Ashclyst Forest
DevonA magical forest on the Killerton estate and one of the largest woods in East Devon.
Forest Gate car park, near Broadclyst, Exeter, Devon
M T W T F S S Open
Closed
Opening times for 20 February 2026
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk - Car park
Parking is available in the main Forest Gate car park. There are four other smaller car parks also available in Ashclyst Forest.
- Coffee shop
There's a dog friendly coffee shop serving hot and cold food, drinks and snacks at Killerton (short drive).
- Dogs allowed
Dogs are welcome. There are no dog bins on site, please take bagged waste home with you.
- Toilet
The nearest toilet facilities are in the main visitor car park at Killerton (short drive).
Uneven terrain. Parking in the Forest Gate car park. Dogs welcome.
- By road
- From Broadclyst follow the B3181 north towards Cullompton. Go straight past the junction to Killerton house and garden. Take the next right signposted to Ashclyst. Continue going straight ahead into the forest. You will find Forest Gate car park on your left hand side with a green 'Ashclyst Forest' sign at it's entrance.Parking: For Forest Gate car park, follow signs to Ashclyst. There are four other smaller car parks also available in Ashclyst Forest.
- By train
- Pinhoe, 6 miles; Whimple, 6 miles; Exeter Central and St David's, both 8 miles, followed by bus and walking routes.
- By bus
- Services from Exeter to Tiverton, alight Killerton Turn, then walking distance of 1.5 miles towards Cullompton. More information at stagecoachbus.com
Highlights
Forest
Natural woodland pasture, commercial conifer plantations, coppice coups and even rare, wet woodland.
Things to see and do
Exploring Ashclyst Forest
Ashclyst Forest is one of the largest woods in East Devon and a haven for wildlife. It's the perfect place to reconnect with nature whether it's for a family ramble or dog walk.
Visiting Ashclyst Forest with your dog
Dogs will love the natural woodland and commercial plantations that offer shade and plenty of leaves to sniff through at Ashclyst Forest.
Outdoor activities
Horse riding at Killerton
Horse riders can explore Killerton, Devon thanks to the miles of permissive bridleways that take in Danes Wood, Killerton Park and Ashclyst Forest.
Places to stay
Longmeadow Cottage
A thatch cottage with original features and a large garden, on the edge of the great Killerton estate with its 18th-century house, garden and parkland walks.
Crabtree Lodge
A pretty little 1930's inspired cottage on a hill at the heart of the Killerton Estate in Devon with beautiful views towards Ashclyst Forest.
Mattress Cottage
A traditional thatch cottage stay on the border of the Killerton estate.
Crabtree School House
On the wonderful Killerton Estate in Devon, this pretty 1930’s inspired cottage nestles in acres of countryside, looking towards Ashclyst Forest, perfect for escaping the city.
Broad Ley Cottage
A charming thatched cottage complete with open-beam ceilings and an inglenook fireplace.
Killerton Park Cottage
Stay in the parklands of Killerton in this contemporary restored lodge house.
Forest Cottage
A fairy-tale thatch cottage in a magical forest setting.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Ashclyst Forest
Ashclyst Forest has a host of waymarked trails for you to explore and experience nature. A haven for butterflies, bluebells, birds and much more.
Our work
Our work at Ashclyst Forest
With acres of woodland, vital conservation work takes place on a regular basis to keep Ashclyst Forest and the wider Killerton Estate protected for future generations.
Our work on the estate at Killerton
Conservation work is a vital part of what the National Trust does at Killerton in Devon. Discover more about our latest initiatives.
Support us
Visiting Ashclyst Forest with your dog
Dogs will love the natural woodland and commercial plantations that offer shade and plenty of leaves to sniff through at Ashclyst Forest.
Volunteering at Killerton
Killerton relies on more than 400 volunteers to carry out conservation work across its house and estate and is looking for more people to join its friendly and dedicated team.
