The museum vividly portrays more than 200 years of the prison’s turbulent history ranging from the beginning, when Dartmoor was a Prisoner of War Depot for French and American prisoners of war, to the later convict era through to today.
What can be found at the venue?
Collection of artifacts, Historic building or site
Related crime and punishment profession / organisation
Prison
Significant collections relating to regional crime and punishment organisation or to a particular individual
Prison uniforms, prison memorabilia, models etc produced by convicts, weapons.
Among the most famous prisoners at Dartmoor was Frank Mitchell (the ‘Mad Axeman’) who escaped and despite the biggest manhunt ever mounted on the moor was never recaptured. We now know he was murdered by the Kray gang. Eamonn de Valera, first Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland, was a political prisoner who should never have been sent here.
Does the venue have an online collections catalogue?
No
Details of opening for public access and / or research services
Monday to Thursday and Saturday Last Entries 4 PM. Friday and Sunday 3:30pm. Last admissions to the Museum 30 minutes before closing.
The museum closed during the winter and so it is advisable to call before visiting to check we are open especially if travelling any distance
Admission Prices: Adults - £4.00; Children (Under 18) & OAPS (Over 60) - £3.00 Under 5 Free; Family Ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) - £12.00; Groups Over 10 persons - £3.00 per person. Please telephone to book.
NO PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED INSIDE THE MUSEUM; dogs welcome if well behaved and on a lead.
Available services or facilities
Visitor parking, Toilets
Accessibility and disability arrangements / Covid requirements
The Museum is accessed via a ramp to the front door but some exhibits require the use of stairs. Unfortunately we do not have a lift so these may be inaccessible to some visitors.