Okehampton Castle

Okehampton Castle is a substantial medieval ruin spread along a wooded ridge above the West Okement River, about a mile southwest of Okehampton. Its remains run from the raised motte and keep mound to the gatehouse, with walls and traces of domestic buildings in between. Interpretation panels help explain how the pieces fit together. It makes a useful history stop near Dartmoor’s northern edge, especially if you’re already travelling the A30; the site is compact, so it is a short visit rather than a day-long outing.

The route takes you among the lower remains before a short but steep climb onto the motte. The steps and uneven ground make sturdy footwear sensible. At the top, look back across the castle walls and out toward Okehampton and the surrounding countryside. That higher viewpoint shows how the separate ruins sit together; include a little of the slope or wall in a photo rather than framing only the distant view. The wooded ridge and nearby river give the stonework a tucked-away setting, even though the town is close.

Baldwin de Meulles built an earth-and-timber motte-and-bailey castle here between 1068 and 1086; a stone keep followed. In the early 14th century, Hugh Courtenay II reshaped it as a residence and hunting retreat, enlarging the keep and adding a hall, kitchen, lodgings and gatehouse works. The spread of buildings reflects that later expansion. Henry Courtenay, the last of the family to own the castle, was accused of involvement in the Exeter Conspiracy and executed in 1538. The Crown seized his lands and the castle was abandoned. J. M. W. Turner sketched the ruin in 1814.

Parking is about 100 metres away along a country lane with no pavement. Disabled visitors can be set down at the entrance, where three disabled parking spaces are listed; expect uneven ground and steps around the ruins. There’s a riverside picnic area with benches and grass. Okehampton’s pubs, cafés, shops and public toilets are just under a mile away, so it’s the practical place to pick up food or find facilities. Dogs are welcome on leads. Opening is seasonal and can change at short notice when volunteers are unavailable, so check before setting out.