English Heritage - Okehampton Castle, Devon. Paid entry

Details

Accessibility

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/okehampton-castle/access/

Disability Parking

Brief description

"The remains of the largest castle in Devon, in a stunning setting on a wooded spur above the rushing River Okement. Begun soon after the Norman Conquest as a motte and bailey castle with a stone keep, it was converted into a sumptuous residence in the 14th century by Hugh Courtenay, Earl of Devon, much of whose work survives. After the last Courtenay owner fell foul of Henry VIII in 1539, the castle declined into a ruin.

There is a riverside picnic area and beautiful woodland walks nearby. It's also a great place for bird lovers with regular visiting species and in spring and early summer you can enjoy a variety of seasonal wildflowers, which adorn the meadow, woodland and motte."

Address

Castle Lodge, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1JA

Email

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/

Phone

01837 52844

Website

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/okehampton-castle

https://historicengland.org.uk/sitesearch?searchType=site&search=Okehampton+Castle%2C+Devon

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okehampton_Castle

Directions

"Located 1⁄2 mile south-west of Okehampton town centre (signposted). Turn into Castle Road by Post Office.

The free car park is located roughly 100 yards from the castle, along a country lane with no pavement. Coach and minibus parking is available in the town centre, as access to the site car park is narrow and spaces are limited. The nearest off-site parking is in the town centre (Simmonds Park or Mill Road).

SAT NAV: Postcode : EX20 1JA, Latitude : 50.730684, Longtitude : -4.004937"

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/okehampton-castle/prices-and-opening-times/

Transport

"TRAIN ACCESS: Dartmoor Railway, Okehampton (summer Sundays only) 1⁄2 mile.

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)."

Amenities

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/okehampton-castle/facilities/

Woodland

"PARKING:

The free car park is located roughly 100 yards from the castle, along a country lane with no pavement. Coach and minibus parking is available in the town centre, as access to the site car park is narrow and spaces are limited. The nearest off-site parking is in the town centre (Simmonds Park or Mill Road).

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.

PICNIC AREA:

The castle is located in a beautiful wooded valley and makes an ideal spot for a picnic. Benches are available and there is also plenty of grass on which to lay out a blanket.

SHOP:

There is a shop located within the entrance kiosk which sells a selection of English Heritage gifts and themed souvenirs, including weapon toys, dressing up items for children, jams, books, picnic rugs and pocket-money style souvenirs.

TOILETS:

A unisex toilet is available, with disabled access and baby changing facilities.

GARDENS:

Okehampton Castle is set within extensive grounds that encompass three fields, woodland and a river. There is a woodland walk with a self-guided walk leaflet available, as well as much interesting wildlife to spot (including birds of prey, hedgehogs, butterflies, lizards, grass snakes, foxes and deer). The fields also offer a wonderful collection of wild flowers and grasses, which are best enjoyed from May to July.

AUDIO TOURS: A free audio tour is available upon request.

FAMILY FRIENDLY:

BABY CHANGING FACILITIES:

Separate unisex and disabled toilets, including baby changing facilities.

PLAY AREAS / ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND

There is lots of room to run and play in our large open areas. Ball games are permitted in the fields.

PUSH CHAIRS ALLOWED

Pushchairs are welcome, although the site is steep and visitors may have difficulty getting them up the steps to the keep at the top.

INTERNATIONAL FOREIGN LANGUAGE AUDIO TOURS:

Printed sheets containing information about the castle is available in German, French, Dutch and Spanish."