Dartmoor Prison Museum

The Dartmoor Prison Museum occupies the former prison dairy in Princetown, on the edge of Dartmoor’s highest settlement. The museum documents the history of Dartmoor Prison from its construction in 1806 to hold French and American prisoners of war, through its conversion to a criminal prison in 1850. The prison was emptied in 2024 after high radon levels were found, a closure the government describes as temporary, and it is not open to visitors; the museum provides the only public access to the site’s history.

The prison’s history

Dartmoor Prison was built during the Napoleonic Wars to house French prisoners of war, with American prisoners added during the War of 1812. The remote moorland location was chosen partly because escape routes were limited and the harsh environment discouraged attempts. After the wars ended, the prison closed until 1850 when it reopened to house civilian criminals. It has operated continuously since then, developing a reputation for holding difficult prisoners in challenging conditions.

The museum displays objects and documents from different periods of the prison’s history. Exhibits include prisoner-made items, examples of uniforms and equipment, photographs and written records. Information panels explain how prison conditions, rules and purposes have changed over two centuries. The museum’s collection shows both the harshness of historical prison regimes and reforms that have improved conditions.

Museum layout and exhibits

The museum occupies a single building with displays arranged chronologically. Starting with the Napoleonic war period, exhibits progress through Victorian convict labour, 20th-century prison reforms, and modern prison operations. Individual stories of notable prisoners and staff illustrate broader themes about crime, punishment and rehabilitation.

Some exhibits describe escape attempts, riots and other dramatic incidents from the prison’s history. These provide insight into prisoner experiences and the challenges of running a large prison in an isolated location. The museum does not sensationalise these events but presents them as part of the institution’s historical record.

A small section covers the construction of the prison and its impact on Princetown’s development. The prison brought employment and infrastructure to this remote moorland settlement, shaping the village’s character.

Visiting information

The Dartmoor Prison Museum typically opens daily during the summer season and with reduced hours in winter, though it may close for periods outside peak season. Check the website for current opening times before travelling. Admission charges apply. The museum is small and most visits last around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest in reading the detailed information provided.

Princetown sits at around 450 metres elevation on Dartmoor, making it one of England’s highest settlements. Weather conditions are often harsher here than in surrounding lowlands, with frequent cloud, rain and wind even when valleys are clear. The museum itself provides indoor shelter, but dress appropriately if combining your visit with moorland walks.

Parking is available in Princetown village. The museum is a short walk from the village centre, where basic facilities including cafes, a shop and toilets are available. The Dartmoor Prison itself is visible from parts of the village but remains behind security fencing. Photography of the active prison is discouraged for security reasons, though the museum allows photography inside.