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Exploring the estate at Knightshayes

A path cuts through the forest on the Douglas fir walk at Knightshayes, Devon
Explore the Douglas fir walk at Knightshayes | © National Trust Images/Mel Peters

Venture into the historic parkland during a visit to Knightshayes in Devon and take in views of the surrounding area. With acres of parkland and woodland, it's a great place for the whole family, including the dog, to explore. It has room to roam, ponds to peer into and plenty of hidden corners to discover.

Things to see on the estate

A working environment to this day, you can see farmers tending to their rare breeds of sheep. For the tree enthusiasts there are many examples of ancient trees to look out for, along with red deer, badgers and many varieties of birds.

Douglas firs at Knightshayes

Douglas fir is native to North America, but was brought to the UK in 1827 by botanist David Douglas. Some of the Douglas fir trees at Knightshayes were planted as far back as the 1870s.

Today it's one of the most important collections of Douglas fir in the country and includes some of the tallest in England.

Access to the Douglas fir walk, is through the iron gate at the top right corner of the Walled Kitchen Garden. From there, you can follow the mown grass paths through the trees as the scent of pine fills the air.

Walking your dog at Knightshayes

We welcome dogs in the parkland at Knightshayes, but we do ask that all dogs are kept under close control and on leads in any area that is not within a gated field.

It's essential that dogs remain on leads, no matter how well behaved, when in a field with livestock.

Circular dog walk

This circular route is perfect for dog walking and exploring the historic parkland. It takes you through open fields and past some of the more special trees in the Knightshayes parkland, including the Turkey Oak, believed to be the largest in the UK.

A family walk along a paved path into the parkland. Flanked by grass either side of them the trees are showing signs of autumn with orange and red leaves.
The perfect place for a family walk | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Pack a picnic

After working up an appetite on one of the walks around the parkland, why not sit back, relax and make the most of the parkland with a picnic?

No matter what the season, a warming flask of tea or coffee and bite to eat are just the thing to recharge your batteries. Remember to bring something to sit on – the grass can be a little damp during the colder months. Please take your litter home with you.

Heathcoat Cricket Club

Established in the 1920s by John Heathcoat-Amory for his Tiverton factory workers, the Heathcoat Cricket Club has always had a strong association with Knightshayes and the local community.

The exterior of the house at Knightshayes with the garden in front

Discover more at Knightshayes

Find out when Knightshayes is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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