Dartmoor Prison Museum

Dartmoor Prison Museum

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.

Visit website

  • Museum Entrance

    Dartmoor Prison Museum, which used to be advertised as Dartmoor Prison Heritage Centre, opened in this Old Prison Dairy in 1996. It has retained its character, but displays to our many visitors Dartmoor's history of more than 200 years.

  • Museum Gift Items

    We have many gift shop items for sale to our visitors, a large number of which have been made in the prison workshops.

  • Bone Carvings Made By Former Prisoners Of War

    Original French Prisoners of War made use of old bones from sides of beef and mutton, and carved very inticate items, to barter with local traders for fruit and vegetables to subsidise their War Depot food issue that was mass produced.

  • Confiscated Weapons and Escape Items

    We have a few displays with many examples of items made by prisoners, both recent and former, which is a popular part of our museum, which is known as the Black Museum.

  • The Last Supper

    Many visitors are interested in prisoner art of which we have some examples. The most popular being "the last supper", which was painted by a prisoner associated with the Richardson's and the Kray's.

Admission & prices

Opening Times

Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs and Sat 9.30 to 12.30 and 13.30 to 16.30
Fri and Sun 9.30 to 12.30 and 13:00 to 16.00

Admission Prices

Adults £3.50 each
Under 18 £2.50 each
Over 60 £2.50 each
Families £11.00 each (2 adults and up to 3 under 18's or 1 adult with 4 under 18's)

Open all week, subject to staff / operational requirements. Please telephone 01822 322130 to confirm opening times.
Please note: the last time of admission is 30 minutes before advertised closing time.

Find us

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

Museum news

View all news articles

  •  

    Agricultural Display

    We intend to include this to our museum visitor area during the Autumn/Winter period......

    Read article

  •  

    WAR OF 1812

    This summer has seen the passing of 200 years from when President Madison delared war on our King George, which ultimately saw the arrival of 6500 American Prisoner\'s Of War here when Dartmoor was a Depot built to accom......

    Read article

Information

  • Parking available
  • Toilets On-Site
  • Wheelchair access
  • Childrens activities
  • Gift Shop

Lots of gifts and souvenir items are made by prisoners in the workshops at Dartmoor.

We are advertised as closed in the lunch hours, but on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we are two staff and are usually found to be open all day.

Dartmoor Prison Museum
H.M.P. Dartmoor
Princetown
Yelverton
Devon
Princetown
PL20 6RR

T: 01822 322130
E: brian.dingle@hmps.gsi.gov.uk

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Dartmoor Prison Museum

Dartmoor Prison Museum
H.M.P. Dartmoor
Princetown
Yelverton
Devon
Princetown, DEVON PL20 6RR