Dartmoor Prison Museum

4.2
(688 reviews)
HMP Dartmoor, Princetown, Devon, PL20 6RR
01822 322130Official website
History Museums
Museums
Attraction

About

Nestled in the historic HMP Dartmoor complex in Princetown, Devon, the Dartmoor Prison Museum offers a vivid journey through the island’s rugged history of warfare, incarceration and rehabilitation. Visitors walk through preserved cells, interactive displays of Napoleonic and American prisoner‑of‑war artefacts, and learn how the prison evolved from a wartime depot to a modern Category C facility. Alongside educational programmes for school groups, the museum provides immersive stories of famous escape attempts and everyday prison life, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts, families and students alike.

Highlights

  • Historic Prison Cells
  • Prisoner of War Gallery
  • Family Ticket Bundle

Must-See Areas

Napoleonic Prisoners' Display
American Prisoners of War Gallery
Prisoner of War Memorial

Good to Know

Good for

Families
History Enthusiasts
School Groups
Solo Travelers

Best time to visit

Spring and Autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, ideal for visiting Dartmoor Prison Museum.

Pros & Cons

What visitors love

  • Immersive Storytelling
  • Welcoming Staff
  • Family‑Friendly Activities

Things to consider

  • Peak‑Season Crowds
  • Limited Parking
  • Short Operating Hours

What people are saying

"Historical Insight""Educational Value""Engaging Narratives"

At a glance

  • Typical visit: about 2 hours

Tickets & pricing

Adult

£5.00

Child (Under 16)

£4.00

Family

£15.00

Dartmoor Prison Museum | Plymouth | United Kingdom | TripAligner