Top 9 Castles in Dartmoor

Dartmoor offers a diverse range of historical fortifications. You can explore ancient Iron Age hillforts, Norman motte-and-bailey castles, medieval ruins, and even more modern castles. This variety reflects different historical periods and defensive strategies throughout the region's past.

Yes, several castles in Dartmoor are great for families. Lydford Castle and Saxon Town offers a large, sloping lawn perfect for picnics. Castle Drogo provides family-friendly activities in its gardens and gorge. Hembury Castle Hillfort is also a fantastic spot to combine history with nature for children, and Okehampton Castle is another family-friendly option.

Many castles in Dartmoor are excellent starting points for walks. Castle Drogo is set in the dramatic Teign Gorge, ideal for walks. Okehampton Castle is surrounded by woodland walks. Hembury Castle Hillfort in Hembury Woods offers short walks up to the castle or longer routes tracing the River Dart. For specific routes, you can explore the Waterfall hikes in Dartmoor guide, which includes trails near Lydford Castle.

Dartmoor's castles hold significant historical value, showcasing periods from Anglo-Saxon defenses to Norman fortifications and medieval life. Sites like Lydford Castle and Saxon Town reveal Anglo-Saxon burh defenses and a notorious 13th-century prison. Okehampton Castle is a key Norman motte-and-bailey fortification from around 1068. Even Castle Drogo, though built in the 20th century, incorporates medieval and Tudor styles, making it the last castle built in England.

While not a traditional castle, Challacombe Medieval Hamlet offers a glimpse into ancient ruins that are less well-known and therefore less busy than other sites. It provides a tranquil setting to explore what remains of old buildings.

Dartmoor's castles are set against a backdrop of rugged natural beauty. Near Castle Drogo, you'll find the magnificent Teign Gorge. Okehampton Castle is nestled amidst lush Devon countryside and woodlands. Hembury Castle Hillfort is high in Hembury Woods, offering a combination of forest and historical exploration. The wider Dartmoor National Park is known for its expansive moorland, granite tors, and river valleys.

The best time to visit Dartmoor's castles generally depends on your preference for weather and crowds. Spring and summer offer milder weather and longer daylight hours, ideal for exploring ruins and enjoying walks. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter can offer a dramatic, stark landscape, though some facilities might have reduced hours. Always check specific castle opening times before your visit.

Entrance fees vary by site. For example, Lydford Castle and Saxon Town is free to enter. Okehampton Castle, managed by English Heritage, typically has an entrance fee. Castle Drogo, a National Trust property, also has an admission charge. It's advisable to check the official websites for current pricing and opening hours before planning your visit.

Many of the larger castles, such as Castle Drogo, have on-site cafes and shops. The villages surrounding the castles, like Lydford near Lydford Castle, often have local pubs and cafes. For accommodation, you'll find various options, from B&Bs to hotels, in towns and villages on the edge of or within Dartmoor National Park.

Yes, there are several hiking routes that incorporate or pass near Dartmoor's castles. For instance, the Waterfall hikes in Dartmoor guide features routes like the 'Lydford Castle & Whitelady Waterfall loop of Lydford Gorge' and 'Lydford Castle and Saxon Town – Whitelady Waterfall loop from Lydford'. These routes combine historical exploration with the natural beauty of the area.

Public transport options to Dartmoor's castles can be limited, especially for sites deep within the National Park. Major towns on the fringes of Dartmoor, such as Okehampton, may have bus services that connect to smaller villages. For specific castles like Okehampton Castle, local bus routes might be available. However, for many locations, driving or combining public transport with walking or cycling is often the most practical approach. Always check local bus schedules in advance.

Lydford Castle and Saxon Town is unique because it offers a journey through multiple historical periods at one site. You can explore remnants of Anglo-Saxon town defenses, an earlier Norman earthwork castle, and a notorious 13th-century tower that served as a prison. It's a tranquil spot to experience a range of historical layers.

Castle Drogo holds the unique distinction of being the last castle built in England, completed in 1930. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, it blends medieval and Tudor styles with modern construction. Its dramatic setting overlooking the Teign Gorge, along with its formal gardens and interior, offers a captivating blend of history and architecture.

From Hembury Castle Hillfort, you can expect stunning views over the surrounding Hembury Woods and the River Dart valley. As an Iron Age hillfort and Norman motte-and-bailey castle built within earlier earthworks, its elevated position provides commanding vistas, making it a great viewpoint for both natural scenery and historical context.