Holiday rentals in Okehampton

The charming traditional Devonshire town of Okehampton is known as the gateway to Dartmoor. Once an important Saxon settlement, Okehampton is now the walking hub of the South West. There are guided routes around the town, as well as woodland paths along the East Okement river, and the town is within easy walking distance of the northern side of Dartmoor National Park, with its 368 square miles of natural wilderness. North Dartmoor’s wild beauty boasts scenic cycling and horse riding routes. Soaked in centuries of lore and mystery, the moors are said to be inhabited by pixies and spirits.

The town itself is home to historic streets, cosy tea rooms serving traditional Devonshire cream teas, and charming pubs. Okehampton’s town centre features a Victorian shopping arcade with arts and crafts, gift shops, and antique stores. And if you’re looking for a little history with your outdoor adventures, you can visit one of the three National Trust properties nearby, including Lydford Gorge with its 30-metre waterfall.

Holiday cottages in Okehampton are popular in all seasons, thanks to Devon’s mild climate and year-round activities. On the last Saturday of June, the Okehampton Festival of Food and Music offers a mix of local and international foods and live performance. Summer is the most popular time to visit, when the weather is at its best and families head to Dartmoor during the school holidays. Book your trip for mid-August, when the long-running Dartmoor Folk Festival in South Zeal, 15 minutes away, hosts traditional music, dancing, and crafts stalls as well as a children’s festival.

Along with colder temperatures, autumn and winter can bring heavy rainfall and challenging driving conditions on Dartmoor, so pack warm clothing and be prepared for sudden adverse weather to change your walking plans.

Granite Way

This scenic 11-mile cycle route starts in Okehampton and takes you past a disused railway viaduct, pretty villages, castles, and churches to Lydford Gorge, where the waterfall and whirlpools are known as the Devil’s Cauldron. There are a couple of popular pubs along the way where you can stop for lunch and a glass of local cider. The route is mostly traffic-free and can also be explored on foot.

Okehampton Castle

Okehampton Castle has been the site of battles, feuds, and plots for nearly 1,000 years. After a Tudor king had the former owner executed, the castle fell into decay, with the dramatic grass-covered ruins inspiring world-famous artists. Today, the castle is open during the summer months, offering audio tours. Pack some sandwiches to enjoy at the riverside picnic area — and keep an eye open for the resident ghost, Lady Howard.

Museum of Dartmoor Life

Across three floors of a former mill, the museum captures 5,000 years of local life, from Bronze Age huts to 19th-century cider making. The gallery also hosts regular art exhibitions from local creators. Children can discover interactive exhibits and search for the Dartmoor Piskies hiding amongst the displays. As the museum is an environmentally friendly Refill Devon site, you can refill your water bottle here for your onward journey.