
Princetown Devon
Princetown: Your rugged gateway to Dartmoor's wild moors, historic prison, and breathtaking tors.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos

Princetown Devon
Best Time
Best light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Princetown: Your rugged gateway to Dartmoor's wild moors, historic prison, and breathtaking tors.

🚗 Car-Free Travel Plan
Train to Ivybridge, then bus/taxi. Book ahead!
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Moorland terrain demands good walking boots.

Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dartmoor National Park
Surrounding Princetown
Vast, wild moorland offering stunning walks, tors, and reservoirs. Perfect for hikers and nature lovers.

Dartmoor Prison Museum
Princetown
Discover the fascinating and often grim history of this infamous former prison.

South Hessary Tor
Near Princetown
An accessible tor offering panoramic views of the moorland, ideal for a short, rewarding walk.

Sherberton Stepping Stones
Dartmeet, near Princetown
A picturesque spot for a gentle stroll and a chance to paddle in the river.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Princetown: Your Dartmoor Gateway
Embrace the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Car-Free Travel Plan
Train to Ivybridge, then bus/taxi. Book ahead!
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Moorland terrain demands good walking boots.
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Layers, waterproofs are a must. Dartmoor weather changes fast!
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Mobile signal can be patchy on the moors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Car-Free Travel Plan
Train to Ivybridge, then bus/taxi. Book ahead!
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Moorland terrain demands good walking boots.
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Layers, waterproofs are a must. Dartmoor weather changes fast!
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Mobile signal can be patchy on the moors.
☕ Local Cafe Stops
Enjoy a coffee and cake at The Fox Tor Cafe.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Princetown as a quintessential Dartmoor gateway, offering access to stunning moorland walks and historical sites like the infamous prison. The natural beauty and sense of wildness are major draws, though some find the village itself a bit basic. Getting there without a car requires careful planning.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common route from London is to take a train from Paddington Station to Ivybridge. From Ivybridge station, you can then catch a bus or arrange a taxi to Princetown. Some travelers suggest the path to the moors starts to the right of Ivybridge station.
While direct bus services can be limited, local bus routes do serve Princetown, connecting it to surrounding towns. It's advisable to check current timetables with local bus operators like Stagecoach South West.
Princetown is a good base, but exploring further afield without a car can be challenging. Consider guided tours or pre-booking local taxi services for more remote areas.
The nearest major train station is Ivybridge, which is a gateway to the southern part of Dartmoor. Other stations like Okehampton are further north but can also be used to access different parts of the park.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to explore Dartmoor. There are various routes, and Princetown is accessible by road. Be prepared for hilly terrain and variable weather conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Dartmoor National Park is free to enter. There are no admission fees for the park itself.
The Dartmoor Prison Museum typically has seasonal opening hours. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on opening times and any admission fees.
Access to tors like South Hessary Tor and Sharpitor is free as they are part of the natural landscape of Dartmoor National Park.
Yes, the Dartmoor Visitor Centre in Princetown is free to enter and provides valuable information about the park, its history, and walking routes.
It is highly recommended to book accommodation in Princetown, especially during peak season (summer and school holidays), as options can be limited.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Popular walks include the route to South Hessary Tor for panoramic views, and exploring the area around Sherberton Stepping Stones at Dartmeet. Many trails start directly from Princetown.
Visit the Dartmoor Prison Museum for a dose of history, enjoy a coffee at The Fox Tor Cafe, or explore the unique shops in the village.
Yes, families can enjoy accessible walks like the one to South Hessary Tor and the Dartmoor Prison Museum offers an educational experience. Pack snacks and be prepared for changing weather.
Dartmoor is home to ponies, sheep, and various bird species. Keep a respectful distance and enjoy observing them in their natural habitat.
Sharpitor, located near Princetown, offers stunning views over Burrator Reservoir and the surrounding moorland with minimal effort.
📸 📸 Photography
The open moorland, tors like South Hessary and Sharpitor, and the dramatic skies of Dartmoor offer incredible photographic opportunities. Golden hour light in summer and autumn is particularly stunning.
Early mornings and late afternoons (golden hours) provide the most dramatic and beautiful light for landscape photography. Midday sun can be harsh.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A sturdy tripod is useful for low-light conditions or capturing long exposures of the tors. Don't forget a waterproof camera bag!
The stepping stones at Dartmeet and the views from Sharpitor are highly photogenic. The rugged tors and vast moorland are iconic Dartmoor scenes.
Drone usage in Dartmoor National Park is subject to regulations. Always check the latest guidelines from the National Park Authority and respect privacy and wildlife.










Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit