Okehampton Castle
Okehampton, Devon
The largest castle in Devon, strung along a wooded ridge above the West Okement, with riverside paths and Dartmoor starting behind it for your dog.
Okehampton is the biggest castle in Devon and it is strung out along a wooded ridge rather than gathered into one block, which makes it unusually enjoyable to explore. The Norman keep sits on its mound at one end, and in the 14th century Hugh Courtenay developed the whole thing into a palatial residence, so the remains run from the keep mound down to a tall gatehouse taking in hall, kitchens and lodgings on the way.
Whilst you work along the ridge, your dog gets the setting, which does the work here: steep oak woodland above the West Okement with riverside paths beneath the castle, and the northern edge of Dartmoor beginning immediately behind, so you can pair a castle visit with genuine moorland walking within a couple of minutes' drive.
Free to enter. No dog rules are published for this site, so treat it as leads on throughout, particularly along the ridge where the ground falls away steeply on both sides and beside the river. There are no facilities listed, and Okehampton town is a short distance away.
At a Glance
- Site Type
- Castle & Fort
- Entry
- Free
- Members
- Free for English Heritage members
- Facilities
- Wheelchair access
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Planning Your Visit
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- 10:00 - 16:00
- Thursday
- 10:00 - 16:00
- Friday
- 10:00 - 16:00
- Saturday
- 10:00 - 16:00
- Sunday
- 10:00 - 16:00
Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Okehampton Castle dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Okehampton Castle, and entry to the site is free. The setting makes it a genuinely enjoyable visit for dogs — there's oak woodland, riverside paths along the West Okement, and Dartmoor moorland starting just behind the castle if you want to extend the walk.
Are dogs allowed at Okehampton Castle year round?
There are no seasonal restrictions published for dogs at Okehampton Castle, and as a free-to-enter site it's accessible throughout the year. That said, it's always worth checking ahead if you're planning a special trip, as policies can change.
What should I know before visiting Okehampton Castle with my dog?
No specific dog rules are published for the site, so we'd recommend keeping your dog on a lead throughout — particularly along the wooded ridge, where the ground drops away steeply on both sides, and near the river below the castle walls. There are no facilities listed on site, but Okehampton town is only a short distance away if you need to stock up before or after your visit.
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