Dartmoor Prison Museum - Yelverton

Address: Princetown, Yelverton PL20 6RR, United Kingdom.
Phone: 1822322130.
Website: dartmoor-prison.co.uk
Specialties: Museum, Tourist attraction.
Other points of interest: Onsite services, Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, Restroom, Restaurant, Good for kids, Free parking lot.
Opinions: This company has 874 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.4/5.

📌 Location of Dartmoor Prison Museum

Dartmoor Prison Museum Princetown, Yelverton PL20 6RR, United Kingdom

☎️1822322130

⏰ Open Hours of Dartmoor Prison Museum

Monday: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM–4 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM–4 PM

The Dartmoor Prison Museum offers a profoundly immersive and historically significant experience for visitors. Located in the picturesque village of Princetown, within the vast expanse of Dartmoor National Park, the museum stands as a stark reminder of the UKâs penal system over two centuries. Its address is Address: Princetown, Yelverton PL20 6RR, United Kingdom, and it can be contacted via telephone at Phone: 1822322130. Further information, including detailed exhibits and opening times, is available on their website: Website: dartmoor-prison.co.uk. The museumâs specialties include acting as both a museum and a prominent tourist attraction, providing a compelling glimpse into a dark chapter of British history.

A Glimpse into a Dark Past

The museum is housed within the actual Dartmoor Prison, a structure that operated from 1801 to 1962. It was initially established as a military barracks, but its function evolved to become a prison, accommodating a diverse range of inmates â from petty thieves and debtors to hardened criminals. The museum meticulously recreates the conditions endured by prisoners, offering a tangible sense of their isolation and hardship. Visitors can explore various areas of the prison, including the interrogation room, the chapel, the prison yard, and even the solitary confinement cells. The layout itself is a powerful testament to the institutional design of Victorian-era prisons.

Key Features and Accessibility

The museumâs design prioritizes accessibility for all visitors. It boasts a Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, and Wheelchair accessible restroom facilities. There is also a dedicated Restroom for general use. Parking is Free on-site, simplifying the journey for visitors. A Restaurant is available on-site for those seeking refreshments. The museum caters particularly well to families, offering a valuable educational experience for children â a Good for kids attraction. The museumâs commitment to inclusivity is evident in its comprehensive accessibility provisions, ensuring that everyone can appreciate this important piece of history.

Exploring the Exhibits

The museumâs exhibits are incredibly detailed and thoughtfully presented. They utilize a combination of original artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays to bring the story of Dartmoor Prison to life. Visitors can examine original prison uniforms, tools used by prison staff, and personal belongings left behind by inmates. Audio-visual presentations offer further insights into the daily lives of prisoners and the challenges faced by those responsible for maintaining order within the prison walls. The exhibits focus not just on the brutality of the system but also on the human stories behind the bars â the hopes, fears, and experiences of the individuals who were incarcerated here.

Visitor Information and Reviews

The Dartmoor Prison Museum receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Currently, the museum has 874 reviews on Google My Business, reflecting the widespread appreciation for its historical significance and engaging presentation. The Average opinion is 4.4/5, indicating a highly positive visitor experience. Visitors consistently highlight the museumâs authenticity and its ability to evoke a strong emotional response. Many appreciate the opportunity to step back in time and learn about a period of British history that is often overlooked. The quiet atmosphere of the prison itself contributes to the sense of immersion, allowing visitors to truly connect with the past. The museumâs size â approximately an hour to explore â allows for a focused and meaningful visit. Itâs a destination that leaves a lasting impression, prompting reflection on the nature of justice, punishment, and the human condition.

Recommended Information for Prospective Visitors

Here's a breakdown of key information for anyone considering a visit to the Dartmoor Prison Museum:

Location: Princetown, Yelverton PL20 6RR, United Kingdom
Contact: Phone: 1822322130
Website: dartmoor-prison.co.uk
Admission Fees: Â£3 for 60+ years old.
Parking: Free on-site parking available.
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible.
Facilities: Restaurant, Restroom, Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking.
Family-Friendly: A good destination for children.

👍 Reviews of Dartmoor Prison Museum

Mark A. J. A.

4/5

Interesting place to visit with its 200+ year history of the Penal System in the UK. £3 for 60+yo. Free parking available at the Museum. Spent about an hour reading & looking at the exhibits.

Rob D.

5/5

Situated in the old prison dairy, this is one of the most reasonably priced museums you will find. 2024 prices was £4 (£3 concessions). Some great history to read about, exhibits of the past and present and an extremely reasonably priced gift shop including some artwork from current prisoners.
The staff all work or worked in the prison and are willing to talk to you about the prison, their jobs and the area. A fantastic time can be had by all.

Becca S.

4/5

Lovely little museum with lots of history and artifacts from the prison. The man at the desk was really nice and helpful when we arrived given us some information about the history of the prison. Unfortunately one of the areas was closed off, meaning we couldn't see what the cells looked like over time, but had a nice walk to the reservoir for some views of the prison.

Mister I.

4/5

Off to prison we went, well the museum anyway. It's a small museum with a lot of information, staff very knowledgeable indeed and you'll probably be greeted by someone very willing to tell you a lot of what is on offer inside. OAP concession is £3 per person and regular price £4 so it's not going to cost you a kings ransom. It's a little cluttered inside where there isn't much of what you'd call unused space, plenty of paintings and interesting items created by inmates with a lot of time on their hands including home made weapons, some look pretty deadly! But three large talented works of art caught my eye. Only downside, two portaloos for toilets stink! Give the loos a swerve.

Kara D.

5/5

Visited the museum today with our 8yr old, he absolutely loved it! The gent on the desk was fab, he was so good with our boy and we loved the enthusiasm (he hand cuffed him and said we get him in free if he goes to jail! Haha) so much interesting information and obviously the little ones favourite bit was the contraband area! The kind man even made him a mug with his name on as there wasn’t one available, letting him chose the design off the computer! Definitely recommend.

Danny H.

5/5

A quaint, enjoyable experience. Knowledgeable staff who give great service, free parking and a highly recommended to check out on a trip through Dartmoor.

Claire G.

5/5

Loved the history and I could even take my dog

steven P.

5/5

Over the years you hear and see a lot about this prison so it was good to be able to see for ourselves the history of Dartmoor prison.
When you see some of the weapons that prisoners have made it must be a very frightening place but then you see a beautiful model of the Notre Dame Cathedral made from what looks like matchsticks and you realise not everyone puts their skills to destructive items.
Well worth a visit.