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Pictures of Okehampton

in the county of Devon

About Okehampton

There has been a settlement at Okehampton since the Bronze-Age, later it became a prosperous Saxon town with the Saxon Lords being overthrown at the time of the Conquest. It was at this time that a castle was built at Okehampton by Baldwin de Brion, a Norman Sheriff and holder of vast lands in Devon. These passed by marriage to the powerful Courtney family, who rebuilt the castle on a grand scale as a fortified country retreat. In 1538, Henry VIII seized the castle, but strangely it was not used by him for very long and was eventually laid to waste. The building is now a spectacular ruin in a lovely tranquil site. The grounds offer pleasant riverside picnic spots, enchanting woodland walks, and maybe a sighting of Lady Howard's ghost!

These days, situated as it is close to the high reaches of Dartmoor, Okehampton is known as the "gateway" to the moors. It offers easy access to some of the highest peaks and most remote areas in southern England. Here visitors have various opportunities for a relaxing time, these include the famous Tarka Trail, Abbeyford Woods - a beautiful woodland with an abundance of wildlife, the Devon coast to coast route on the National Cycle Network.

Lydford Gorge is a place no country lover should miss. Walkers enjoy a wonderful scenic circular walk through a famous river gorge. The walk starts high above the river, venturing through magnificent woods before dropping down to the magnificent White Lady Waterfall. Further along you follow the course of the River Lyd through a deep ravine to a place where the river offers a series of enchanting whirlpools, including the fascinating Devil's Cauldron.

One of the features of Okehampton is its pleasant country inns of which one is believed to have existed in the 12th century. The town hall dates from around 1656, there are a number of solid stone buildings, and a small museum recalls the history and life of the region.

Simmons Park offers plenty of leisure facilities including an indoor swimming pool, gym,tennis courts, a bowling green and a football pitch.

For visitors wishing to stay, Okehampton makes an ideal base for exploring Dartmoor, there is plenty of hotel accommodation, good restaurants, atmospheric inns, holiday cottages and a youth hostel.

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History of Okehampton

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Hotels & Accommodation in Okehampton

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	Adventure Okehampton: The Goods Shed Okehampton, Devon, England (0.6 miles, 0.9 km) Adventure Okehampton: The Goods Shed is situated in its own grounds with a café for food and a self-catering kitchen also available. The hostel is set in an old Victorian goods shed at Okehampton Rai... More info and book online.. Price from £14.00
	Fairway Lodge Okehampton, Devon, England (3.3 miles, 5.3 km, direction W) Set in 8 acres of peaceful, tranquil grounds in the heart of Devon, with superb views over Dartmoor, this rural guest house has 9 comfortable, tastefully decorated, en suite rooms.... More info and book online.. Price from £70.00
	Prewley Moor Arms Okehampton, Devon, England (3.3 miles, 5.3 km, direction SW) Located on the edge of Dartmoor National Park just a 2-minute drive from the A30, this guest accommodation has an outdoor play area. Traditional, homemade English food and real ales are served in the ... More info and book online.. Price from £40.00
	The Oxenham Arms Hotel Okehampton, Devon, England (4.2 miles, 6.7 km, direction E) Built around the famous Zeal Menhir Standing Stone, this 12th-century inn is set in its own monastery gardens in a pretty Devonshire village.... More info and book online.. Price from £95.00
	Collaven Manor Hotel Okehampton, Devon, England (4.8 miles, 7.7 km, direction SW) Well linked to the M5, this 15th-century manor house stands in 4 acres of gardens, with glorious countryside views and a rich history. Collaven Manor is in the North West of Dartmoor.... More info and book online.. Price from £75.00

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Nearby travel help

Lapford Station	(11.7 miles, 18.9 km, direction NE)
Eggesford Station	(11.8 miles, 19.0 km, direction NE)
M5 Junction 31	(21.9 miles, 35.2 km, direction E)
Plymouth City Airport	(22.3 miles, 35.8 km, direction S)
M5 Junction 30	(23.8 miles, 38.3 km, direction E)
Exeter Airport	(25.6 miles, 41.1 km, direction E)
Okehampton to London	(176.9 miles, 284.6 km, direction E)