Reading and books are two of my favourite things - in fact, I like nothing more than to sit back and...
Reading and books are two of my favourite things - in fact, I like nothing more than to sit back and relax with a good novel, a (largish) piece of cake and a cup of coffee.
Member since:17.08.2009
Reviews:6
On a cold, grey, wet, blustery morning, the dark building loomed on the peak of Bodmin Moor. It stood isolated and bleak; a true haven for smugglers past.
Streams of water fell down our faces despite the hoods and hats. Rain soaked our clothes and the occasionally groaning could be heard as someone stepped into deep puddles or was splashed by passing cars.
Thus began our exploration of Jamaica Inn...
Jamaica Inn
Jamaica Inn was originally built in 1750 as a coaching inn and acted as a staging post for people to change horses for the long journey across the moor. A coach house, stables and a tack room were added to the Inn towards the end of the eighteenth century.
It was built at a time of heavy smuggling and, indeed, it has been estimated that around half of the brandy and a quarter of all tea being smuggled into the UK was landed on the nearby coasts. Jamaica Inn was ideally situated to serve smugglers and their contraband.
In the early twentieth century, the novelist, Daphne Du Maurier, was often inspired by Cornwall as settings for her novels and indeed, she went on the write
one that was appropriately named "Jamaica Inn".
Nowadays, the Inn comprises a hotel (with pub), a gift shop and a museum, dedicated to both Smugglers and Daphne Du Maurier.
The Gift Shop
The Gift Shop contains a wide variety of items for purchase, from fridge magnets, mugs and tea towels to t-shirts, teddy bears and model campervans. There is obviously an emphasis on smugglers, pirates and Daphne Du Maurier.
The cost of items in the shop is typical of many gift shops, e.g. bookmarks were around £1.50 and magnets, approximately £1.99. No offers were available, so if you wanted one of Du Maurier's novels it would cost the full price.
I thought the shop was pleasant and could satisfy a range of tastes within the context of souvenirs. The shop was staffed by one lady, who was very pleasant and welcoming, so there were no complaints on the customer service level.
My only gripe was the PDQ machine (which is not really the shop's fault, I hasten to add). I don't know whether it is because it is in the middle of nowhere, but it took a long time for the machine to properly authorise payments - my payment took almost ten minutes, which caused a long queue! I'd recommend having cash to spare just in case.
The Hotel and pub
I did not stay at the hotel so cannot comment on the facilities here, although you are probably looking at £65-80 per night (at least) and there are quite a number of local places to visit. PLEASE NOTE: my rating of average for the quality of rooms was the most neutral of ratings. Having never used the actual accommodation I could not judge the quality, but neither could I place a review without it. My 'average' is not a reflection upon Jamaica Inn.
Even so, we did enter the pub for refreshments. In our case, it was cream teas. I found the food delicious and the surroundings lovely and comfortable (the Inn has kept much of its character in the dark wood, beamed ceilings and, outside, the cobbled courtyards).
Prices in the pub vary, and I personally feel items are slightly on the expensive side. Our cream teas cost £3.95, which included two scones, jam, clotted cream, and a cup of tea. This wasn't too bad, but a penguin biscuit bar cost 85p!
The Museum
The museum is worth a visit, particularly if you are a fan of Du Maurier, as the emphasis is largely on her, although part of it is focused upon smuggling.
The first half of the museum is a 'story' where scenes are set and people press the buttons for narrations regarding the scenes. I thought this was good, although children under 5 may get bored easily. The narratives were slightly too long.
The second part is what you typically envisage when thinking 'museum': exhibit cases and photographs. These were full of interesting artefacts and information. For example, smugglers used to cut out the centre of potatoes, place their contraband inside, pin the potato together and then roll it in soil to cover the crease. The Daphne Du Maurier element explores her life and influences, and even includes scarves and jumpers she wore.
I found it all fascinating.
Unfortunately, the museum isn't free and an adult ticket costs £3.95. Children under 5 go free, but if there are a few of you, it soon mounts up. We did debate going in and while we were discussing it, we became aware that another family were doing the same thing. The museum is not very large and having spent money in the pub and gift shop, paying for the museum seemed a little too much, particularly in these trying times.
However, having been into the museum, I am glad that I did go round. I do think I would have regretted not having seen all of Jamaica Inn while I had the chance.
Recommend?
Definitely. Jamaica Inn is worth a visit and you can discover plenty of information about smuggling and Du Maurier. Moreover, it is really only a half-day visit, so you can combine it with something else to make the most of the days.
As I mentioned, my only feeling is that some of the prices seemed unnecessarily high at times.
Advantages: Easy to find, close to main road, clean, friendly, pleasant staff, great views, enjoyable. Disadvantages: A little expensive to the money conscious, usually busy in high season.
No_added_sugar 23.07.2009 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Jamaica Inn, Cornwall
Advantages: Easy to find, close to main road, clean, friendly, pleasant staff, great views, enjoyable. Disadvantages: A little expensive to the money conscious, usually busy in high season.
No_added_sugar 23.07.2009 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Jamaica Inn, Cornwall
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