for today's Court...
24/08/2026

🎨 COURTYARD SESSIONS TODAY AT BODMIN KEEP! 🎨

We are thrilled to welcome award-winning artist Fran Rowse for today's Courtyard Sessions!

For just £2, you can unleash your inner artist and take home a range of custom prints using innovative printing techniques. Print whatever inspires you: snap a selfie in front of the historic museum building, print our iconic Ferret Armoured Scout Car, or draw inspiration from Cornish symbols and our local landscape!

📍 Where: Courtyard at Bodmin Keep: Cornwal's Army Museum
🎟️ Print Activity: Just £2
🕒 When: Monday 24 August, 11am to 3pm

Also open today at the Keep:
🎯 Digital Shooting Range – Test your target skills!
🎖️ First World War Trench – Step back in time and experience history up close.
🛡️ Anderson Shelter – Get a glimpse of home-front life.
🎬 Collections Highlights Film – Discover the fascinating stories behind our treasures.
📚 Military Bookshop – Browse our great selection of history reads.

Our pop-up museum is at RAF Harrowbeer 1940's Event today. Our first job? Mucking out (thanks to those Dartmoor ponies 🐴...
22/08/2026

Our pop-up museum is at RAF Harrowbeer 1940's Event today. Our first job? Mucking out (thanks to those Dartmoor ponies 🐴)! Looking forward to another day showing our military communications display 🎺📞📞🚩🔭📺

Today marks thirty-eight years since the Ballygawley bus bombing, which took place on 20 August 1988. We remember the so...
20/08/2026

Today marks thirty-eight years since the Ballygawley bus bombing, which took place on 20 August 1988. We remember the soldiers of The Light Infantry who were killed and wounded in the attack near Ballygawley, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.

Huge thanks to our researcher Jill for delivering another brilliant walking tour exploring Bodmin’s military history! 🥾T...
19/08/2026

Huge thanks to our researcher Jill for delivering another brilliant walking tour exploring Bodmin’s military history! 🥾

This week’s group enjoyed a surprise stop at the Q bar. During WWII, the building served as the Constitutional Club, offering local soldiers a welcome break to play billiards and snooker. Decades later, it's still the go-to spot in town to pick up a cue! 🎱✨

🚀Ready for lift-off? 🌍Join us and special guests from RAF St. Mawgan for an out-of-this-world rocket building workshop! ...
19/08/2026

🚀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.

📍 Where: Bodmin Keep, The Keep, Bodmin PL31 1EG
⏰ When: 11am- 3pm Drop In
🎟️ Price: £2

While you're here, test your skills and explore history:
🪖 Step inside a real Anderson shelter
🪖 Walk through a First World War trench
🎯 Test your marksmanship on our digital shooting range
🎬 Enjoy short films highlighting our amazing collection

⏰ HAPPENING TODAY🧵Make & Take Tuesday 🐻 Inspired by the First World War teddy bears in our collection, create your own f...
18/08/2026

⏰ HAPPENING TODAY

🧵Make & Take Tuesday

🐻 Inspired by the First World War teddy bears in our collection, create your own felt pocket bear to take home.

📍 Where: Bodmin Keep, The Keep, Bodmin PL31 1EG
⏰ When: 11am- 3pm Drop In
🎟️ Price: FREE
🔗 Bookings: Drop-ins welcome, but you can find out more and secure your spot online here: https://bodminkeep.org.uk/whats-on/events

While you're here, test your skills and explore history:
🪖 Step inside a real Anderson shelter
🪖 Walk through a First World War trench
🎯 Test your marksmanship on our digital shooting range
🎬 Enjoy short films highlighting our amazing collection

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

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