Okehampton - Castle & River

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Okehampton Castle & River, with Detectives helping DCI Jason de Villain investigate the sudden death of landlady Carly Berg and work out who was behind the missing home-brewed ale barrels and the flying brew plot.

The investigation covers approximately 2 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll begin at the Museum of Dartmoor Life in Fore Street, just after The White Hart Hotel, then work through the town and parks, tackle an uphill climb and a long cobbled path to the church, and finish by Jacob's Pool before following the signs opposite back to the museum and the start.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs. It has been marked as pushchair friendly, but there is a short stretch of cobbles that can be negotiated with light pushchairs. Some steep hills will also be encountered along the route, and the cobbles can be slippery when wet.

Cross roads at pedestrian traffic lights, zebra crossings and when safe to do so. Take care on the long cobbled path when wet, and around steps, including by the bridge and in the churchyard area.

Getting There

By car: Start the case at the Museum of Dartmoor Life in Fore Street, just after The White Hart Hotel (EX20 1HQ). Park the squad car at Mill Road pay and display car park (EX20 1PS), then walk to the start via Mill Road, East Street and Fore Street.

By public transport: Make your way to the Museum of Dartmoor Life in Fore Street, just after The White Hart Hotel, to begin the investigation. The circular route ends by Jacob's Pool before you follow the signs opposite back to the museum and the start.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets can be found in Market Street, in the vicinity of Clue 9, and just before Clue 13 - handy comfort stops while the ale-barrel evidence is being pieced together.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

If your four-legged Detectives are joining the investigation, keep them close throughout. 🐾

The route includes town streets, parks, road crossings, steep hills, steps and a cobbled path that can be slippery when wet, so leads are sensible around traffic, the bridge area and the churchyard. Expect a proper leg-stretch for paws as well as people.

Food & Drink Stops

There are plenty of chances to stop for refreshments or stock up on snacks throughout the route, so your detective squad should have no trouble staying fuelled.

If you'd rather bring your own provisions, pack a picnic to enjoy at Clues 15-16. Simmons Park is also described as a perfect place to take a break.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Okehampton Castle

For an optional historical detour, follow Castle Road and Castle Lane to Okehampton Castle. The detour is a 1 mile round trip, and you'll need to retrace your steps to the start of Castle Road to finish it.

Okehampton Castle began as a Norman stronghold just after 1066, guarding a route into Devon. Later, the powerful Courtenay family transformed it into a grand hunting lodge beside Dartmoor. Its fortunes crashed in 1539 when Henry Courtenay was executed for treason, and the castle was abandoned. Today, its ruins make a great spot to take a break from cracking crime. Okehampton Castle is usually open from 10am to 4pm between April and October, and it's worth checking ahead for full opening times.

St James Chapel

St James Chapel was built in the 14th century and was used by townsfolk unable to reach the parish church in times of flood. It was one of the last places in England to ring out evening curfew, an old feudal custom to signify the putting out of lights and fires within the town - a suitably atmospheric extra for Detectives with an ear for old clues.

Simmons Park

Simmons Park was given to the town in 1906 by Sydney Simmons. He was born in Okehampton but left and made his fortune in America. When he returned to the town in the early 20th century, he donated much of his wealth to many good causes around the town. It's also a perfect place to take a break or enjoy a picnic during your investigation.