The Dartmoor visitor centre may shut down if local efforts to save it fail
Princetown: The Dartmoor hotel where Arthur Conan Doyle wrote ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ is at risk of closing as a visitor centre. But there’s still hope for a last-ditch effort to keep it open.
The Dartmoor National Park Authority has been struggling with funding for two years. They’re considering closing the centre due to financial issues, which is a tough call for them.
Dr. Kevin Bishop, the chief executive, mentioned it’s a “financial necessity” but said it’s a decision made with a heavy heart. They’ve decided to hold off on closing until October after hearing from local businesses and councillors who believe it’s vital for attracting visitors.
They think the centre is a goldmine waiting to be tapped, especially since it’s the gateway to the moor and linked to Conan Doyle’s famous story.
To keep the centre running, they’ll use £50,000 from their reserves, but they’re facing a big deficit this year, over £500,000. The visitor centre is in the Duchy Hotel building, which they lease for just £100 a year, but they’re responsible for all the upkeep.
A government grant of £440,000 helped keep it open after closure talks began in 2022, but funding has been slashed by 55% since 2011. They’re unsure about next year’s funding and aren’t feeling optimistic.
Local guest house owner Caroline Wain believes the community needs more time to find solutions for the building. She pointed out that it’s the largest visitor centre in Dartmoor National Park, and closing it would send a bad message to visitors.
She added that losing this space would isolate Princetown and create a sense of decline, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Dartmoor Prison and its museum.
Local artist Nick Bennett thinks people would pay a premium to stay in the room where Conan Doyle wrote his novel. He believes it’s time for the DNPA, the Duchy of Cornwall, and the community to collaborate on something special for the beautiful building.
Dartmoor Forest Parish councillor Alison Geen warned that closing the centre would shut the door on opportunities for the community and the future of Princetown. She emphasized its importance for tourism and suggested forming a Friends’ organization to support it.
Dr. Bishop noted that visitor numbers haven’t bounced back since the pandemic, and previous funding efforts have fallen flat. Ideas like charging for exhibitions or opening a café haven’t gained traction either.
DNPA member Philip Sanders expressed disappointment that the closure talks have been public for two years without community input until now. Another member, Peter Harper, hopes the community’s newfound enthusiasm will lead them to reach out to their MP and government officials about national park funding.
They all agreed that unless a solid plan emerges, the centre will close in October.
