Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Okehampton Castle, a historic Devon landmark, will no longer be open for general daily visits as English Heritage introduces a new focus on guided tours and events. The change, which came into effect on April 1, is part of a wider review by the national charity aimed at adapting to financial pressures and changing visitor expectations. The landmark is currently shut and it's not yet known when it will reopen. A spokesperson for English Heritage said the decision was made to improve the visitor experience while ensuring long-term sustainability of the site. They said: “These are difficult times for the heritage sector and English Heritage is not exempt from the challenges the sector faces. The pandemic and its aftermath led to lasting changes in visitor expectations and behaviour, both domestically and internationally, while many of our visitors and members are facing challenges with the cost of living. “High inflation has increased the cost of conservation work at our sites but significant and ongoing expenditure is still required if the condition of the sites in our care is not to deteriorate”. (Image: English Heritage) The castle, which was already operating on a seasonal basis and closed during the winter, will now shift to a programme of guided tours and special events rather than daily walk-in visits. The details will be shared once plans are finalised. Okehampton Castle is the biggest castle in Devon and dates back to the Norman period, originally constructed soon after the Norman Conquest in 1066. Later, in the 13th century, another family of Norman aristocrats took the castle over and it wasn't until the 14th century that the castle began to resemble what it looks like today. English Heritage, who manage over 400 historic sites across the country, explained that income from general admissions to some sites like Okehampton Castle doesn’t always cover operating costs. Redirecting the funds will, they say, allow the charity to better maintain England’s heritage and enhance visitor engagement. The spokesperson said: “Changing the way we operate these sites will free up vital funding to help us look after England’s heritage and share it with as many people as possible. At the same time, we’ll offer visitors to Okehampton Castle an even more engaging and enjoyable experience”.