Bodmin Keep

Bodmin Keep is a friendly and fun museum in Bodmin, Cornwall. 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.

The Museum houses permanent exhibits showing different eras of warfare including the First and Second World Wars, the Cold War, and more. Many different uniforms are held, some on display, and others available for visitors to try on.

Special displays are held during the year, featuring different aspects of the Museum's collections. See their website for full details.

There is a gift shop on site.