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A remote UK village situated in a unique British beauty spot has its own micro climate. It's loved by the locals that live there, with one decribing his home as being in a "glorious location". The spiritual Devon location is steeped in history and folklore, and it's a popular attraction for tourists too. However, the village is facing challenges and some worry that tourists will stop passing by.

Tucked away in wild moorland, the village of Princetown is famous for its prison that homed some of the most notorious British criminals over the years. But last year (2024), the prominent Dartmoor Prison closed indefinitely due to ongoing safety concerns and prisoners along with staff were evacuated. This was due to radon, a radioactive gas, being detected on site. Prolonged exposure to this radon can have detrimental effects on health, according to experts.

Hundreds of inmates were moved elsewhere and the prison is now shut with ongoing uncertainty about when, or if, the prison will re-open. Local businesses in Princetown were left worried that the closure of the radon-hit Dartmoor Prison could have a knock on effect on the local economy as family visitors of inmates would no longer be staying in the village.

Tourists were also drawn to the village to get a glimpse of the notorious jail which is now left desolate as investigations into the radioactive gas onsite take place, radon gas is common across Devon (and Cornwall).

Despite the closure of the prison, nearby visitor's attraction, the Dartmoor Prison Museum remains open and it's a top-rated attraction on TripAdvisor. Though, recent visitors have highlighted that some areas are currently 'closed off'.

One prison museum visitor described it as 'something a little different' and 'an excellent way to spend some time' as it was 'full of interesting stories about why the prison was originally built through to how life is, was and some of the characters who lived and worked there'.

Despite the challenges there is a lot for things to see and do in this unique Dartmoor village. Visitors can get a real taste of life on remote moorland - and it's brimming with nature.

A walk to the disused Foggintor Quarry is described as photogenic by visitors with the water 'swarming with tiny frogs' in summertime and 'stunning views of wild Dartmoor'.

However, the village faces another potential closure that is leaving locals concerned as its National Park Visitor Centre is set to be closed down at end of October 2025 due to a lack of government funding.

One local described Princetown as 'so small and remote' voicing worry over proposed closure of the visitor centre having an effect on the local economy, if the shutdown goes ahead.

In a post on a Facebook page for Princetown, top-rated guesthouse Ramblers Rest wrote: "The absence of a visitor centre could significantly impact our community, leading to business closures, reduced tourism, and fewer facilities for residents and local businesses.

"The potential closure of the visitor centre affects everyone, and every business can stand strong together."

The community pulled together to prevent the centre shutting down, but the next review into its future is happening this month (October 2025) and it's set to shut down, but could be transformed into a new attraction.

Local resident Nick Bennett said: "I live in Princetown and it is a wonderful village, although the visitor centre will close in October, it will be repurposed soon and the Duchy of Cornwall are in regular discussions with the local Princetown Business Hub about how to maximise this village, the jewel in their Dartmoor crown.

"The village is full of antiquity especially relating to the beautiful and iconic Dartmoor Prison which is most likely to re-open in a couple of years having been closed for some internal redevelopment.

"Most noteable in our small village (circa 1,100 inhabitants from the 2021 census) is the incredible feeling of community spirit, support is only ever a request away.

"The gateway to West Dartmoor and only 15 minutes to the ancient stannery market town of Tavistock and International Heritage site, there are walks in every direction across stunning moorland views, I feel privileged to live in such a glorious location."

Princetown's visitor centre is currently an 'interesting place' showing short films and exhibits as well as 'arty' displays focusing on the legendary spot.

This Dartmoor village and its surrounding land is steeped in myth and legend from pixies, ghosts and witches to the infamous hairy hands that are said to 'haunt' the eerie landscape.

Princetown locals even say that the village has an 'extremely unique micro climate' and it's true that there can be deep snowfall here in winter, while the area around it has none.

Many villagers describe Princetown as having 'a fantastic community' with many 'lovely places for coffee and food' along with 'amazing walks' and 'always something going on', so staying awhile here in autumn or wintertime could be the perfect break for an eerie but cosy Halloween vibe.