Prince Of Wales Pub Princetown Devon

Let’s be honest—when you think of a pub in a tiny, windswept village on Dartmoor, you probably picture something a bit rough and ready, right? The Prince Of Wales in Princetown completely flips that script, and in the best possible way. It’s not just a bar; it’s a cozy, curious surprise tucked into the middle of nowhere.

Why does this pub feel so different?

First off, the vibe is unexpectedly chic. Imagine if a rugged hiking inn had a secret love child with a stylish city cocktail bar. That’s the Prince Of Wales. You walk in off the damp moor, and suddenly you’re surrounded by velvet sofas, a crackling fire, and lights that make everything look warm and golden.

It feels less like a traditional pub and more like a very cool friend’s living room—if that friend had a serious knack for interior design. Seriously, have you ever seen a pub in a national park that also serves artisan charcuterie boards? It’s almost a punchline to a joke about “posh wilderness.”

The food is a total curveball.

Don’t expect a sad, microwaved pie. The menu here is honestly a delicious flex. We’re talking fresh seafood, slow-cooked lamb, and dishes that sound like they belong in a London bistro, not a moorland pub. You can sip a proper cocktail while staring out at a landscape that looks like something from a gothic novel.

It’s a bit like finding a lobster roll at a campfire—confusing, but you’re not going to complain. The sheer contrast is what makes it so memorable. You’ve just finished a muddy walk, and now you’re eating pan-seared scallops? Yes, please.

Location, location, location—with a twist.

Princetown itself is a strange, fascinating place. It sits right next to Dartmoor Prison, which gives the whole area a slightly eerie, storybook edge. The Prince Of Wales doesn’t shy away from it. The pub has this quiet, unspoken connection to the local history—the fog, the convicts, the wild ponies.

You can sit by the window, watch the mist roll in, and feel like you’re in a slow-burn mystery novel. Except instead of a detective, you’ve got a glass of local ale and a bowl of olives. It’s the perfect spot for people-watching, too, because everyone from hikers to wealthy tourists wanders in.

The Prince of Wales, WEST DEVON, Devon | Pub info @ Publocation

Drinks? Oh, they’ve thought of everything.

The bar is stocked with an impressive range of local gins, Dartmoor ales, and cocktails that are clearly made with love. Order a Dartmoor Martini and just watch the bartender’s face light up. It’s not your standard “pint of bitter” joint—though they have that, too, if you want it.

But here’s the real question: Why does a pub in the middle of a moor need such a good drinks list? Maybe it’s to warm you up after a bracing hike. Or maybe it’s because the owners know that surprise is the best ingredient. Either way, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled onto a secret.

Is it just for tourists?

Surprisingly, no. While you’ll hear plenty of different accents, the pub still feels grounded. Locals pop in, the staff know regulars by name, and the atmosphere is genuinely friendly without being fake. It’s a rare balance—like finding a café that serves both humble toasties and truffle fries without any pretension.

You can show up in muddy boots and feel just as welcome as someone in a nice coat. The Prince Of Wales doesn’t judge. It just welcomes you in, pours you a drink, and lets you wonder how on earth this place exists on a lonely, rainy moor. Honest—it’s a delightful little paradox, and you’ll want to visit it again before you’ve even left.