Okehampton Castle
Free-to-enter ruins of a Norman castle rebuilt as a palatial home by the Courtenay family, on a wooded ridge above the West Okement river in Devon.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Okehampton Castle was founded soon after the Norman Conquest by Baldwin FitzGilbert, who was given the area after putting down a rebellion in Devon in 1068. It began as a motte-and-bailey castle on a ridge above the West Okement river, and Domesday Book records Baldwin as holder of the honour of Okehampton. In 1173 the castle passed by marriage to the Courtenay family.
The Courtenays, later earls of Devon, rebuilt it from the early fourteenth century as a comfortable hunting lodge and palace with a new deer park. Hugh Courtenay in particular developed it into a grand residence fit for a large household. The family lost and regained the castle several times during the Wars of the Roses.
In 1539 Henry Courtenay was executed on the order of Henry VIII and his estates were confiscated, which ended the family's link with the castle. It was left to decay, and stone and lead were taken for use elsewhere. The ruins later attracted Romantic painters, including J. M. W. Turner. The Okehampton Castle Trust looked after the site from 1917, and the state took it over in 1967. Today English Heritage runs it, and visitors can explore the ruins from the keep mound to the tall gatehouse.
Highlights
- Ruined keep on a mound with views over the valley
- Tall gatehouse and remains of the great hall
- Riverside picnic area and woodland walks
- Free admission
- Site painted by Turner and other Romantic artists
Permanent exhibition
- The castle ruins – The ruins of the Norman castle and its later palace, from the keep mound with views over the valley to the tall gatehouse.
- Founded
- 1068
- Operated by
- English Heritage
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Entry is free for everyone.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom: not available
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
A number of steps lead up to the castle from the entrance, and steep steps climb to the keep. The ground is uneven across the site and sturdy footwear is recommended; signs warn of falling masonry, steep slopes and steep stairs. Three disabled parking spaces are at the entrance, where visitors can also be set down. There are no toilets on site; public toilets are in Okehampton town centre, just under a mile away.
Kids & families
The ruins, riverside picnic area, woodland walks and open grass suit a family outing, but the site has steps, uneven ground and steep slopes, and no toilets.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Okehampton station
Okehampton station is about 1 mile from the castle.
By car
Free parking · 100 m to the entrance
Free parking about 100 m from the castle along a country lane with no pavement. Three disabled spaces are at the entrance, where disabled visitors can also be set down.
- Accessible parking
The castle is 1 mile south-west of Okehampton town centre, close to the A30; turn into Castle Road by the Post Office. Satellite navigation: EX20 1JA. It is just under a mile on foot from the town centre.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café: not available
- Restaurant: not available
There is no café or toilet on site; the town centre, just under a mile away, has pubs, cafés, shops and public toilets. A riverside picnic area, benches and grass for picnics are provided. Dogs on leads are welcome. Smoking, vaping, barbecues and naked flames are not allowed.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Group and school visits are arranged through the English Heritage west volunteer engagement team. |
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