Discover Princetown
Much of Princetown’s story is closely tied to the imposing Dartmoor Prison, which has shaped the village for more than two centuries. Built in the early 1800s during the Napoleonic Wars to house French prisoners of war, the prison brought workers, families and new life to this remote part of the moor.
Over time, it evolved to hold criminal convicts, conscientious objectors during the First World War, and troops preparing for the D-Day landings during the Second World War. Today, visitors can explore this fascinating history at the Dartmoor Prison Museum, where the stories of inmates, guards and the surrounding community are brought vividly to life.
- Places to Stay
- Things to Do
- Food & Drink
- Shopping
- What's on
History and Heritage
Much of Princetown’s story is closely tied to the imposing Dartmoor Prison, which has shaped the village for more than two centuries. Built in the early 1800s during the Napoleonic Wars to house French prisoners of war, the prison brought workers, families and new life to this remote part of the moor.
Over time, it evolved to hold criminal convicts, conscientious objectors during the First World War, and troops preparing for the D-Day landings during the Second World War. Today, visitors can explore this fascinating history at the Dartmoor Prison Museum, where the stories of inmates, guards and the surrounding community are brought vividly to life.
Princetown’s heritage can also be seen in the striking Church of St Michael and All Angels, built between 1810 and 1814 by French and American prisoners of war. The only church in England constructed by POWs, it remains a peaceful and contemplative landmark at the heart of the village.
Eat and Drink in Princetown
Despite its remote setting, Princetown is full of life and independent spirit. Traditional pubs such as The Plume of Feathers and The Prince of Wales sit alongside welcoming cafés including Fox Tor Café and the much-loved Police Station Café.
Food lovers will also find plenty to enjoy, from artisan sourdough at Happy Belly Bakery to locally brewed ales from the renowned Dartmoor Brewery.
Nearby, the award-winning Two Bridges Hotel offers refined dining in a classic Dartmoor setting, while the Dartmoor Inn is known for meals cooked over an open fire.
For a sweeter treat, the Ramblers’ Rest Ice Cream Kiosk serves Devon-farmed ice cream that has become a favourite stop for walkers, cyclists and families exploring the moor.
Things to Do and Unique Experiences
The village also has a thriving creative and experiential side. Sew Enchanting brings colour and craft to the high street, while Black Arrow Longbows continues the tradition of handcrafted archery equipment.
Dartmoor Carriages offers traditional horse-drawn carriage rides across the moor, and Lakemoor Alpacas provides memorable alpaca walks through the countryside.
For relaxation after a day outdoors, the Wilder Sauna at Badgers Holt offers a unique chance to warm up and unwind beside the moorland landscape.
Walking, Cycling and Exploring Dartmoor
Princetown is an exceptional base for exploring central Dartmoor. From the village edge, trails and tracks lead in every direction across open moorland, taking visitors to ancient standing stones, hidden valleys, waterfalls, tors and wild-swimming spots.
Old railway lines and bridleways provide excellent off-road cycling, while routes such as Conchies Road — built during the First World War by conscientious objectors housed at the Princetown Work Centre — offer thought-provoking walks through the surrounding landscape.
Places to Stay in Princetown
Accommodation ranges from cosy B&Bs and bunkhouses to welcoming inns and campsites.
Duchy House is known for its warm hospitality and excellent breakfasts, while Railway Ramblers’ Rest offers comfortable stays complete with the simple luxury of a giant hot tub beneath Dartmoor’s dark skies.
The Plume of Feathers campsite remains a popular stop for walkers and cyclists travelling across the moor.
Explore Postbridge and Bellever
Just a short drive from Princetown, the neighbouring villages of Postbridge and Bellever offer a quieter but equally enchanting side of Dartmoor.
Postbridge is famous for its iconic medieval clapper bridge crossing the East Dart River, as well as its easy access to scenic walking routes, ancient woodland and open moorland.
Nearby Bellever is known for its peaceful forest, riverside paths and archaeological remains, including prehistoric hut circles hidden among the trees and bracken.
Together, the two villages provide excellent opportunities for walking, cycling, wildlife watching and family-friendly exploration, while offering a gentler contrast to the wide, exposed landscapes surrounding Princetown.
Events and Community Life
Throughout the year, Princetown comes alive with community events including the Dartmoor Outdoor Festival, celebrating adventure, creativity and the unique spirit of the moor.
The village also looks firmly to the future, with projects such as the Asclepius Sensory Garden and community planting schemes reflecting a place deeply connected to wellbeing, sustainability and its surrounding environment.
Plan Your Visit to Princetown
Princetown is more than a gateway to Dartmoor — it is a destination in its own right.
Rich in history, independent in character and surrounded by some of the most striking landscapes in Britain, it offers visitors a Dartmoor experience that is authentic, memorable and quietly extraordinary.
More about Princetown
Princetown is full of fascinating stories and unexpected quirks that make it a memorable stop on any Dartmoor adventure. Here are some interesting facts you may not know:
• One of the highest settlements in the UK
At around 436 metres (1,430 ft) above sea level, Princetown is one of the highest villages in southern England. Its elevated position gives it dramatic skies, wild weather, and far-reaching views across the moor.
• Home to the famous Dartmoor Railway heritage line
Princetown was once the terminus of its own branch railway, opened in 1883. Although the line closed in 1956, parts of the old trackbed now form a popular walking and cycling route with spectacular views.
• Sir Arthur Conan Doyle found inspiration here
The creator of Sherlock Holmes stayed in Princetown while writing The Hound of the Baskervilles. The surrounding moorland — with its misty tors, lonely mires and legends — helped inspire one of literature’s most iconic mysteries.
• Rich in myths and moorland folklore
From tales of spectral hounds to stories of pixies and ancient stone circles, Princetown is surrounded by places that feature in Dartmoor’s rich tapestry of legends.
• A haven for wildlife lovers
The moorland around Princetown is a fantastic place to spot Dartmoor ponies, skylarks, curlews, rare butterflies, and seasonal heather displays. In summer, the surrounding grasses come alive with dragonflies and colourful wildflowers.
• A stop for long-distance walkers and cyclists
Princetown sits close to several major routes, including the Two Moors Way, the Granite Way and the Princetown Railway Path. For many adventurers, it’s a natural rest point for refuelling and exploring.
• Gateway to some of Dartmoor’s most iconic tors
From Princetown you can easily reach South Hessary Tor, King’s Tor, and North Hessary Tor — home to the landmark TV mast that can be seen for miles around.
