Okehampton has so much to offer, a bustling market town on the very edge of Dartmoor National Park with great shops, accommodation and places to eat, plus direct access onto the moor.
Easy to reach from anywhere in the UK now that the Dartmoor Line connects the town to Exeter, Okehampton is superbly placed for walking or cycling holidays in Dartmoor National Park. You can leave Okehampton Railway Station and be on the moor within minutes, either by bike or on foot. You can even book a Guided Walk and start your adventure immediately by meeting your guide as you alight from the train.
Starting within the town itself we’d recommend a visit to Okehampton Castle, Okehampton Town Nature Reserve, Simmons Park, and the Museum of Dartmoor Life.
Okehampton has a wealth of pubs, cafes, tea rooms, and restaurants, where you will find delicious home-made, locally produced food.
Okehampton accommodation is available to suit everyone, from those who prefer self-catering, to B&B, family friendly, budget, bunk-house, dog friendly or hotel luxury!
The town is home to the picturesque Okehampton Castle, which dates to the Domesday Book and sits in an elevated position above beautiful woodland walking trails in the Okehampton Old Town Park Local Nature Reserve where the West Okement River runs. The Castle was first started just after the Norman Conquest, with a moat, as a Motte and Bailey castle.
Two Castles Trail, Tarka Trail, Granite Way and the West Devon Way to Plymouth are all easily accessible from the town centre. There are guided walks from and around the town, wild swimming in the rivers, a golf course, museum, gym, swimming pool and the extremely beautiful Simmons Park in the centre of town.
Visit the Victorian Arcade for a peek back into history, it’s well worth exploring! John Palmer’s Arcade Hotel was built early in 1906 and was part of the Victorian Arcade; the hotel had electricity, which was a big tick back then, with the hotel rooms built over the shops. The main entrance used to be from St James Street, not Fore Street as most people visit today.
Red Lion Yard is an attractive outdoor area surrounded by a wide range of shops, places to eat and find fresh produce, and is home to the Okehampton Saturday Market.
Be sure to enjoy some time in the jewel of Okehampton’s crown, the beautiful Simmons Park. This much-loved park has the East Okement River running through it, shady woodland with many trails and acres of recreation land, sports facilities, children’s playpark and some of the most wonderful gardens, pools and waterfalls you could wish for.
Several National Trust properties are in easy reach, Finch Foundry, Lydford Gorge and Castle Drogo are all well worth a visit.
Gifts, Picture Framing, Books, Clothing, Garden Supplies, Health Food, Print Supplies, Pet Supplies, Country Store, Arts & Crafts …. the list is endless and increases all the time!
Everything Okehampton has been awarded funding by Devon County Council’s Devon Elevation Fund Community Renewal Fund to build a new Visit Okehampton website.
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