Okehampton is on the northern edge of Dartmoor, on the River Okement. The border of Dartmoor National Park is just south of the town.

Okehampton grew on the Medieval wool trade. Some notable buildings in the town include the 15th century Chapel of St James and Okehampton Castle.

The army training camp on Dartmoor is reached via Okehampton. It is managed by the Army Training Estate and used by a variety of military units including many cadet training units. The Ten Tors event is run by the Army each year in early May from Okehampton Camp.

The A30 trunk road now bypasses the town. Okehampton railway station is on the former northerly rail route from Exeter to Plymouth via Tavistock. The line from Exeter remains open for freight traffic because of Meldon quarry, just to the west of Okehampton. In summer, and at weekends throughout the year, the Dartmoor Railway operates a heritage railway service between Okehampton and Meldon Quarry.

In 1997 Devon County Council revived a passenger rail service from Exeter, on summer weekends only, in an attempt to reduce motor traffic to the national park. At other times the town is linked to Exeter and North Cornwall by regular bus services.

Key Stats

• There has been significant population growth since 1991 in the parish of Okehampton. This increase is greater than the growth in the district. The population is around 6,800.
• The level of households occupied by individuals in the market town area as a whole is similar to the district and county averages. There is a noticeable difference between Okehampton parish and the surrounding hinterland.
• Claim rates for Income Support are significantly lower in the rural areas compared to Okehampton parish. Claim rates for both benefits are similar to Devon but below the national average.
• The percentage of households with an annual income of less than £20,000 in the market town area is similar to the county. Around 45% of households in Okehampton parish have an income of less than £20,000.
• There is a higher proportion of people working in manufacturing and hotels and catering jobs in the area than in the district or county, but a lower proportion working in public administration and defence, education and health and social work.
• Around 35% of businesses are either involved in wholesale & retail or manufacturing.
• Achievement rates for GCSEs at grade A* to C are higher in the rural area compared to Okehampton. However, achievement levels as a whole are above the county and national averages.
• Select here for more statistics about Okehampton and surrounding area. (1.46MB - pdf help)