Dartmoor Prison Museum
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Dartmoor Prison Museum

4.3
·986 reviews·Princetown, United Kingdom

Explore the history of HM Prison Dartmoor, from its 1809 origins to displays of prisoner crafts and confiscated items.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Dartmoor Prison Museum

Dartmoor Prison Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the history of HM Prison Dartmoor, from its 1809 origins to displays of prisoner crafts and confiscated items.

4.3
(986 reviews)

"A great insight into part of the prison life, a great display of items and costumes."

Vertical photo
TIP

Arrive Before 3 PM

Some visitors felt rushed out before closing. Aim to arrive earlier for a full experience and to browse the gift shop. :alarm_clock:

Check for Stair Access

A lower section of the museum requires stairs. If mobility is a concern, plan your visit accordingly. :wheelchair:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Prisoner Art and Crafts

Prisoner Art and Crafts

Main exhibition area

See the ingenious and intricate creations prisoners made from everyday items. A truly fascinating display of resourcefulness.

Contraband and Restraints

Contraband and Restraints

Display cases

Discover the surprising items prisoners managed to smuggle in and the methods used to control them. Eye-opening and thought-provoking.

Uniforms and Prison Life

Uniforms and Prison Life

Exhibition galleries

Explore the evolution of prison attire and gain insight into the daily routines and realities of life behind bars.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for a Smoother Visit

Arrive early, especially on rainy days, as crowds can build up. Some visitors noted feeling rushed to leave before closing. Check the exact closing time and aim for earlier in the afternoon for a more relaxed experience. :clock1:

Navigating the Museum's Layout

The museum offers a glimpse into prison life with displays of artifacts and uniforms. Be aware that a lower section requires navigating stairs, which might be a consideration for some visitors. :stairs:

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Rainy afternoons
Why
Popular indoor activity
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#prison #large #jail #size #big
@surprising.facts6
3.8K likes • 363.7K views

Arrive Before 3 PM

Some visitors felt rushed out before closing. Aim to arrive earlier for a full experience and to browse the gift shop. :alarm_clock:

Check for Stair Access

A lower section of the museum requires stairs. If mobility is a concern, plan your visit accordingly. :wheelchair:

Located in Dartmoor National Park, and one of the most unique places i have visited in the UK, this is Foggintor Quarry. You can get here by following the old railway track from Princetown, or a short 1 mile walk from the main road. I have a guide for both routes on my website in my bio. #bestplacestovisit #dartmoornationalpark
@shewalksinengland
2.1K likes • 83.9K views
. Dartmoor Prison Museum. Little eerie Visiting on a foggy day and all you could hear were the sheep surrounding . #dartmoorprisonmuseum #dartmoornationalpark #foggy #eerie #krays #mumofboys #mythreekings #firstholiday #devon #
carrie84m
0 likes • 228 views

Card Payments Only

The car park and gift shop are card-only. Make sure you have a card handy for any purchases. :credit_card:

Dog-Friendly Welcome

Good news for pet owners! Dogs are allowed inside the museum, making it a great outing for the whole family. :dog:

Scene It! No Moor Porridge. Don’t visit Devon and take home a tea towel … grab a Dartmoor Prison mini room box instead 😂. Quirky souvenir ✅ Dartmoor memorabilia ✅ Handmade ✅. Each box is 9cm x 5cm. This little quartet (and others ) will be available on my stall July 29th in #tavistockbutchershall. Come and browse and shop local at the @missivyevents Love Local Gifts fair. Oh and do go and visit ...
pennypotcottage
7 likes • 124 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Arrive Before 3 PM

Some visitors felt rushed out before closing. Aim to arrive earlier for a full experience and to browse the gift shop. :alarm_clock:

Check for Stair Access

A lower section of the museum requires stairs. If mobility is a concern, plan your visit accordingly. :wheelchair:

Card Payments Only

The car park and gift shop are card-only. Make sure you have a card handy for any purchases. :credit_card:

Dog-Friendly Welcome

Good news for pet owners! Dogs are allowed inside the museum, making it a great outing for the whole family. :dog:

Unique Souvenirs

Look out for quirky handmade souvenirs like mini room boxes, a unique memento of your visit. :gift:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(986 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Dartmoor Prison Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into prison life, with impressive displays of prisoner crafts and contraband. While some feel the museum could be better organized, the unique exhibits and dog-friendly policy are frequently praised. The historical significance and the insights into inmate ingenuity make it a worthwhile stop for many.

"A great insight into part of the prison life, a great display of items and costumes. There was a fantastic display of prisoners work.

There was a lower section but requires stairs to access.

There was a small selection of items to purchase.

Car park was adequate, card only no cash.

It was relatively busy when we arrived but they said it often is when it's raining.

Photo also shows the entrance as SatNav may not be accurate"

Abi Stevens

"Not sure if run by volunteers.
Really could do with being reorganised, repainted and better presented.
Slightly disappointed to be honest albeit some interesting items but not the farming equipment as like other visitors we all just walked off and did not want to see items like this. It is the prison we want to see and learn about.

It is a shame the main prison is not a museum with tour guides etc like bodmin jail."

Ph93

"Turned up at just before 3pm. Google says closes at 430p Door says closes at 4pm. Lights were turned off and we felt the hint to leave at 345p as the worker was out the door and off on his motorbike by 350p after not wanting to sell any merchandise by advising register already off. Arrive earlier and would be a nice prison museum"

Ty Sharpe (Realtysharpe)

What People Like

Intriguing prisoner crafts
Insightful contraband displays
Dog-friendly policy

What People Dislike

Could be better organized
Feeling rushed at closing

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in Princetown, within Dartmoor National Park. SatNav directions can sometimes be inaccurate, so it's advisable to cross-reference with local signage. Many visitors arrive by car, and there is a car park available. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes in advance is recommended. Instagram+1

Yes, there is a car park available for visitors. However, please note that it is card-only, so cash payments are not accepted. Reddit

Absolutely! The museum is a popular stop for day-trippers exploring Dartmoor National Park. It can be combined with visits to other local attractions like Tavistock or scenic drives across the moor. Instagram+2

Many visitors explore Dartmoor by car, enjoying scenic drives and stopping at various points of interest. Hiking and cycling are also popular ways to experience the park's natural beauty. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Princetown itself offers accommodation options, and there are various hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering apartments scattered throughout Dartmoor National Park, some of which are dog-friendly. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary, and some visitors have noted discrepancies between online information and actual closing times. It's best to check the official website or call ahead. Some reviews suggest arriving earlier in the afternoon, as lights may be turned off and merchandise sales stopped before the stated closing time. Reddit

Admission fees are generally reasonable, offering good value for the insights provided. Specific pricing details are best confirmed directly with the museum or on their official channels. Reddit

Advance booking is usually not required for the Dartmoor Prison Museum, especially for individual visitors. However, for larger groups or during peak times, it might be worth checking if pre-booking is recommended. Reddit

The museum offers a historical and educational experience that can be engaging for older children and teenagers interested in history and true crime. Parental discretion is advised, as some exhibits may be sensitive. Instagram

Yes, dogs are welcome at the Dartmoor Prison Museum, making it a great destination for visitors traveling with their pets. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. While some visitors have shared photos online, it's always best to check for any posted restrictions within the museum to ensure you comply with their guidelines. Instagram+1

The exterior of the imposing prison building itself offers a dramatic photographic subject, especially on a foggy day. Inside, displays of prisoner crafts and contraband can also make for interesting shots. InstagramReddit

The stark granite walls of the prison and the surrounding moorland landscape provide a dramatic backdrop. Inside, the displays of handmade items by prisoners are often highlighted as visually interesting. TikTokInstagram

Many visitors capture the imposing architecture of the prison and the rugged beauty of Dartmoor. Inside, the focus is often on the unique artifacts and the stories they tell. TikTokInstagram

A wide-angle lens could be useful for capturing the scale of the prison exterior and the expansive Dartmoor landscape. For interior displays, a standard lens should suffice. TikTok

🎫 💡 Onsite Experience

The museum showcases the history of Dartmoor Prison, with exhibits on prisoner life, uniforms, restraints, and confiscated items. You can also see impressive examples of prisoner-made crafts. InstagramReddit

Most visitors spend around 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the museum. This allows enough time to view the exhibits thoroughly and perhaps browse the gift shop. Reddit

Visitor feedback suggests that while there are interesting items, some feel the museum could benefit from reorganization and better presentation to enhance the visitor experience. Reddit

Displays include historical uniforms, restraints, contraband items smuggled into the prison, and a remarkable collection of crafts made by prisoners, such as intricate models. InstagramReddit

While not heavily interactive in a digital sense, the displays of prisoner crafts and contraband offer a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to imagine the ingenuity and challenges faced by inmates. Reddit

🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining

Yes, there is a small gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs. Items range from traditional souvenirs to unique handmade items like mini room boxes. InstagramReddit

Souvenir options include typical tourist items, but also more unique finds like handmade mini room boxes inspired by prison cells. Instagram

Princetown, where the museum is located, has cafes and pubs offering refreshments. For a wider selection, nearby towns like Tavistock offer more dining options. Instagram+1

Yes, Princetown has cafes and pubs that serve food. The Fox Tor Cafe is mentioned as a place for coffee, and The Tors Inn is recommended for Sunday roasts. Instagram

Tavistock, a short drive away, offers a variety of dining experiences, from independent bookshops with cafes to traditional pubs and restaurants. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Dartmoor Prison Museum can be an interesting educational stop for families, particularly for older children and teenagers who have an interest in history or true crime. The displays of prisoner crafts and contraband can be quite engaging and spark curiosity. However, parents should be mindful that some exhibits might be sensitive for younger children. Instagram

Consider visiting on a less crowded day to allow children to explore at their own pace. The museum's location within Dartmoor National Park also offers opportunities for outdoor activities before or after the museum visit, providing a good balance of indoor and outdoor experiences. TikTok

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

Dartmoor Prison Museum is an excellent addition to any road trip or day trip through Dartmoor National Park. Its central location in Princetown makes it an easy stop while driving between other points of interest. Instagram+1

Combine your visit with scenic drives across the moor, stops at charming villages like Tavistock, or hikes to iconic landmarks. Remember that parking is card-only, and it's wise to check closing times to make the most of your visit. InstagramReddit

🐶 Dog Owners

A significant plus for dog owners is that the Dartmoor Prison Museum is dog-friendly! You can bring your canine companions along to explore the exhibits with you, making it a convenient and enjoyable outing for the whole family. Reddit

This policy aligns with the general dog-friendly nature of Dartmoor National Park, where many trails and outdoor spaces welcome pets. Ensure your dog is well-behaved and on a lead where appropriate. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of HM Prison Dartmoor

HM Prison Dartmoor, located in Princetown, has a long and storied history dating back to its construction in 1809. Initially built to house French prisoners of war during the Napoleonic Wars, it has since served various roles, including as a military prison and a borstal. Its imposing granite structure, set against the rugged backdrop of Dartmoor National Park, has made it a distinctive landmark. The prison's remote location and harsh environment have always contributed to its formidable reputation. TikTok+1

The museum itself offers a curated look into this history, focusing on the lives of the inmates and the operational aspects of the prison. Visitors can learn about the challenges of managing such a large institution in a remote area and the evolution of penal practices over the centuries. The exhibits aim to provide an insight into the daily realities, the security measures, and the human stories behind the prison walls. Reddit

It's important to note that the museum is a separate entity from the active prison. While it showcases artifacts and information related to the prison's past and present operations, it does not offer tours of the operational prison itself, unlike some other historical jail attractions. Reddit

Prisoner Ingenuity: Crafts and Contraband

One of the most captivating aspects of the Dartmoor Prison Museum is the display of items created by prisoners. Faced with limited resources and strict regulations, inmates demonstrated remarkable ingenuity in crafting everything from intricate models and artwork to functional tools and even makeshift tattoo machines. These exhibits offer a unique perspective on the resourcefulness and creativity that can emerge even in restrictive environments. InstagramReddit

The museum also features a collection of contraband items that were seized from prisoners. These items, often cleverly concealed or fashioned from everyday materials, highlight the constant cat-and-mouse game between inmates and prison staff. Seeing these objects can be both surprising and thought-provoking, offering a glimpse into the lengths prisoners would go to obtain or create items deemed forbidden. Reddit

These displays are not just about the objects themselves but also about the stories they tell. They speak to the human desire for self-expression, connection, and even defiance, providing a more nuanced understanding of prison life beyond just the punitive aspects. Reddit

Exploring Dartmoor National Park

The Dartmoor Prison Museum is situated in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, a vast and wild landscape in Devon, England. This area is renowned for its dramatic granite tors, rolling moorlands, ancient woodlands, and picturesque villages. It's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering numerous opportunities for hiking, cycling, horse riding, and wildlife spotting. TikTokInstagram

Visitors often combine a trip to the prison museum with exploring the surrounding natural beauty. Popular activities include walking along old railway tracks, visiting ancient standing stones, or simply enjoying the breathtaking views. The park's unique atmosphere, often characterized by mist and wind, adds to its mystical allure. TikTokInstagram

Princetown, the village where the museum is located, serves as a good base for exploring the central part of Dartmoor. Nearby attractions include Foggintor Quarry, a former granite quarry with a fascinating history, and the Warren House Inn, one of the highest pubs in England. The park's accessibility makes it a popular destination for both day-trippers and those seeking a longer escape into nature. TikTokInstagram

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