to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Groups at Dartmoor Prison Museum
Princetown
Yelverton
Devon
PL20 6RR
About us
Dartmoor Prison Museum is located yards from the iconic Dartmoor Prison itself. Set in the wilds of Dartmoor the Museum is based in the old Prison farm dairy and is spread out over two floors with numerous different galleries to explore. It tells the story of over 200 years of prison history from its opening in 1809 taking in French prisoners from the Napoleonic Wars followed by American prisoners from the War of 1812. The Prison re-opened as a convict prison in 1850 and hosted Conscientious Objectors during the First World War. Still in use today it is currently Britain’s oldest operational prison.
Visitors can learn about how the Prison came into existence and the types of prisoners the prison currently houses – it may not be all you believe!
The Museum showcases what life was like for prisoners from 1850 as a hard labour prison up to today including representations of cells from the past to the modern day. The darker side of prison life is represented by displays of contraband such as mobile phones, weapons and items to aid escape. Other features include details of escapes and infamous ex inmates. It also showcases the artistic side of prisoners in the form of paintings and models and also the Prison Choir Project, which puts on musical shows in the prison and has featured HRH The Prince of Wales amongst past audience members.
The Museum welcomes group bookings and tours to the French and American Prisoner of War cemeteries at the rear of the Prison are available by pre-booking.
The Museum shop is well stocked with souvenirs, books and uniquely items made in the prison by prisoners themselves.
No visit to the Museum is complete without also visiting the Church, located about 500 yards from the Museum building. This was built by French and American prisoners of war and the churchyard contains the graves of prisoners from 1902 who died at the prison.
Whilst there is no onsite catering at the Museum itself, Princetown boasts three cafes and currently one public house.
Book Tickets
Facilities
Accessibility
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
- Ramp/Level Access
Attraction Facilities
- Shop
Establishment Features
- Dog Friendly
- Dogs-Accepted
- Shop
- Toilets
Parking & Transport
- On-Site Coach Parking
- Parking (free)
- Parking On Site
TripAdvisor
Opening Times
| Season (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday - Thursday | 09:30 | - 16:30 |
| Friday | 09:30 | - 16:00 |
| Saturday | 09:30 | - 16:30 |
| Sunday | 09:30 | - 16:00 |
