Top 5 Castles in West Devon

You can visit Lydford Castle and Saxon Town for free. It offers a fascinating journey through Anglo-Saxon settlement, Norman fortification, and medieval justice, and is a perfect picnic spot.

Yes, all three main castles in West Devon are considered family-friendly. Lydford Castle and Saxon Town, Okehampton Castle, and Castle Drogo all offer engaging experiences for families, often with expansive grounds for exploration.

West Devon's castles showcase diverse historical periods. Lydford Castle and Saxon Town features remains from a 9th-century Saxon town and a 13th-century tower infamous as a prison for Stannary Laws. Okehampton Castle is a significant Norman motte and bailey castle, later transformed into a grand residence. Castle Drogo is unique as England's last castle, built in the early 20th century with a blend of medieval aesthetics and modern design.

Yes, Okehampton Castle is set in a picturesque woodland area above the River Okement, offering scenic riverside and woodland walks. You can find various cycling routes in the wider area, including 'Lydford & Peter Tavey — Granite Way loop from Okehampton' and 'Lydford, Princetown & Chagford loop from Okehampton', which are part of the Cycling in West Devon guide.

The castles are often situated on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. Near Lydford Castle, you can visit Lydford Gorge and its stunning White Lady Waterfall. Castle Drogo offers dramatic views over the Teign Gorge, with numerous walking opportunities along the gorge, teeming with wildlife. Okehampton Castle provides panoramic views over the surrounding moorland and is nestled above the River Okement.

While specific dog access policies vary, many outdoor areas around the castles are dog-friendly. For example, the tranquil setting of Lydford Castle is suitable for walks, and the expansive grounds around Castle Drogo and the Teign Gorge are popular for dog walking. Always check individual site rules for interior access.

The castles are enjoyable year-round, but spring and summer offer the best weather for exploring the extensive grounds and nearby natural attractions like Lydford Gorge and Teign Gorge. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, especially around Castle Drogo and its gardens. Check individual castle websites for winter opening hours, as some may have reduced schedules.

Yes, there are amenities available. Castle Drogo has a cafe and other facilities on-site. The village of Lydford, where Lydford Castle is located, has local pubs. Okehampton, near Okehampton Castle, also offers various cafes and pubs.

Lydford Castle is notable for its 10-foot-thick walls and being a two-part site with both an early Norman fort and a later 13th-century tower keep. Okehampton Castle is a prime example of a Norman motte and bailey castle, later converted into a grand residence. Castle Drogo stands out as England's last castle, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in a mixed-revivalist style using local granite, blending medieval fortress aesthetics with early 20th-century modernity.

Absolutely. For instance, near Lydford Castle, you can explore routes like 'Lydford Castle & Whitelady Waterfall loop of Lydford Gorge' or 'Lydford Castle and Saxon Town – Whitelady Waterfall loop from Lydford', which are featured in the Waterfall hikes in West Devon guide. These routes allow you to combine historical exploration with stunning natural beauty.

The time needed varies by castle. Lydford Castle can be explored in an hour or two, especially if combined with a visit to Lydford Gorge. Okehampton Castle might take 2-3 hours to explore the ruins and enjoy the surrounding walks. Castle Drogo, with its unique interiors, gardens, and extensive Teign Gorge walks, could easily fill half a day or more.

Yes, Okehampton Castle allows visitors to climb to its keep for panoramic views over the town and surrounding moorland. Castle Drogo is perched high above the Teign Gorge, offering dramatic views of the landscape from its grounds and certain points within the castle.