Things to do in Princetown
A trip to Dartmoor Prison and Museum is a great all-weather option for a day out. Because you can explore the museum in a few hours, we’ve put together the perfect itinerary to make a day of your trip. Whether you explore the area’s history or discover the quirks of Dartmoor’s highest settlement first, our tips for things to do in Princetown will keep everyone happy—including the dog!
Dartmoor’s heritage and where to refuel
After visiting the prison and museum, you’ll need to refuel. Princetown is home to some great Dartmoor pubs, one of which is the Prince of Wales. The food is great with a friendly atmosphere. Dogs are welcome. Meals are served seven days a week, until 4 pm on Sundays. It’s best to book a table ahead of your visit in the holiday season.
The Fox Tor Café and Old Police Station Café are other popular hubs for Princetown visitors. They offer substantial breakfasts, lunches, dinners and cream teas.
The former Dartmoor National Park visitor centre in Princetown is set to reopen this summer as a new community and visitor hub led by the Duchy of Cornwall.
Exploring the granite trails
To round off your day trip in Princetown, head into the fresh air on one of the fantastic trails starting right from the village.
- The Easy Option (Great for pushchairs): The Princetown Railway walk. This follows a disused railway line, providing a flat, traffic-free, and beautifully smooth path. It’s perfect for families with small kids, bikes, or buggies. You can follow it as far as you like before turning back.
- The Adventurous Option: A hike out to King’s Tor. Branching off the railway path, this route takes you up into the wilder moorland terrain. You’ll enjoy sweeping views over the granite landscape and the dramatic, abandoned quarries nearby.
No matter which trail you choose, Princetown sits high on the moor where the weather changes quickly. So pack a windproof waterproof layer, even if it’s warm and sunny back at our campsite!
Camper’s Day Trip Checklist
| What you Need | Why You’ll Need It |
| Windproof & waterproof layers | Princetown is Dartmoor’s highest settlement and catches the weather fast. It can be freezing or wet up there even if it’s sunny at the campsite. |
| Sturdy walking boots or trainers | Essential for the gravelly terrain on the Princetown Railway walk or the wilder hike up to King’s Tor. |
| Dog lead & poop bags | The trails are highly dog-friendly, but you’ll pass through areas with free-roaming Dartmoor ponies and livestock. The Prison museum welcomes well-behaved dogs on a lead. |
| Pre-booked table confirmation | If you plan to eat a full meal at the Prince of Wales during peak holiday season, booking ahead is a must. |
| Change for parking / Phone | For the main pay-and-display car park in Princetown (PL20 6QF). Or download and use the cashless parking app PayByPhone |
