Princetown can be explored through a variety of themes: its prison history, an easy walk through the village and cycling routes into the moor offer practical ideas for planning your stay. Historic buildings and paths also connect the village’s character with its past.
Prison History and the Beginnings of the Village
The Dartmoor Prison Museum showcases more than 200 years of prison history. It begins with Dartmoor’s time as a prisoner-of-war camp for French and American prisoners, continues through its later use as a correctional facility and reaches the present day. Anyone interested in the history of the village will find a connected account here, rather than just a single historical event. There is a dedicated free car park in front of the museum building. Check the parking information before you travel.
The National Park Visitor Centre in Princetown closed in October 2025 and is therefore no longer a current point of interest. The village’s history is also reflected in two buildings with different connections to its past: the Plume of Feathers was built in 1785 by Charles Tyrwhitt of Tor Royal. It is considered the oldest significant building in Princetown to have been built during the founding of the settlement. The original building of the Old Duchy Hotel was constructed between 1809 and 1810 as accommodation for officers. They guarded the nearby prison and commanded the associated military barracks, which opened in 1809. Princetown’s early development can therefore be explored through both its founding and its prison and military history.
Another memorial site is the Princetown War Memorial: the cross, unveiled in 1921, commemorates the First World War and was later supplemented. Grade II listing was recommended. This recommendation should be distinguished from a listing that has already taken place.
On Foot: Village Trail, Tor and Moorland Habitats
The Ball and Chain Historic Trail is an easy walk from one end of Princetown to the other. Along the way, you can discover characteristic features of the village; the trail offers a way to combine local history with a walk through the village. For a different perspective on the landscape, a short, accessible route leads to South Hessary Tor. From there, the view stretches across the moors to the sea, although visibility depends on the weather.
The moorland habitats along the Princetown Walk are another highlight. They provide suitable habitats for species including skylarks, meadow pipits, common lizards and Fox Moth caterpillars. Those interested in the landscape and wildlife can consider these species as specific examples of the habitats along the route. The short walk to South Hessary Tor and the information about the habitats offer different focuses: one highlights the far-reaching views, while the other focuses on the moor’s wildlife.
Cycle to Burrator Reservoir
There are various route options and distances to choose from for cycling. The Granite & Gears Princetown Railway route offers 10- or 30-kilometre options along Princetown’s disused railway line. The route passes granite quarries on the way to Burrator Reservoir. Another option is the 20-kilometre Granite & Gears Princetown & Burrator route: it starts in Princetown and crosses open moorland on permitted bridleways, also leading to Burrator Reservoir.
The information about distance and route helps you distinguish between the routes based on the type of ride you want: the former railway line and granite quarries shape the Railway route, while the 20-kilometre route crosses open moorland and permitted bridleways. Both routes lead to Burrator Reservoir. As route conditions can change, check them before setting off. This allows you to choose a route based on its particular course without treating the two options as the same.
Discover more destinations: Exebridge, Kingsteignton, Sampford Spiney, West Buckland, Manaton, Staverton, Buckland Monachorum, Dittisham
Go to the main travel overview: Devon.
