Statts House

The grey stone facade of Statts House sits quietly on the outskirts of Okehampton, a proper period piece that rewards a bit of poking about if you're into old buildings and the way people actually lived. It's a historic house with genuine character - the sort of place where you can almost smell the centuries seeping from the walls. The rooms tell you something about the families who lived here across generations, and if you catch someone who knows the place well, you'll hear stories that no plaque can quite capture.

This isn't a grand manor house with fancy gardens or a gift shop flogging fudge. It's more intimate than that. Walkers doing loops through the Okehampton area will find it a sensible stop, especially if you're based at Dartmoor National Park just a few miles south - it breaks up the day nicely between moorland rambles. History buffs will get more from it than families with young kids, to be honest. You're looking at maybe 45 minutes to an hour inside, longer if you're the type who reads every label.

Before you make the trip, check whether it's open and what the admission is - details are sparse, which is rather typical for smaller heritage sites in Devon. Ring ahead or ask at the Okehampton visitor information if you want to be certain. Worth the diversion if you're in the area and enjoy stepping inside real local history rather than just walking past it.