Name: Dartmoor Prison Museum
Rating: 5.0

Dartmoor Prison Museum

Dartmoor Prison Museum, Princetown, Yelverton, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

The Dartmoor Prison Museum is an intriguing museum category attraction located in Princetown, in the heart of Dartmoor National Park. It is one of the best things to do with kids in Dartmoor if you want to explore the gritty and fascinating history of one of the world's most famous jails. You can explore the old dairy buildings to see how the prison has changed from its origins as a place for Napoleonic war prisoners to its role as a modern correctional facility.

Planning your trip to this historic site is quite affordable for most families. Prices start from £4.00 for children, making it a very low-cost educational stop during your moors exploration. Since the museum is housed in the old prison dairy, it provides a sheltered space to learn about local history when the Dartmoor weather turns grey.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that is a little different from the usual farm park, this is it. It provides a unique educational day out where children can learn about prison life, escape stories, and the strange items prisoners made behind bars. It is an eye-opening experience that sparks plenty of conversation about history and justice.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Historical Artefacts: The museum features interactive exhibits including realistic models and actual tools used by staff and prisoners over the last 200 years.
Educational Day Out: It offers an educational day out covering the Napoleonic Wars, the War of 1812, and the Victorian prison system.
Sensory Play: Visual sensory play is found in the "bone work" collection, where kids can see incredibly detailed items carved from animal bones by prisoners long ago.
Life Behind Bars: Children can see what a traditional prison cell looks like, helping them understand the reality of historical confinement.

Top 5 Highlights

The Bone Work Collection: This is a "Helpful Peer" favourite because it shows the amazing things prisoners made to pass the time. Kids love seeing the tiny, intricate ships and boxes carved from leftover dinner bones!
The "Cat O' Nine Tails": A real example of an old punishment whip. It’s a highlight because it really brings home how much stricter life was in the past and usually gets a "wow" from school-aged kids.
Prisoner Escape Kits: See some of the clever and sometimes funny things prisoners used to try and get away. It captures the imagination and makes kids wonder if they could have ever figured out a way out.
Manacles and Shackles: Real heavy iron chains that were used to hold prisoners in place. Children are often surprised by how heavy these items are and how difficult it would be to move while wearing them.
The Napoleonic Models: Detailed models made by French prisoners during the museum's earliest years. It’s fascinating to see how people created such beauty while being held as prisoners of war.

Facilities

Toilets: On-site facilities available for museum guests.
Buggy Parking: The museum is small; buggies are best left in the designated area near the entrance.
Food & Drink: No café on-site, but many pubs and tea rooms are within a 5-minute walk in Princetown.
Shop: A small gift shop selling local history books and prison-themed souvenirs.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Bring a Jacket: Princetown is the highest village in Dartmoor and can be very chilly and misty even in summer.
Check the Content: Some displays on punishment might be a bit intense for very sensitive or very young children; it’s best for ages 8+.
Combine with a Walk: Visit the museum first, then head to a nearby tor so the kids can run off their energy after the indoor learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for toddlers? Probably not. The museum is quite small and the subject matter is better suited to school-aged children who can read the displays.
How long does a visit take? A thorough walk-through takes about an hour, though you might stay longer if you enjoy reading every historical detail.
Where is the best place to park? The main village car park in Princetown is the best spot, as the museum itself has very limited parking.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Dartmoor? The Dartmoor Prison Museum is one of the cheapest indoor activities in the area, with children’s entry at just £3.00.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The very low entry price makes it one of the best value museums in Devon.
The "bone work" models are a genuine surprise and keep kids interested for longer than expected.
It’s a great "rainy day" option when it’s too wet to walk on the moors.

What Visitors Don't Like

It is a relatively small museum, so you might finish it quicker than larger attractions.
It can be a bit crowded on rainy days when everyone has the same idea to head indoors.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

Napoleonic War Ship Models: Intricate ships built by French POWs.
The "Cat O' Nine Tails": Original historical corporal punishment device.
Prisoner Weapons: A collection of "shanks" and homemade tools confiscated by guards.
Uniform Gallery: Changing styles of warder and prisoner uniforms over two centuries.
The Old Dairy Machinery: Original equipment from the building's former life.
Escape Rope: A display featuring items used in actual historic escape attempts.
Kitchen Utensils: Large-scale pots and pans used to feed thousands of inmates.
The Bone-Carved Boxes: Decorative items made from bone and straw.
World War I Conscientious Objectors Display: Information on those held for their beliefs.
Modern Day Prison Life: Exhibits showing how the prison operates today.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Princetown Village: A short walk away with lovely cafes and the High Moorland Visitor Centre.
Dartmoor National Park: Endless miles of walking trails, including the famous "tors" or rock formations.
Burrator Reservoir: A 15-minute drive away, perfect for a flat walk around the water.
The Princetown Distillery: Located nearby for adults to browse local spirits.

New for 2026

2026 Digital Archive Access: New for 2026, the museum has introduced a digital screen allowing visitors to look up more details on the prison's long history.
Updated Napoleonic Display: A refreshed layout for the French prisoner of war collection for the 2026 season.

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