Explore over 200 years of prison history through fascinating artefacts, weapons, uniforms and stories of famous escapes at this unique indoor museum.

Dartmoor Prison Museum offers visitors a compelling insight into life inside one of the world's most famous and notorious jails. Located at HMP Dartmoor in Princetown, Devon, the museum attracts over 35,000 visitors annually from around the globe. The collection vividly portrays more than 200 years of turbulent history, ranging from the prison's origins as a Prisoner of War Depot for French and American soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars, through the convict era, to modern-day penal practice. Visitors can examine an extensive range of prison memorabilia, including life-size models of Napoleonic soldiers in period uniforms, historical documents, and displays exploring significant events such as the 'Princetown Massacre' of 1812. The museum features outdated methods of prisoner control including manacles, straightjackets, and flogging apparatus, alongside intricate hand-made models and paintings created by convicts, as well as crude but lethal weapons they fashioned, such as knuckledusters and chivs. The museum tells remarkable stories of famous prisoners and daring escapes, including Frank Mitchell (the 'Mad Axeman'), Eamonn de Valera (first Prime Minister of Ireland), and other notable inmates. Prison uniforms through the ages are on display, showing the evolution from French and American prisoner-of-war clothing to modern convict dress. The museum is suitable for families with children aged 0 and upwards, offering an educational and historically engaging experience that encourages visitors to think about serious issues of crime, punishment, and rehabilitation.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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Steve Field

a month ago

Gave 4 and not three because the price is cheap. overall there are some good exhibits with good information but it's looking tired. Having worked in law and order there are far more stories that could be told about these exhibits in better ways there is far too many exhibits of the inmates work. Some is amazing but 50% not so this needs scaling down more emphasis in the smuggling and weapons made and drug equipment needs much more explanation but overall spent 3 hrs there and it cost 17quid for family of four and a guid book so at this price 4 star

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Pete

a month ago

I feel I've gone to a different venue than most others leaving a review. I was quite disappointed. There seemed little logical ordering of exhibits. The information being provided didn't necessarily relate to the exhibits and often no explanation as to why some exhibits were there. In the places where the information was interesting it was necessary to stick fingers in your ears to avoid being distracted by nearby tv noise.

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Catherine Betts

2 months ago

Took a group and learnt about the history of the prison. Very interesting exhibits including items made by prisoners

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Out n about

2 months ago

A small museum on two levels with a large car park. Interesting history with much information displayed plus a few short videos. A lot of the incredible craftmanship of the prisoners is displayed including large paintings and large matchstick models. The closed prison is off limits.

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Canny Viking

3 months ago

Great museum. Very reasonable entrance fee. No cash taken. Website unable to update opening hours, so look at this entry. As it is open on a Saturday. Staff very informative. Small car park by the side of building.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026