Killerton National Trust House and Gardens
Visiting National Trust properties is a great way to spend a day whatever your age. Many of the larger country estate style properties have lots of space for walking or running (depending on your age), play areas and seasonal trails laid on for younger visitors.
If the history of properties is more your thing, then that is often also well covered. A prime example of this is Killerton House in East Devon. We’ve been fans of Killerton for many years and have enjoyed some lovely days out there.
Devon Days Out Killerton National Trust
Killerton in East Devon is one of the largest estates the National Trust look after at 6,400 acres. Your visit also includes entry to the lovely chapel, an Old Post Office, Clyston Mill and Marker’s, a medieval hall house.
The 18th century manor house was the home of the Acland family and was given to the NT in 1944 due to Sir Richard Acland’s political beliefs.
It’s an interesting house to look around with some beautiful features.
explore Killerton House and Gardens – Something for All Ages
There’s things to see for children in the house. Pre-covid there was a dressing up room and a game where families have to find objects and mice in a treasure hunt.
Outside let off steam in the gardens, explore the Bear Hut and Ice House which you can read about the history off.
In the grounds near the entrance there is a small playpark
Free Killerton Grounds and Ashclyst Forest
Outside of the main gardens the estate is dog friendly. There are lovely woods and sweeping views across the East Devon countryside.
With lots of space to explore and play you may also find a rope swings along the trails in the woods around the Estate.
Also part of the estate you can walk for miles in Ashclyst Forest for free. In the spring the bluebells are a popular attraction.
National Trust Cream Tea
Back in the main grounds there chance for a coffee and cake or maybe a Devon cream tea in the lovely Stables Café and of course don’t forget the gift shop.
What’s On At Killerton
For full details about Killerton House and events click HERE.
Look out for holiday activities for children which usually includes a themed trail around gardens, and the wonderfully decorated house at Christmas.
There is a Heritage Open Day in September which allows free entry to Killerton House, Marker’s Cottage and Budlake Post Office (please double check this as web details are not clear).
Where is Killerton House?
Killerton House is in East Devon, near Exeter. It is easy to reach by road on just a few miles off the M5 – address: Broadclyst, Exeter, Devon, EX5 3LE
Opening hours vary for different parts of the estate from the house and cafe to gardens and parkland so do check carefully before travelling.
National Trust Women and Power programme
During 2018 the NT celebrated 100 years of women getting the vote. Killerton House told the story of two women from the house and their roles in the fight with an exhibition of ‘Women in Power’ which followed the sisters, Eleanor and Gertrude Acland. Interestingly they had opposing views about whether women should get the vote.
1. Those who obey the laws should help to choose those who make the laws, and
2. Laws which affect women were being passed without consulting them.
Gertrude supported the anti-suffrage league because: –
1. Men and women naturally live in different worlds, so their share in public affairs should be different, and
2. At that time there were 1,300,000 more women than men. If everyone voted, men would be outnumbered.
There must have been some difficult discussions around the table and with the many guests that were entertained!
More days out
If you have enjoy reading this for other days out take a look at my write up of Stourhead National Trust or Belmont House in Lyme Regis which opens as part of the Heritage Open Days scheme in September.
Pin for later – lots more from Flip Flops or Wellies on the Pinterest boards here.
National Trust Membership Makes a Great Gift
Thank you to Helen Follet for helping with this visit write up.
Hi! I am Clare and I live in glorious East Devon with my family.
Join me in finding new places to explore in the West Country as well as further afield.
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I love Killerton, such a great NT property. I visited recently and thought the exhibition celebrating the suffragette movement and 100 years of women getting the vote was great and really interesting. Will defo be back at Christmas!
Yes Killerton is great and always something different to see.