About Jamaica Inn

Jamaica Inn – The World’s Most Famous Inn

Built in 1750, the Jamaica Inn was predominantly a coaching inn called on by weary travellers using the turnpike between Launceston and Bodmin. Situated on the wild and wonderful Bodmin Moor, Jamaica Inn is one of the South West’s most famous landmarks and is a hugely popular visitor destination. The Inn was immortalised in Daphne du Maurier’s 1936 bestselling novel of the same name which was dramatized by the BBC in 2014. Once owned by the thriller writer Alistair McLean, Jamaica Inn has well and truly earned its place in the history books. With its cobbled courtyard and beamed ceilings, the Inn certainly has a real sense of character.

Jamaica Inn has 20 charming en-suite bedrooms, some with romantic four-poster beds and 2 that are dog friendly. All rooms have WiFi and Sky TV including Sky Sports and Sky Movies. For many years there have been stories of paranormal activity in many areas of the Inn and many people who have stayed have reported strange incidents occurring at night. ‘Most Haunted’ featured Jamaica Inn in what they said was one of the spookiest episodes they had ever recorded!  The British Paranormal Association have made in-depth investigations and compiled a report based on their findings. Awarding the Inn with an official stamp of approval for being a genuine haunted establishment! The areas of substantial interest to the investigation were, The Smugglers’ Bar, The Stable Bar (now the museum), upstairs in the old bedrooms, the old generator room that is now the hotel reception and the attic.  If you are brave enough, join in one of our ghost hunts – but be warned this is not for the faint hearted!

Fancy yourself as a bit of a Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple? Then why not come along to the Inn for one of our monthly Murder Mystery evenings. Performed by professional actors the evening is guaranteed entertainment that will exercise your little grey cells while you enjoy a sumptuous 3 course meal.

The Inn is easily reached being just beside the A30 midway between Launceston and Bodmin and has ample free parking. It is the perfect base for exploring the moor and being close to the Cornwall and Devon border it is also a great base for visiting almost anywhere in either county and still be back in time for dinner

Ideal for people of all ages, including children, the Inn also welcomes well behaved dogs in the bar area, which is fitting as the Inn is in close proximity to a host of great walks which provide unlimited opportunities for striking photography.

It is said that smugglers used the Inn to hide their contraband, and it is estimated that half of the brandy and a quarter of all tea being smuggled into the UK was landed along the Cornish and Devon coasts. Our Smuggling Museum houses one of the UK’s finest and most extensive collections of smuggling artefacts where visitors can relive the history of smuggling. People can also watch the ‘History of Smuggling in Cornwall’ (and the part Jamaica Inn played in this) which is an educational and historical theatre show recounting many of the myths and legends including tales of wreckers and smugglers over the past 300 years.

Fans of Daphne du Maurier will be in their element, as there is also a special Daphne du Maurier Room, which includes her Sheraton writing desk. The Museum is open daily from 8am to 9pm.

A well-stocked gift shop sells a vast array of goods including souvenirs, clothes, books, toys, drinks, treats and mementoes of the Inn.

Children are well entertained in a designated outside play area with a themed pirate ship they can climb on. Families can enjoy eating in the gardens with amazing views over the scenic moors.

The Inn boasts an award-winning restaurant, ‘olde worlde’ bars with great local ales, ciders and wines. An excellent range of home-cooked meals are on offer throughout the day with a traditional English breakfast available from 7.30am and lunch is from 12 noon to 3.00pm. Light bites and cream teas are available from 11am to 5pm, as are picnics and a host of tasty snacks. Evening meals are served from 5pm until 9.00pm.

Whether you fancy a spot of lunch, a cooling drink in the gardens, an ale by the fire, a day out with the children or a night away, the Jamaica Inn offers something for everyone.

Offers & Prices

Food served as follows: Breakfast 7.30 am to 11am, Light Bites 11am to 5pm, Lunch Midday to 3pm, Evening Meal 5pm to 9pm. Bars are open from 10am Monday to Saturday and midday Sunday. Museum is open from 8am to 9pm everyday.