Things To See and Do at Okehampton Castle
Visit Okehampton Castle, Devon’s biggest and most picturesque, and you’ll find plenty to do. Below is a list of our highlights, including the Okehampton Castle audio tour; exploring the ruins; and enjoying the beautiful woodland and countryside nearby.
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.
Listen to the free tour and you’ll find out how, in 1068, the site was owned by Baldwin de Brionne, Sheriff of Devon who was cousin to William the Conqueror by marriage.
Later Okehampton Castle was owned by the Courtenay family. It was updated and extended before changing hands many times.
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.