Town council to discuss future of Okehampton Castle visitor access

Okehampton Town Council is set to meet next week to consider any action it wishes to take regarding visitor access to Okehampton Castle, a historic site owned and managed by English Heritage.

The castle, a prominent landmark in the town, currently offers guided tours to visitors on selected days, with access generally limited to one weekend each month, according to the English Heritage website.

Earlier this month, Okehampton Town Council and Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council met informally to discuss the future of the castle. 

Okehampton Town Council has confirmed that ideas and potential ways forward will be considered at its meeting next week.

English Heritage told The Moorlander that this year it is changing how it welcomes visitors to Okehampton Castle. 

Instead of being open for general admission on a daily basis, it will be developing a series of special events, tours, and exhibitions over the coming months and years, with details to be shared as they become available.

As a charity responsible for more than 400 historic sites across the country, English Heritage said that in a small number of cases where the costs of opening sites are not met by visitor numbers through general admission, it is adopting new approaches. 

This is intended to ensure a rich visitor experience and provide the necessary care for historic properties now and in the long term.

At present, details about the castle’s opening hours and visitor arrangements have raised questions within the community about future access to the site. 

The town council has confirmed it will discuss its role and any potential responses during the upcoming meeting.

Okehampton Castle is a popular attraction for both local residents and tourists, contributing to the town’s cultural heritage and economy. 

The council meeting will offer an opportunity to explore next steps and potential strategies to ensure the castle remains accessible to the public.