Prince of Wales
I recently had the pleasure of popping into The Prince of Wales, and let me tell you, it's a truly beautiful local pub that perfectly captures the English pub experience. It even boasts a touch of royal history, having been visited by Prince William not too long ago, adding a unique charm that sets it apart.
One of the real highlights is its spacious beer garden. It's an absolutely fantastic spot to kick back and enjoy the outdoors, whether you're soaking up the sun or enjoying a pint under the stars. Inside, you'll find an excellent
selection of beers on tap, offering something to satisfy any beer enthusiast, from crisp lagers to rich ales.
What really makes this place special, though, are the friendly and welcoming bar staff. Their warm hospitality makes you feel right at home the moment you step through the door. This genuine warmth, combined with its status as a proper Dartmoor English pub, creates an inviting and authentic atmosphere that's increasingly rare to find these days. It’s the kind of place where locals and visitors alike can enjoy a great drink, good company, and truly soak in the spirit of a traditional British pub.
P&P
Background....
A historic establishment with origins reputedly dating back to around 1860. It holds a prominent position in the center of Princetown, a village that owes its existence to Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt, who in the late 18th century envisioned cultivating the moorland and establishing a settlement, naming it Prince's Town after the Prince of Wales.
The pub is situated just a short distance from the famous Dartmoor Prison, which was initially built between 1806 and 1809 to house French and American prisoners of war during the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. The prison site itself was granted by the Prince of Wales. The village of Princetown grew around the prison to cater to the needs of the prisoners and staff, and two large inns, including the current Prince of Wales, were established during this busy period.
For a time, the Princetown Brewery was housed in the back of the Prince of Wales pub, starting in 1994. The brewery later relocated to a modern, purpose-built facility elsewhere in the village.
The Prince of Wales is described as a "traditional moorland village inn" and has become a popular destination for tourists visiting Dartmoor, including coach tours and those exploring the moor. It offers a character bar, a separate restaurant/function room, and accommodation including en-suite letting bedrooms and a bunkhouse. In 2018, the pub was sold to new proprietors, Jan Hayes and John Burbage, who planned a complete refurbishment and new menus.
