Bodmin Jail, one of Cornwall’s leading historical sites and attractions, will reopen on October 1, following an extensive redevelopment project.

The £8.5m extension included the addition of the ‘Dark Walk’ visitor experience, which takes guests on a haunting exploration of the history of Cornwall.

The Dark Walk attraction is the first of its kind in the region. It uses theatrical effects and state-of-the-art technology to create a spooky cinematic visual experience of the county’s most haunting stories, as visitors are taken back to life within an 18th century prison.

The attraction will immerse guests into the courtroom scene of three prisoners. They will walk in the footsteps of prison inmates and wardens and will be enlightened about the grim realities of mining, smuggling, prison sentences and grubby cells in 18th century Cornwall.

Bodmin Jail is also home to the only working execution pit in the country and delves into the myth of the terrifying Bodmin Beast.

Bodmin Jail’s general manager, Martin Lyall, commented: “The Bodmin Jail attraction is a real celebration of the history and heritage of the area and shines the light on the people and events that shaped the town that we know and love today.

“I can’t wait for locals to experience this exciting new chapter in the history of Bodmin Jail.,” Lyall added.