Dartmoor visitor centre closes its doors for final time
A visitor centre in Dartmoor will close its doors today (31st October).
Due to rising costs and reduced government funding, Dartmoor National Park Authority previously confirmed it will not renew the lease for the National Park Visitor Centre at Princetown, located in the former Duchy Hotel.
The centre has served as an information and exhibition space since 1993. The park says the focus is now on ensuring a smooth transition back to the landlord, the Duchy of Cornwall, before the lease expires in March 2026.
The Authority continues to operate visitor centres at Haytor and Postbridge.
Chief Executive of Dartmoor National Park Authority Kevin Bishop said: “This is a sad day. Over the years, we’ve worked hard to explore a wide range of options aimed at securing the future of the visitor centre or providing a new use of the building that would support the local economy. Despite our best efforts, the scale of the funding challenges we face left us with no alternative.
“We’d like to thank our hard-working centre staff over the years for the warm welcome they’ve given to people who visit Princetown as part of their Dartmoor experience.
“As an Authority, we remain committed to protecting nature, increasing access to the outdoors and helping people enjoy Dartmoor's unique heritage. As part of this, we’re progressing work on Dartmoor’s Dynamic Landscape, a National Lottery Heritage Fund programme that aims to make Princetown one of three ‘hubs’ where people can connect with the qualities that make our National Park such a special place."