Okehampton is a traditional market town set on the fringe of Dartmoor National Park. The town is a walker’s paradise, with access to some of the country’s top hiking trails at your fingertips. Explore the ruins of a centuries-old Norman castle and climb one of the tallest peaks in South West England.
Things to do in Okehampton
Okehampton’s charming village centre will charm you with its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses. Browse independent shops in the Victorian shopping arcade and stock up on local produce at the bustling Okehampton Saturday Market. Don’t leave without picking up a wheel of creamy Curworthy cheese, an Okehampton delicacy.
From family-friendly woodland walks to challenging day hikes, Okehampton offers easy access to a variety of trails. Two Castle Trail is a local favourite, winding through the countryside and taking you past a pair of centuries-old strongholds. The High Willhays circuit takes you up one of the tallest peaks in Dartmoor National Park. From the 621-metre-high summit, you can enjoy panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.
Perched on a rocky escarpment, Okehampton Castle is one of the oldest Norman strongholds in England. Wander around the ruins of the ancient castle and enjoy lunch at the riverside picnic site. In spring and summer, the grassy grounds are blanketed in wildflowers.
The Museum of Dartmoor Life is set around a cobblestone courtyard and charts the fascinating history, heritage and culture of the region. Exhibits range from Bronze Age tools to turn-of-the-century carriages. The museum café overlooks the courtyard and will tempt you with traditional Devonshire cream teas featuring scones, jam and clotted cream.
Getting around Okehampton
Okehampton is compact and easy to get around on foot. The village is a 30-minute drive from Exeter and four hours from London. Trains run between Central London and Okehampton in around three hours. Heathrow Airport is a 3.5-hour drive away.