Princetown

Introducing Princetown

Perched on a bleak rise of moorland 8 miles east of Tavistock, Princetown is England’s highest town, but it’s best known as the location of one of Britain’s most infamous high-security prisons. The gloomy granite form of Dartmoor Prison, built in 1809 to house French and American prisoners of war, looms ominously over the northern edge of town. It’s far from the most beautiful spot on Dartmoor, but Princetown’s central location makes it a good base for walking.

If you’re after an unusual souvenir, the Dartmoor Prison Museum (890305; www.dartmoor-prison.co.uk; admission £2; 9.30am-4.30pm Tue-Sat) sells craftwork (mainly benches and garden gnomes) whittled into shape by current prisoners. The museum itself offers an insight into the gaol’s early days.

The High Moorland Visitors Centre (890414; hmvc@dartmoor-npa.gov.uk; Old Duchy Hotel; 10am-5pm) has displays on Dartmoor and an information centre that stocks maps, guides and books. The visitor centre started life as Princetown’s main hotel, where Arthur Conan Doyle began his classic Dartmoor tale The Hound of the Baskervilles.

There’s no great reason to stay in Prince-town, but there are a couple of pleasant inns serving stout pub grub; try the Railway Inn (890232; Two Bridges Rd) or the Plume of Feathers (890240; The Square), which also has a camping barn and a few unspectacular rooms.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009