Bolventor, Bodmin Moor, PL15 7TS
Tel: (01566) 86250
Email: enquiry@jamaicainn.co.uk
Web: www.jamaicainn.co.uk
The classic moorland haunted inn
For over 400 years the Jamaica Inn has stood high on Bodmin Moor welcoming smugglers, highwaymen and travellers of all descriptions. It was built in 1750 as a coaching house on the A30 road.
Originally known as the New Inn it was a regular stop for coaches where horses were changed on the arduous route from Launceston to Bodmin. When a member of the Rodd family who had held the post of Governor of Jamaica retired and returned to his home at North Hill, the inn took on its new name.
Today little has changed except that the main road now by-passes the village. You can still see the cobbled courtyard over which the stage coach rattled, the swinging sign creaked in the breeze and the welcome light shone. All remind us of days, not so long ago, when it was unsafe to travel on the lonely roads unarmed.
Inside the Smuggler's Bar you'll find an intimate atmosphere with lovely old beamed ceilings and a roaring log fire to sit by and enjoy a drink of real ale. Delicious hot and cold Cornish Fayre is available from Pedlar's Food Bar or if you want a more leisurely meal, then dine at the Du Maurier Restaurant. the restaurant opens in the evenings and at lunchtime in the summer, and is known for its succulent grilled steaks and local fresh fish.
If you wish to spend the night, there are cosy bedrooms all en suite with colour televisions and tea making facilities. Imagine what it is like to be Mary Yellan...but beware, for Jamaica Inn is haunted!
The Jamaica Inn is an ideal base for exploring Bodmin Moor. You can walk to Dozmary Pool where King Arthur threw Excalibur, visit Brown Willy, Cornwall's highest point and take in the beauty of Roughtor.
The Jamaica Inn with its reputation of great gatherings, is perfect for business or social functions and weddings, for up to 200 people, from finger and fork buffets to full waitress service and disco parties.
Jamaica Inn is well known as the setting for Daphne du Maurier's novel of the same name, published in 1936. The young author was inspired to write her novel in 1930 after she and a friend became lost in fog whilst out riding on the moors, and were lead back by their horses to safety at the Inn. During the time spent recovering from her ordeal, the local rector is said to have entertained her with ghost stories and tales of smuggling!
Jamaica Inn was sold for more than £2m in 2014 and was bought by businessman Allen Jackson from Dorking in Surrey.
In Daphne du Maurier's Smugglers Museum at Jamaica Inn we introduce you to the life and works of Daphne du Maurier, and our arch villain, Demon Davy, the Vicar of Altarnun invites you to enter the exciting theatrical presentation of the Jamaica Inn Story told in tableaux, light and sound. Finally, on to see probably the finest collection of smugglers' relics dating back into the mists of time.
In 1930, Daphne Du Maurier stayed at the Jamaica Inn on Bodmin Moor which was to be her source of inspiration for her famous novel by the same name. Today you can visit the Daphne Du Maurier Room and imagine her sitting at her desk writing her books.
Stage coaches and coaches of all sizes are always welcome and there is plenty of free parking. If you would like to book a date please telephone our Reservation Manager on (01566) 86250.
The Jamaica Inn is located halfway between Bodmin and Launceston just off the A30 at Bolventor. Look for brown signs to Jamaica Inn Museums.
| Smugglers Bar | Souvenir Gift Shop |
| Joss Merlyn's Museum Bar | Dame Daphne Maurier Room |
| Du Maurier Restaurant & Bar | Children's Play Area |
| Daphne du Maurier's Smugglers Museum | Free Parking |
Note: There is no admission charge to any of the facilities except Daphne du Maurier's Smugglers Museum.
Opening TimesOpen all year Admission Charged |
Altarnun Bodmin Moor Bolventor Colliford Lake Temple