Okehampton is a town found in the very heart of Devon, on the northern edge of the spectacular Dartmoor National Park. It is a settlement with a proud history; it is known that Iron Age people lived here. The town has a castle owned by English Heritage, situated in woodland of the valley of the River Okement. This castle is the only Devon castle listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. The present castle, on the same site was rebuilt and considerably enlarged in the early 1300s. After 1539, it gradually fell into disuse, and visitors can tour the ruins.
There is plenty to explore in this busy little town, with a fine town hall dating from 1685, the Georgian White Hart Inn, Museum of Dartmoor Life, Victorian Arcade Bakeries, interesting shops, cafes, pubs, ice cream parlours, vineyards and restaurants. Finch Foundry, the last working water-powered iron forge in England is located in the nearby village of Sticklepath. With over 730 acres of water, Roadford Lake is a spectacular lake set on the edge of Dartmoor between Okehampton and Launceston. There is an Outdoor and Active Centre here offering brown trout fishing, sailing, windsurfing, rowing, kayaking and camping.
This is excellent walking and cycling country and the Granite Way is a perfect route from Okehampton to Meldon Viaduct. It is enjoyable level walk, next to the famous Dartmoor Railway. The views from Meldon Viaduct are truly impressive! Meldon Reservoir also provides stunning views across Dartmoor. Okehampton is close to an army training centre on Dartmoor which runs the Ten Tors event in early May every year. The two highest peaks of Dartmoor, Yes Tor and High Wilhays are just south of the town. With excellent transport links Okehampton is an excellent base to explore the region; only half an hour to Exeter, slightly longer for the M5, 45 mins to the coast at Bude and 35 mins to the heart of Dartmoor. There is absolutely no better place to stay for your holiday in Devon.