Name: Okehampton Castle
Rating: 5.0

Okehampton Castle

Castle Ham Lodge, Okehampton, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Description

The ruins of Okehampton Castle cover a wooded ridge above the swift-flowing West Okement river. In the 14th century, Hugh Courtenay developed it into a palatial home. You can still explore the remains of his buildings, which stretch from the keep mound to the tall gatehouse. A fantastic audio guide helps you imagine the castle in its heyday.

The last owner fell foul of Henry VIII and the castle was abandoned. Later its picturesque ruins became an inspiration for Turner and other Romantic painters. There are great views from the keep, along with plenty of wildlife, a riverside picnic area and woodland walks.

Price starts from £8.10 for Adults, £4.50 for Children, £12.60 for Family and Under 5s is free. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Explore the Ruins: Walking around Okehampton Castle, you can get a sense of the past grandeur and power from the layout of the ruined buildings. See where the defensive motte ditch would have been - the thick stone keep walls and tall Barbican Gatehouse provide an impression of the long history of this significant site.
Enjoy the audio tour: Take the free Okehampton Castle audio tour to discover how this castle developed from its construction on a natural spur over the River Okement valley.
Man the defences: Walk around the motte and you can see remains of the ditch that was originally 4 metres deep but filled in during the 13th century. This defensive structure from the 11th century would have protected the keep and prevented potential invaders. As you walk along, you can look up at the ruins of this once-grand structure just as people would have done over hundreds of years.
Take a stroll in the grounds: Surrounded by beautiful woodland and countryside, Okehampton Castle is a great place for walkers, dogs and dog walkers alike! With the River Okement flowing through the grounds, you can often spot birds and wildlife on the banks as well as a lovely display of flowers in every season. The castle is particularly famous for its swathes of bluebells in spring. Take a picnic and enjoy a peaceful meal al fresco to round off your visit to the castle.

Facilities

Parking: Free parking around 100m from the castle along a country lane with no pavement.
Food And Drink: There is a hot drinks machine selling coffee, tea and hot chocolate. A small shop also sells snacks including crisps, cold drinks, confectionery and ice cream.
Toilets: A unisex toilet is available, with disabled access and baby changing facilities.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: From £8.10
Child: From £4.50
Under 5s: Free
Student: From £7.20
Family 1 Adult: From £12.60
Family 2 Adults: From £20.70
Senior: From £7.20

Membership: Starts from £42

For more information please visit: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/

Pricing URL: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/okehampton

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Address: Castle Ham Lodge, Okehampton, UK

Post Code: EX20 1JA

Council: West Devon

County: Devon

Road Access: Okehampton Castle is 1 mile south-west of Okehampton town centre, close to the A30. Turn into Castle Road by the Post Office.
Bus Access: Stagecoach service X9, Beacon Bus service 118, Western Greyhound service 510 & 599; Dartline service 178 & Jackett’s Coaches service 318. Also Dartmoor Rover First service 187 (summer, Sun only).
Train Access: Dartmoor Railway, Okehampton (summer Sundays only) 1⁄2 mile. Book tickets online at Great Western Railway.
Bicycle Access: Find your cycling route to Okehampton Castle at sustrans.org.uk, the National Cycle Network.
Parking: Free parking around 100m from the castle along a country lane with no pavement.