Okehampton is a historic market town in West Devon, located on the northern edge of Dartmoor National Park. Often described as the gateway to Dartmoor, the town offers plenty to see and do in its own right.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely day out or somewhere to stop while exploring Dartmoor, there are plenty of things to do in Okehampton.
Attribution: Okehampton Castle by Chris Allen
Visit Okehampton Castle
One of the town’s most recognisable landmarks, Okehampton Castle is a fascinating place to explore. The castle began soon after the Norman Conquest as a motte-and-bailey castle, before being developed into a substantial stone residence. In the 14th century, Hugh Courtenay, Earl of Devon, transformed it into a luxurious home, and many of the remains that can be seen today date from this period.
The ruins sit above the West Okement River and are surrounded by woodland. You can explore the remains of the keep, gatehouse and defensive structures before walking through the surrounding grounds. There are also views from the keep and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the river.
Okehampton Castle is around a mile from the town centre and makes a good starting point for exploring the surrounding countryside.
Attribution: Rod Allday / The Museum of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton / CC BY-SA 2.0
Discover the Museum of Dartmoor Life
For a closer look at the area’s history, head to the Museum of Dartmoor Life in the centre of Okehampton. Housed in a former mill, the museum explores around 5,000 years of life on Dartmoor, with collections covering everything from prehistoric times to the 20th century.
The museum is particularly useful for understanding how people have lived and worked on Dartmoor over the centuries, with exhibits and artefacts relating to agriculture, industry, domestic life and local trades.
It’s a good option for a rainy day or for anyone wanting to understand more about the landscape and communities surrounding Okehampton.
Take a Walk in Simmons Park
Simmons Park is one of Okehampton’s main green spaces and a lovely place to slow down during a visit. The park follows the East Okement River and includes gardens, woodland, bridges, waterfalls, open areas and walking trails.
There is plenty of space for a relaxed stroll or picnic, while families can make use of the children’s play area and recreational facilities.
Walk the Granite Way
Okehampton is an excellent destination for walkers and cyclists, with several trails starting in or close to the town. One of the best known is the Granite Way, which follows the route of the former railway between Okehampton and Lydford.
The trail passes through some spectacular scenery, including Meldon Viaduct and Meldon Reservoir. You don’t have to tackle the entire route either – it can be enjoyed in shorter sections depending on how much time and energy you have.
For cyclists, the Granite Way is a particularly appealing way to experience the countryside around Okehampton without having to stick to busy roads.
Explore Meldon Reservoir
Just outside Okehampton, Meldon Reservoir is surrounded by the open landscapes of Dartmoor and offers a choice of walking routes and countryside adventures. The reservoir was created by damming the West Okement River and is surrounded by moorland, with views towards some of the higher points of Dartmoor.
It’s a good place to enjoy a walk, take a picnic or simply spend some time outdoors. The surrounding area is also popular with wildlife watchers, with species including herons and brown trout found around the reservoir.
Meldon is also close to Meldon Viaduct, an impressive 19th-century railway structure with 11 arches standing more than 50 metres above the valley. The viaduct forms part of the Granite Way and is one of the area’s most distinctive landmarks.
Explore Dartmoor
Of course, one of the biggest reasons to visit Okehampton is its proximity to Dartmoor National Park. From the town, it’s easy to head onto the moor for walking, cycling, wildlife watching and some of Devon’s most dramatic scenery.
The area around Okehampton provides access to open moorland, granite tors and high points including High Willhays, the highest point in Dartmoor, and Yes Tor. Also nearby is Lydford Gorge, a National Trust nature trail through the deepest gorge in the South West, leading to a spectacular 30m waterfall.
There are walks to suit different abilities, from shorter routes around the town to more challenging adventures across the moor. If you’re planning a longer walk, make sure you’re properly prepared for Dartmoor’s changeable weather and exposed terrain.
Follow the Two Castles Trail
For keen walkers, the Two Castles Trail provides a longer-distance route between Okehampton Castle and Launceston Castle. The route passes through the countryside of West Devon and Cornwall, combining scenery with the area’s rich history.
The entire trail is a 24-mile waymarked walking route that can easily be divided into four stages, which can be followed in either direction. There are good bus links to Okehampton and Launceston, so you won’t have to walk home again!
You don’t have to complete the entire trail to enjoy the landscape, and there are plenty of shorter walking routes in and around Okehampton for those looking for something less demanding.
Attribution: Town Hall and Red Lion Yard, Okehampton by Stephen Craven
Take a Stroll Through Okehampton’s Historic Centre
It’s worth spending some time exploring Okehampton itself rather than simply using the town as a starting point for Dartmoor. Okehampton has a long history, and its centre contains several interesting historic buildings and features.
Look out for St James’ Chapel, the Victorian Arcade and the Town Hall, which dates back to 1685. The town also has a selection of independent shops, cafés and places to eat, making it a good place to stop for lunch or a coffee after exploring the surrounding countryside.
The Victorian Arcade is particularly worth seeking out, while Red Lion Yard provides another area for shopping and food in the town centre.
Visit Finch Foundry
Just a few miles east of Okehampton, in the village of Sticklepath, Finch Foundry offers a fascinating insight into Devon’s industrial heritage. Established in 1814, this historic water-powered forge produced tools for local trades and industries, using three waterwheels to operate its impressive machinery.
Today, visitors can discover the traditional techniques used by generations of workers, see the powerful waterwheels and heavy iron hammers, and learn about the Finch family who ran the foundry. Finch Foundry is a particularly good addition to a day exploring Okehampton and the surrounding Dartmoor countryside.
Enjoy a Day Out in Okehampton
With its combination of history, countryside and easy access to Dartmoor, Okehampton has plenty to offer visitors.
Okehampton is less than 20 minutes from Mill End Hotel in Chagford, making it a fantastic place for a day trip or two when staying with us.
If you’re looking for a Devon destination that combines the character of a historic market town with easy access to the great outdoors, Okehampton is well worth adding to your itinerary.
Feature Image Attribution: Ruins of Okehampton Castle by Roger Cornfoot under CC BY-SA 2.0