A trip to East Devon wouldn’t be complete without exploring the beautiful and lush 6,400-acre National Trust countryside estate that is Killerton.
Killerton is an 18th century mansion set on a stunning hillside garden and estate. Donated to the National Trust in 1994 by Sir Richard Acland, this home is bursting with family history and boasts a unique, vintage fashion collection. The house is beautifully preserved, and often has different displays on show throughout the year. The first floor of the house is home to a collection of 20,000 fashion pieces, one of them dating back to the 17th century!
Outside the house, there are a variety of lovely walks for all abilities on the estate, including dog-friendly ones! Enjoy the two hour long riverside walk which takes you through the historic parkland and ancient forests, passing by Killerton’s two own Chapels. You can also enjoy one of the knowledgeable parkland guided walks; in just under two hours, experience the estate with a guide and learn more about the history, landscape and conservation work that takes place on this impressive estate.
Explore the largest woodland that East Devon has to offer at Killerton; straight out of a fairy tale book is Ashclyst Forest. Home to a variety of deer and birds, there is plenty of wildlife to see, as well as a sea of bluebells in Spring. You also have a choice of the Danes Wood, filled with ancient oak and chestnut trees. Walking the through this spectacular forest, keep your eyes peeled for birds of prey as there are plenty of buzzards to spot in the area.
With an on-site restaurant, plenty of picnic areas and plenty of dog-friendly and child-friendly walks, Killerton is the perfect place to spend the whole day with the family in Devon.
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Killerton Castle, Broadcylst, Devon | 01392 881345 | www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton
