AT A GLANCE
Why go?
Okehampton Castle is the largest and one of the most atmospheric medieval ruins in Devon, a tangle of mossy walls sprawling along a wooded ridge above the swift West Okement river on Dartmoor's northern edge. Built by a Norman knight in the wake of the 1068 conquest and later transformed by the powerful Courtenay family into a palatial hunting retreat, the castle fell into ruin after its last owner was executed by Henry VIII. Today its free-to-enter grounds offer a keep with fine views, an audio-guided trail through the gatehouse and great hall, riverside picnic spots and famous spring bluebell displays.↗↗↗
It is a perfect half-day stop for anyone exploring northern Devon: a place where you can read a thousand years of English history in the stonework, walk a family-friendly woodland trail, and stand on the motte where Norman power was first planted in the county. Entry is free and the site is run by English Heritage.↗↗
