Dartmoor Prison Ghost
Dartmoor Prison, a foreboding structure nestled in the heart of Devon, is home to a multitude of paranormal activity. One of the most fascinating ghosts said to roam the prison grounds is that of David Davies, a former prison employee who tended to the prison sheep between 1869 and 1929. Davies' ghost is believed to appear on misty nights, walking the same grounds he once knew so well. His spirit is thought to be a manifestation of his dedication and connection to the prison, even in death.
Interestingly, Davies is not the only ghost said to haunt Dartmoor Prison. The prison also holds the spirits of French PoWs from the Napoleonic wars, who were once held captive within its walls. Additionally, some inmates have reported that the jackdaws flying around the area are believed to contain the souls of dead staff members. This blend of historical and paranormal activity makes Dartmoor Prison a unique and intriguing location for those interested in the supernatural.
Dartmoor Prison was built in the early 19th century and has held prisoners from various historical periods, including French PoWs from the Napoleonic wars.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Dartmoor's Mysterious Wish Hounds
Wistman's Wood, Dartmoor
Deep within the rugged landscape of Dartmoor, Wistman's Wood stands as a hauntingly beautiful destination. It's here that locals whisper about the presence of large black dogs, known as the Wish Hounds. These ghostly canines are said to roam the moors, their origins shrouded in tragedy. Legend has it that they once killed the son of a farmer, leaving behind a legacy of fear and unease. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the wood, the atmosphere becomes increasingly charged with an otherworldly energy.
The Priest of Princetown
Prince of Wales Public House, Princetown
Nestled in the heart of Princetown, the Prince of Wales Public House has a reputation for being one of the most haunted pubs in Devon. It's said that a forlorn entity, believed to be a priest, quietly drifts through the pub, leaving patrons with an eerie feeling. Soft playing music has been reported, adding to the mystique of this paranormal occurrence. The atmosphere inside the pub can be quite unsettling, especially in the evenings when the lights are low and the fire is crackling.
Dartmoor Pixie Sighting
Shaugh Bridge area, Dartmoor
Deep in the heart of Dartmoor, near Shaugh Bridge, a rather unusual encounter took place in 1897. A wee fellow, no more than forty-five centimetres tall, was spotted wearing a vibrant outfit of blue and red clothing. He quickly vanished into thin air once he realised he had been seen. This tiny creature, often referred to as a pixie, was said to inhabit an area also rumoured to be a hunting ground for the Devil and his hellhounds. The notion of such a mystical being existing in these rugged moors adds to the allure and mystique of Dartmoor's rich history.
Skeletal Rider of Dartmoor
Crockern Tor, Dartmoor
Crockern Tor, a rugged rocky outcrop on the windswept moors of Dartmoor, is home to a most unsettling spectre. They say that Crockern, a skeletal figure, rides forth on the back of a skeletal horse, brandishing a sword in his dead hand. This ghostly procession makes its way down a specific path, a haunting sight to behold. The origins of this phantom are shrouded in mystery, but its presence is a stark reminder of the rich history and folklore that permeates this wild and beautiful landscape.
Petrified Hounds of Dartmoor
Great Hound Tor, Dartmoor
Perched atop Great Hound Tor in the rugged Dartmoor landscape, a strange rock formation has been petrified in time, telling the tale of a long-forgotten encounter. This eerie monument to a farmer and his hounds has been turned to stone, forever chasing after a witch who cast a spell of transformation upon them. The story goes that the farmer and his loyal hounds were hot on the trail of the witch, determined to rid their farmland of her malevolent presence. But little did they know, she had a few tricks up her sleeve.
The Blind Creature of Lydford
Farm near Lydford Gorge, Lydford
Deep in the Devon countryside, near the breathtaking Lydford Gorge, a bizarre encounter took place on a farm one fateful night. Maurice Knowles, a local farmer, was startled by a strange, dog-like creature that wandered onto his land. The creature was quite large, resembling a Great Dane, but with a few unsettling features - its snout was more like a pig's, and its eyes were nothing more than slits. The creature made a swift exit when Maurice shouted at it, leaving him shaken and curious about what he had just seen.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Prison

The Burrator Inn
Dousland, Devon

The Bedford Hotel
Tavistock, Devon

Lewtrenchard Manor
Lewdown, Devon

The Three Crowns
Chagford, Devon