1 of 9
Okehampton Castle
2 of 9
Okehampton Castle
3 of 9
Okehampton Castle
4 of 9
Okehampton Castle
5 of 9
Okehampton Castle
6 of 9
Okehampton Castle
7 of 9
Okehampton Castle
8 of 9
Okehampton Castle
9 of 9
Okehampton Castle
Okehampton Castle’s annual Bluebell Sunday celebrations will return to the castle on Sunday, May 20th between 10am and 5pm. Now in its 101st year, the special spring day invites visitors to rediscover the historic site amidst the beauty of the bluebells. Visitors will be able to enjoy free entry to the castle, special guided tours, entertainments throughout the day, and displays and activities from a range of local organisations.
The event marks the changing of the seasons and the coming of the bluebells throughout the castle’s woodlands, and has been a highlight of the Okehampton calendar since 1917 when local benefactor Sydney Simmons gifted the castle to the Okehampton Castle Trust for the inhabitants and visitors of the town to enjoy in future years.
Alongside the packed programme of activities, the star of the show will of course be the bluebells themselves. Okehampton Castle is surrounded by beautiful woodland and countryside, making it a great place for walks throughout the year. There is an impressive array of flowers and wildlife to spot whatever the season – but the castle is particularly famous for its swathes of bluebells in late spring. Coming into bloom just in time for Bluebell Sunday, they are a delight of Devon not to be missed.
Now a picturesque ruin, Okehampton Castle was once the largest castle in Devon. Today the castle is under the guardianship of English Heritage and is open daily from April to October.