Finch Foundry
Finch Foundry, Sticklepath, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 2NW
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Finch Foundry produced edge tools for agriculture, mining and the china clay industry, and employed as many as 25 workers across the site. This included blacksmiths, carpenters, wheelwrights, farriers and general workers. Later in its existence the company diversified and became coal merchants, the local hardware shop, scrap metal merchants and even funeral directors.
Today visitors can take in the sights, sounds and smells of the last water-powered forge in England first-hand. In its heyday, Finch Foundry produced up to a phenomenal 400 edge tools per day. The noise, heat, smoke and dust must have been indescribable, but we'll try our best to stoke your imagination. As well as the waterwheels, working forge, grinding house, carpenters’ workshop and gallery museum, there is also a pretty cottage garden and a Quaker burying ground to visit.
Access to the forge is by guided tour only, these are held hourly from 1100 to 1500. An exhibition of local art inspired by Finch Foundry will be available to see on this day.
Timings & Tours
- Sunday 15 September:
- Tours run at 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00
Location & directions
Finch Foundry, Sticklepath, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 2NW
- Directions:
- Signposted from the A30 Northbound and from Whiddon Down Southbound/Okehampton exit. The entrance to our car park is low and narrow (2.3m high x 2.0m wide), limited on-street parking is available.
- Contact on day:
- Ben Shapcott
- Telephone number:
- +441837840046
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking preferred
- Booking conditions:
- Please book at our website.
- Booking contact name:
- Ben Shapcott
- Booking website:
- https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/finch-foundry
- Booking opens:
- 18 Aug 2024 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 14 Sep 2024 12:00 AM
Accessibility details
Partial disabled access - Steps make total access problematic; we will ensure that our less mobile visitors receive assistance. Partially accessible toilet on site. Pushchairs and prams may prove difficult in the forge, temporary storage is available.
Additional information
The entrance to our car park is low and narrow (2.3m high x 2.0m wide), limited on-street parking is available.
- Max no of people per tour:
- 15
- Est. tour duration:
- 45 hour(s)
