Okehampton

Nestled in the northern foothills of Dartmoor, Okehampton is a bustling market town with great independent shops, accommodation and places to eat, surrounded by picturesque countryside. In 2021 Great Western Railway opened the Dartmoor line, allowing for better connections between Dartmoor and the rest of the UK from Exeter Central Station.

For those who enjoy a bit of retail therapy, you’ll be happy to know that Okehampton has a great number of high street names and independent businesses. The Victorian shopping arcade is filled to the brim with eclectic shops selling everything from vinyl records and artwork to fresh local produce. Red Lion Yard is another great place for shopping; it’s an attractive outdoor area surrounded by a wide range of shops, places to eat and it’s also home to the Okehampton Saturday Market. Okehampton is also home to the Museum of Dartmoor Life which is houses across three floors of a 19^th century mill with a waterwheel.

If you’re looking to spend a sunny day outside in the fresh air pay a visit to Simmon’s Park which sits in the south east of the town. It’s a large outdoor space with plenty of space to let your kiddies run wild, it also encompasses a bandstand, bowling club and even a phone box library!

Okehampton was first settled in the Bronze Age but began to take shape in the Anglo Saxon area with written records from 980AD naming it Ocmundtune – meaning settlement by the Okement, after the river which runs through the town. A short walk from the town centre you’ll find Okehampton Castle, a motte a bailey castle which sits upon a hill overlooking the town and is surrounded by woodland and countryside. Whilst the remains are scarce, it’s easy to imagine what life would have looked like during the medieval period.

A trip to Okehampton would not be complete without exploring the local moorland that surrounds this ancient town. Dartmoor can be explored from Okehampton by car, bike or on foot with several roads, footpaths and cycle routes leading to the vast and dramatic landscape. Several National Trust sites are easily accessible from Okehampton, such as Castle Drogo and Lydford Gorge, as well as Meldon Reservoir, a beautiful expanse of moorland and water, perfect for an afternoon walk in the sun. For keen cyclist, the Granite Way is a popular route for locals and visitors as they ride through Okehampton to Meldon Viaduct which offers impressive views of the surrounding countryside.

For walks, attractions, places to stay, explore, eat, shop and a list of ‘What’s On’ please visit the Visit Okehampton website HERE.