Okehampton Castle

The remains of the largest castle in Devon, in an outstandingly picturesque setting on a wooded spur above the rushing River Okement. Begun soon after the Norman Conquest as a motte and bailey castle with a stone keep, it was converted into a sumptuous residence in the 14th century by Hugh Courtenay, Earl of Devon,much of whose work survives. After the last Courtenay owner fell foul of Henry VIII in 1538, it declined into an allegedly haunted ruin. Riverside picnic area and woodland walks nearby.

Our resident jackdaws are in good song along with the regularly visiting Nuthatch, Trush, dippers and Wagtails. On the ground look for the Campions, Stichwort and Forget-Me-Knots, wild Orchids in the hay meadow and Wood Anemones adoring the Motte.