A jail is probably the last place you'd wish to spend the night, but for one Brit it proved a more than comforting experience in her native Cornwall.
Travel advisor Sarah took to TikTok to document her trip to Bodmin Jail in Britain's southernmost county, where she provided a review of the unusual attraction. On the edge of Bodmin Moor, the jail was built in 1779 and housed criminals up until its closure in 1927.
After falling into ruin, redevelopment of the site commenced in 2015 before it opened its doors to guests in 2021 and as well as accommodation, offers a museum, gift shop and guided tours for visitors. "Originally a notorious jail, this unique hotel was converted three years ago and still has the 'wow' factor," Sarah hailed in a caption to her video. "The building has a definite atmosphere that you have to experience for yourself to believe."
Sarah began her clip standing among the floors of cells as she peered downwards admitting she "didn't know what to expect" at the "most unique and intriguing" hotel she'd ever seen.
As she continued her tour of one of the wings, she revealed the site is "five-star luxury" and welcomes children and pets. Wandering further, Sarah highlighted some of the building's original features including staircases that "eerily lead to nowhere" and original windows and ironworks.
"The main staircase and walkways are impressive," she gushed. "The building is seriously quiet because the walls are super-thick. When you walk up and down the staircases, you feel like you're the only one there."
After describing the feel and sound of wind whistling through the jail's original air vents, Sarah went on to unveil other facilities including Chapel Restaurant - a former chapel of rest for inmates, a café, fully-equipped gym, a champagne bar and reception area that's manned 24 hours a day.
Sarah's entered her room, which was three former cells knocked into one, and included a family room with a sofa bed and a dog bed. Elsewhere, she showcased the room's complementary mini bar and "beautiful bathroom".
She then explained guests can request to stay in "haunted" rooms with "known activity" of the paranormal kind. "I was told of a ghost of a little girl that has been seen in the hotel called Harriet," she added spookily.
Sarah closed: "I’m told that kids enjoy exploring this quirky hotel, and I’d love to come back and see what it’s like for families to stay here. Whether you’re fascinated by history or curious about its haunted past, seeing this hotel in person is key. It’s got its own personality, in the best way!"
Bodmin Jail Hotel adds on its website: "You will no longer find a dilapidated, derelict old building, but instead you will be in awe of the creative, contemporary design that weaves the past and present together. After 100 years of neglect, the Bodmin Jail is ready for new stories, cherished memories and unlimited possibilities. Come and see it for yourself!"
"I would love to stay there," one person wrote in response to Sarah's video. "Would definitely want to stay in a haunted room." A second added from experience: "I’ve stayed here before with my mum! It was absolutely amazing! And only 30 mins to the Eden project and Charlestown! Would totally recommend going!"
Others weren't so keen, however. "No, I heard the ghost in the naval jail before the hotel was built. Scary as," one TikTok user said. And another penned: "It is haunted, I've been on a physic investigation and there was loads of activity."