Real, curated ideas for Okehampton — the castle, the high moor, Castle Drogo and where to eat, filtered by who's actually with you.
Okehampton sits on the northern edge of Dartmoor and gives access to the highest, wildest part of the moor — High Willhays and Yes Tor, the two highest points in southern England, are both above the town. It also has a railway station again, with trains from Exeter, which makes it the easiest way onto the high moor without a car.
The castle is the town's own attraction: the largest castle ruin in Devon, a Norman motte-and-bailey turned fortified manor, on a hill in woodland with a stream running below. Free parking, a steep path up and good views from the top. It is half an hour rather than a day.
Be aware that much of the high moor north of here is Ministry of Defence firing range. Check the firing times before walking up there — the ranges are clearly marked and the flags go up when they are live.
Listings last checked: September 2026
The moor itself — 368 square miles of tors, wild ponies, prehistoric remains and open access land, free to walk anywhere on. Car parks are small and fill early at the popular tors. Weather changes fast up here; take layers and something waterproof whatever the forecast says.
The largest castle ruin in Devon — Norman motte-and-bailey later rebuilt as a fortified manor, set on a hill in woodland with walking trails and a stream below. Free parking, an audio guide when staffed, and a steep path up. Information boards throughout. About half an hour.
The last castle built in England, designed by Lutyens and finished in 1930, above the Teign Gorge with immaculate gardens and a pianist playing in the house. Dog friendly except indoors. The lanes in are narrow. The 173 bus stops outside if you would rather not drive them.
The deepest gorge in the south west, fifteen minutes south — the Devil's Cauldron whirlpool and the 30-metre White Lady waterfall, with two car parks and a 45-minute loop from each. Steep and slate underfoot. Dogs on leads, and some sections are unsafe for them.
The best cooking in Okehampton by a distance — pork belly bites, flatbreads with hummus and lamb, big well-cooked steaks, unhurried service. Small and popular, so book. Open Thursday to Saturday only, lunch Friday and Saturday.
A well-run town pub with a function room, live bands at weekends and burgers people rate highly for the money. Dog friendly — water brought out on arrival. Open until midnight, one at weekends. Good value and welcoming with families.
The quirkiest pub in town — rustic, no-nonsense, with an extensive draught and box cider range, books and board games on the shelves, live music and quiz nights. Sandwiches rather than meals. Closed Mondays, opens at one the rest of the week.