Okehampton Castle
Okehampton Castle
4.5
About
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 1538, it declined into an allegedly haunted ruin.
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4.5
270 reviews
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Very good
105
Average
26
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0
Chapbillsmith
Salisbury, UK115 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Use Satnav to locate the Car Park -free- and then walk a few minutes to the Castle. An interesting layout and easy to explore. there are audio guides but I would recommend buying the book guide as well -only £3.50.
Written 30 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vince H
Skelton-in-Cleveland, UK528 contributions
Apr 2022
We would recommend using the audio guide when visiting this castle as you gain more information and background knowledge about the histsory, residents and everyday life at the castle. The audio guide is free with your ticket so no extra cost here. Unfortunately the very first audio recording station was inoperable on the day we visited, but this did not take away from the overall enjoyment. We were amused to learn that the medieval term for toilet was 'garderobe' - and the narrator was proud to point out that this was one of the first castles in England to have such facilities within its walls. The steps up to the keep were steep and uneven and not suitable for people who may be unsteady on their feet. On the day we visited, tree felling and groundwork were taking place and we were amused to watch a tractor and trailer trying to navigate through the narrow gateway onto the site with the assistance of one of the tree fellers. The English Heritage volunteer was very friendly and welcoming.
Written 10 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tyke70
New Forest National Park Hampshire, UK314 contributions
Jun 2021
I have to admit as not expecting too much but I was very pleasantly surprised. the visit is very much enhanced with the audio guide which is free with the admittance price, giving an excellent insight in to the history of the castle ( please take note Tintagel Castle). The route around the ruins are very well set out. There are limited refreshments from the entrance kiosk if required with clean toilet facilities available. if you have time take the short walk around the signed rout around the grounds of the castle.
Written 4 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wulfstan1000
Deepest Oxfordshire39 contributions
Apr 2022
Smaller than we thought. We found a number of serious health and safety issues. Some of the steps up to the site, and, more importantly, to the Keep, had very high risers, often up to 25-30 cm high (We didn't actually measure them !). There are rails, which you need to hang on to to get enough purchase to lever yourself up to the next step.
On descending, the same applies and in addition most steps have loose shale on them exactly where you step down whilst hanging on to the rail, and it's very easy to slip when you put your weight on the step below.
Mainly just a ruin with some unimpressive signing. so you really need to buy the Guide Book (we didn't) even though the castle footprint is so small.
There are no refreshment facilities. One uni-loo for visitors.
On descending, the same applies and in addition most steps have loose shale on them exactly where you step down whilst hanging on to the rail, and it's very easy to slip when you put your weight on the step below.
Mainly just a ruin with some unimpressive signing. so you really need to buy the Guide Book (we didn't) even though the castle footprint is so small.
There are no refreshment facilities. One uni-loo for visitors.
Written 3 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mrs O
Surrey, UK125 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Lovely morning spent here yesterday. Tom in the booth was ever so helpful and friendly. I would recommend using the free audio guides as they really helped to visualise the castle’s past. It also gave some focus when wandering around.
After the castle, we went on a beautiful walk around the woodlands. I should imagine it could get slippery on wet days, so make sure you have appropriate footwear on if you do decide to go on the walk.
I notice some people in previous posts mention the steps. Yes they are steep in places but this site is hundreds of years old. They can’t just be replaced!
All in all a very pleasant morning.
After the castle, we went on a beautiful walk around the woodlands. I should imagine it could get slippery on wet days, so make sure you have appropriate footwear on if you do decide to go on the walk.
I notice some people in previous posts mention the steps. Yes they are steep in places but this site is hundreds of years old. They can’t just be replaced!
All in all a very pleasant morning.
Written 26 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve D
Preston, UK508 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
We had pre booked due to COVID. Great staff member, friendly and informative. Small artist impressions of what each room would have looked like. Steep climb and stairs to main tower but worth the trek. We had a break from the rain so we’re able to enjoy the vast expanse of countryside you can see from up there. Free car park and riverside walk into town as well plus free download tour guide and audio guide.
Written 3 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cuddlymom
49 contributions
Jan 2023
shame we couldn't get into the site as it was closed for the winter. It was interesting looking at it from outside the gates. couldn't fathom why they would build the castle in the bottom of the valley by the water and not on the hill top! There was parking but beware of the numerous large potholes. Road access is tight as it is down a very narrow lane.
Written 24 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kath
United Kingdom62 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
An enjoyable first visit to this castle. We walked from train station - not too far if fairly fit.
The young lady in the kiosk was very helpful and explained how to use the free audioguide which was quite entertaining. We went on the hottest day of the year so far (17 June 2022) and it was nice to stand in the shade of the ruined walls and listen to the guide.
Some of the steps up to the Castle Keep were quite high and so quite challenging but the views were worth it at the top.
We didn't do the Riverside walk as we were in need of some lunch but enjoyed the time we had at the Castle.
The young lady in the kiosk was very helpful and explained how to use the free audioguide which was quite entertaining. We went on the hottest day of the year so far (17 June 2022) and it was nice to stand in the shade of the ruined walls and listen to the guide.
Some of the steps up to the Castle Keep were quite high and so quite challenging but the views were worth it at the top.
We didn't do the Riverside walk as we were in need of some lunch but enjoyed the time we had at the Castle.
Written 18 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise6666
Shoreham-by-Sea, UK17 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Really lovely time spent here today. The guy at the desk was so friendly, told us about a lovely woodland walk which was beautiful as a hot day it was a pleasant relief to get out the sun with our doggy. Loved the castle and the views were breathtaking.
Written 7 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine K
Barnsley, UK1,083 contributions
Jul 2021
Having been gifted a EH membership for father's day we decided to visit this castle while in Devon. Although we didn't have our membership cards yet we had an email saying we could visit. We saw there were slots available so we turned up but had to go through the rigmarole of booking online which was quite a laborious process. Once all the admin was completed we set off with our audio guides which were very useful until I pressed the button too many times.
it was originally built for defence but converted into a stately home of the time. We had a great time exploring and climbing up to the top. There is much more to see than appears from the roadside, and a riverside picnic area. Well worth a visit
it was originally built for defence but converted into a stately home of the time. We had a great time exploring and climbing up to the top. There is much more to see than appears from the roadside, and a riverside picnic area. Well worth a visit
Written 30 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are dogs allowed in the picnic area?
Written 21 June 2018
Hi How long would you plan on to visit this castle? Thanks!
Written 15 May 2017
I would say about 1 1/2 to 2 hours depending on if you have children with you or not to fit......... but a wonderful Town/Village and fine places to eat and meander around .
Written 10 June 2017
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