What's nearby

Okehampton is a wonderful place to visit, with a long and fascinating history reflected in its local buildings and scenery. It lies on the northern edge of Dartmoor National Park amidst the glorious scenery of west Devon. There are many opportunities for travel by foot, cycle, bus or train.

You can explore the town itself set in the very heartland of Devon and nestling in the foothills of Northern Dartmoor, the town is an historic market town that has something to offer for everyone. Browse in small shops that offer friendly service and goods that are often not available in big supermarkets. Enjoy one of the traditional pubs offering real ales and home cooked food or try the Mediterranean bistro. Visit Simmons Park, a fine natural park, and sit and enjoy the views with a cup of tea or ice cream in the pavilion.

A mile or so out of town you can visit Okehampton Castle, mentioned in the Doomsday Book, and destroyed by Henry VIII. You can now enjoy the history and legends of this castle while soaking up the beauty of the natural woodland surround as you walk around the castle.

The recently refurbished Okehampton Rail Station has a wide range of visitor facilities including a café. From, May to September trains run on Sundays to and from Exeter through beautiful Devon country side. Trains run most days in the season (Saturdays and Sundays in winter) to Meldon Quarry. The 'Dartmoor Pony' traverses 2 miles up the West Okement Valley to Meldon Viaduct. The newly opened Meldon Visitors Centre house displays on the history of the quarry, viaduct and railway. Bicycles can be carried on this service. Alternatively you can amble back to the station along a family friendly path. Many of the summer trains are steam hauled.

There is a farmers market on two Saturdays each month that offers a wide range of locally grown and organic produce plus local crafts.

Riding stables and riding schools are also available to allow you to see the moor in style!

National Trust Properties: There are a number of National Trust properties nearby which are well worth a visit. These include:

  • Castle Drogo: (Nr Chagford) This 20th century granite castle stands 900ft high over the river Teign Gorge and has wonderful views across Dartmoor. Besides the castle itself, designed by Sir Edward Luytens, there are also gardens, parkland, a shop, restaurant, tearoom and childrens play area.
  • Finch Foundry: (Sticklepath) A fascinating 19th century water powered edge tool factory. On view are three working water wheels powering primitive machinery, including a tilt hammer and a grindstone. There are also museum galleries, country walks a shop, refreshments and a picnic area.
  • Lydford Gorge: (Lydford) This is the deepest gorge in Devon. It provides an interesting one and a half mile walk through the river valley, which includes the 90ft White Lady waterfall and the Devils Cauldron. The path leads to a tearoom and shop near Lydford Castle and returns through woods above the gorge.

Other Attractions: There are many local attractions, suitable for a variety of ages, some of which are listed below:

  • Rosemoor RHS Gardens
  • Dingles Steam Village
  • Morwellham Quay
  • Buckland Abbey
  • Miniature Pony Centre
  • Becky Falls
  • Canonteign Falls

Plymouth and Exeter are only a 20 - 30 minute drive away and come with all the facilities you would expect of university towns. The beaches of the south coast are a 30 minute drive including the Blue Flag beaches of Dawlish Warren.