Dartmoor Prison Museum
Dartmoor Prison Museum
4
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
About
Museum now reopen, please see timings for details.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
8 within 3 miles
Attractions
23 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
649 reviews
Excellent
267
Very good
261
Average
81
Poor
26
Terrible
14
Caroline D
21 contributions
Oct 2022
Came across this museum by accident but really glad we went in. The gentleman on the reception was very informative and was full of interesting information about the prison and the way of life there. We both enjoyed our visit and were fascinated by some of the exhibits
Written October 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sheila P
Brixham, UK180 contributions
Oct 2022
Fascinating, so much history in a small museum. Impossible to take it all in but a great overview of how the prison developed, probably best to pick a focus to study in greater depth rather than learn the whole history in one visit.
We spent about an hour and a half here but could have spent longer.
Dogs allowed in on leads.
Not fancy modern presentation but it really conveys the history and present day reality of the prison.
We spent about an hour and a half here but could have spent longer.
Dogs allowed in on leads.
Not fancy modern presentation but it really conveys the history and present day reality of the prison.
Written October 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Xrci
Dartford, UK69 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
This was amazing so much information of past prisoners. The weaponry and phones seized when cells were tossed.
The artwork and sculptures made from matchsticks, paper were incredible. There were cell mock ups to show how much room a prisoner has. Different prisoner uniforms. This is a definite visit if your in Devon. You won’t regret it
The artwork and sculptures made from matchsticks, paper were incredible. There were cell mock ups to show how much room a prisoner has. Different prisoner uniforms. This is a definite visit if your in Devon. You won’t regret it
Written October 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
aparry93
Amlwch, UK32 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Very interesting museum! Shows all sorts of hand made weapons, old prison uniforms, information on old inmates, etc! So much to see, I don’t want to spoil it by saying too much on here. So cheap to go in (£4), I would highly recommend you give this place a visit. And the working prison is only down the road!
Written September 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tobyjug233
21 contributions
Aug 2022
A good hour and half needed to see all there is here, very knowledgeable and witty staff. This was a most informative and thought producing visit. We'll done to all who contributed very much enjoyed the experience.
Do Not drive into the actual prison its still a working prison. The museum is another 100 yards up on the other side of the road!
Do Not drive into the actual prison its still a working prison. The museum is another 100 yards up on the other side of the road!
Written August 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Emz0312
12 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Fabulous time here! We visited this weekend and stumbled upon this after a google search. It’s quite small, I wouldn’t expect to spend more than an hour and 30 here (unless you read EVERYTHING) myself and my two boys (10 & 9) thoroughly enjoyed it. Lots and lots of artefacts and things to read. The lady and gentleman behind the desk were super knowledgeable and captured the boys attention immediately. It’s shame you can’t take photos, but we understand why. Gives us an excuse to keep returning. Great, reasonable entry fee and shop items very reasonable too. The boys LOVED the tools the prisoners made!
Written July 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marian P
Yeovil10 contributions
Jul 2022
Absolute must visit if you in the area …
Packed full of interesting artefacts and information of the history of the musuem .
Staff very knowledgeable and helpful..
Packed full of interesting artefacts and information of the history of the musuem .
Staff very knowledgeable and helpful..
Written July 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helen
Exeter, UK154 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Now open again. Very interesting exhibition of Dartmoor prison and its history. The staff are lovely and ready to answer any questions you might have. There is a free car park and the entry fee is just £4 for adults, £3 for over 60s and children. Some of the museum is down steps so not suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, due to the age and layout of the building this is unavoidable. There is no photography allowed inside the building, that being due to occasional times when prisoners are working there. Some great souvenirs to buy including ornaments painted by inmates. Highly recommend a visit.
Written July 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
June A
Surrey, UK2,486 contributions
Jun 2021
This is a relatively small musuem in the heart of Princetown, easy to find with plenty of parking. It goes into a lot of detail as to the history of the prison - how and why it was built and how the prisoners were and are treated, as of course the Prison is still there. I found it interesting, although I would perhaps have liked a little more detail. Its nevertheless well worth the small investment to visit.
Written May 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gloryhornetboy08
Chichester, UK742 contributions
Jul 2021
Very interesting to walk around this museum reading about things that have happened at the prison over the years and the names of some of the inmates that have been there and what they got up to. Also to see the many exhibits.
Well worth a visit for £4.
Well worth a visit for £4.
Written April 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Emma D
London, England, United Kingdom256 contributions
I'm assuming you don't need to pre-book? Cannot see anything on the website but just checking what with Covid!
No need to pre-book unless you are a coach party. This allows for a coach parking space to be reserved.
SouthYorkshireNurse
south yorkshire15 contributions
Is the museum open daily and what are the times.
Open daily from 9.30am up until the end of the year. Closed over Christmas, exact dates will be posted on website.
mastermac10
Waltham Forest, UK8 contributions
Can I visit the prison with a dog?
ipswich b
Andover, UK88 contributions
sorry dont know.
Jacqueline B
1 contribution
How much to get into the museum
Basher H
18 contributions
Very cheap. I think under £5
martincgilbert
Baldock, UK45 contributions
Is it any good for people with limited mobility as I would like to take my grandad
We have an access ramp to the museum itself and 80% of the museum is on one floor with plenty of room for mobility scooters or wheeled walkers. Unfortunately toilets are downstairs but can be reached via wide stone steps with handrail.
shanethornton67
Bath, UK
Can you visit the prison itself ?
No you can't as it is a fully operational prison.
Cas Emilie
London, UK39 contributions
are dogs allowed in the museum?
Yes they are and given a biscuit on entry if allowed.
lizziecharlton1967
Princetown, UK
Why is there no cafe at the museum? This would make visitors feel more welcome and increase income to then be spent on updating the museum. There is nowhere for visitors to relax at this end of the village, because of this, many visitors (especially the elderly and very young) will be put off the walk to the other end of the village.
derekbjohnstone
Polegate, UK120 contributions
Prison food?
Peter P
Southerness, UK8 contributions
Is it open at weekends?
Yes it is open weekends Friday and Sunday 09.30 -16.00 last entry 15.30. Mobday to Thursday & Saturday 9.30 to 16.30. last entry 16.00.
Hope that's ok for you.
Am sorry for delay as I was on Holiday in Majorca just got home.
Goid luck
Paul R
Brisbane, Australia17 contributions
What is the road like between Plymouth and Princetown.? I will be travelling in September.
Jock M
Ashford, UK189 contributions
My initial answer would have been to look at the map and work it out yourself but we did experience some "interesting" conditions within the park this winter. Road by the prison was truly awash and best taken carefully. Many other dips had become fords. Some in and around the park were impassable to low slung sports cars. There was also a dead cow in the road so you just need to take care. If you were walking the moors you'd probably accept the routes "as are" and look more closely at the weather forecast. I reckon on the same approach for driving. Cayenne took it all in it's stride; BMW Z4 wouldn't have stood a chance. "Be Prepared" has been around as a motto for 109 years and is possibly most relevant for people who really want to explore places like Dartmoor!
Dartmoor Prison Museum, Princetown
Frequently Asked Questions about Dartmoor Prison Museum
- Dartmoor Prison Museum is open:
- Sun - Sun 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
- Mon - Thu 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- Fri - Fri 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
- Sat - Sat 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Dartmoor Prison Museum:
- (0.19 mi) The Chapel at The Oratory
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- (0.47 mi) Prince of Wales
- Restaurants near Dartmoor Prison Museum:
- (0.50 mi) The Old Police Station Cafe
- (0.59 mi) Fox Tor Cafe
- (0.48 mi) The Prince of Wales
- (0.59 mi) The Game Larder
- (0.54 mi) dewerstone