Dartmoor Prison Museum, Princetown, Devon. Paid entry

Details

Accessibility

Disability Toilet

Brief description

"Unlocking the history of one of England's most famous prisons, Dartmoor Prison Museum reflects the heritage of HMP Dartmoor from Prisoner of War Depot to the present day. The interesting collection of artefacts provides a unique insight into prison life both past and present.of interest to all ages and groups, Dartmoor Prison Museum is located in the old dairy buildings with parking available. Coaches and group visits are welcome by appointment if possible."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HM_Prison_Dartmoor

2026: "HM Prison Dartmoor is a Category C men's prison, located in Princetown, high on Dartmoor in the English county of Devon. Its high granite walls dominate this area of the moor. The prison is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, and is operated by His Majesty's Prison Service.

The prison closed temporarily in 2024 for radon mitigation and investigation works.[2]

Dartmoor Prison was given Grade II heritage listing in 1987.[3]The region, and the prison, is contaminated by hazardous radon gas generated by the decay of uranium in the region's bedrock, and prison walls. In 2023, 96 inmates of the prison were evacuated due to this. According to one source no inmates or staff are said to have suffered adverse health effects from radon poisoning at HMP Dartmoor,[34] although this is disputed.[35]

In 2024, Dartmoor's 682 prisoners were transferred to other prisons due to the unsafe levels of radon, and the prison closed for radon mitigation. While the closure was stated to be "temporary"[36] (although no planned reopening date was announced), Princetown villagers expressed doubt that the jail would ever reopen because of the complications of rehabilitating such an old building, although a new 25-year lease of the prison from the Duchy of Cornwall had been entered into in 2023[35][37] which was criticised in a report by the Public Accounts Committee.[38] Radon concentrations of 14 times the permissible limit have been recorded in the prison, and in 2025 about 500 inmates and staff, many of whom attributed serious health problems including cancers to radon, were planning to sue the Ministry of Justice.[35] 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HM_Prison_Dartmoor#Dartmoor_Prison_Museum

2026: The Dartmoor Prison Museum, which focuses on the history of HMP Dartmoor, is located in the old dairy buildings; exhibits include the prison's role in housing prisoners of war from the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812, manacles and weapons, memorabilia, clothing and uniforms, famous prisoners, and the changed focus of the prison. It sold garden ornaments and other items made in the prison concrete and carpentry shops by prisoners engaged in educational courses.

There are also displays and information on less well known aspects of the prison, such as the incarceration of conscientious objectors during World War One.

The museum remained open during the closure of the prison for radon mitigation from 2024.[35]"

Address

Dartmoor Prison Museum

H.M.P. Dartmoor

Princetown

Yelverton

Devon

Princetown

PL20 6RR

Email

Phone

Please telephone 01822 322130 to confirm opening times.

Website

https://www.dartmoor-prison.co.uk

https://www.devonmuseums.net/Dartmoor-Prison-Museum/Devon-Museums/

Directions

"From Tavistock, turn right towards Princetown, the museum is found next to the first few buildings on the right.

From Plymouth turn left up through Princetown centre, past the Prison gate (1/2 mile) to park just past the old prison dairy, the museum"

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

Please telephone 01822 322130 to confirm opening times.

Transport

Amenities

Disability Toilet

Museum

Picnic area

Parking

Shop

Toilets