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Christmas at Killerton

Visitors looking at a Christmas Tree in the entrance of Killerton House
Make family memories at Killerton this Christmas | © James Beck

Immerse yourself in festive cheer and community spirit. Enjoy the stunning 'Red Dress Project', hand-crafted decorations, twinkling lights, seasonal music, games, trees dressed by local groups, hearty food and winter walks.

A feel-good Christmas

A warm welcome with a beautifully decorated house

Weave your way through the ground floor of Killerton house traditionally dressed with lush green garlands, sparkling trees, decorative fireplaces and fairy lights to give that feel-good glow of Christmas. 

 

 

 

 

 

The Red Dress Project

Join us for a very red Christmas. Killerton will host The Red Dress Project this year.

The Red Dress project is a collaborative embroidery project begun by British artist Kirstie Macleod in 2009. The dress has been a canvas for individuals around the world to share their voices. The dress has travelled to 51 countries and passed through the hands of 380 embroiderers (majority women), many of whom are vulnerable and living in poverty.

"Initially the project sought to generate a dialogue of identity through embroidery, uniting people around the world without borders. However, over the 14 years the dress has also become a platform for self-expression and an opportunity for voices to be amplified and heard." - Kirstie Macleod

Artist Kirstie Macleod arranges the Red Dess in Tyntesfield, Somerset
Artist Kirstie Macleod arranges the Red Dess for display at Tyntesfield, Somerset | © National Trust / Jay Williams
A group of friends sit around a table drinking hot drinks along the Christmas trail at Killerton, Devon
Warming hot drinks along the Christmas trail at Killerton, Devon | © National Trust Images/Steve Haywood

Festive fun in the garden and parkland

Enjoy games from around the world

Join us for family fun and take part in the outdoor children’s trail. Playful activities for all ages lead you through the gardens, parkland and Chapel grounds. These are inspired by games from around the world, shared with us by our local communities. 

 

The outdoor trail is free to all visitors, normal admissions apply. 

A music themed activity in the children's christmas trail at Killerton
The interactive Christmas trail weaves its way through the gardens and parkland | © Daisy Edwards

Christmas in the Chapel

Community Christmas trees

Head to the chapel and marvel at the talented community groups that have lovingly decorated 12 sparkling Christmas trees.

The trees will be displayed from 29 November. 

Community decorated trees sparkling in the chapel at Killerton, Devon
Community decorated trees sparkling in the chapel at Killerton, Devon | © Daisy Edwards

Christmas FAQs

Festive food and drink

Think seasonal flavoured hot chocolate and tasty treats. Why not take a mince pie on a walk around the gardens? Or treat yourself to  lunch after soaking in the festive atmosphere of the house. The Stables Coffee Shop and Killerton Kitchen Cafe will have a delicious winter menu launching later this year. 

 

Christmas shopping at Killerton

Whether you're looking for unique Christmas gifts for loved ones, picking up a little treat for yourself, or decorating your home for the festive season, you'll be spoiled for choice in the shop at Killerton. Leave the busy high street behind and browse at your own pace this Christmas.

Christmas food and drink in the shop
Christmas food and drink in the shop | © Annapurna Mellor
Visitors in the kitchen at Christmas, Petworth, West Sussex

Get into the festive spirit

From wreath-making workshops and carol concerts to winter illuminations, find Christmas days out near you.

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Killerton 

A family home and a great estate. Glorious landscape garden surrounded by parkland with fine 18th-century house.

Exeter, Devon

Fully open today
Aerial view of Killerton House

Things to do in Killerton House 

Step inside and explore the country house residence of Sir Francis Acland, 14th Baronet, home of the Acland family from the late 17th century. The house is open daily.

A view of the bookshelves and table with the draped windows in the background, inside the Library at Killerton, Devon

Eating and shopping at Killerton 

Stop by the Stables Coffee Shop for some refreshments, before browsing for gifts and souvenirs in the National Trust shop or second-hand bookshop.

Visitors cosy up with a hot drink at the Killerton Kitchen Café, Killerton, Devon

Things to do in the garden at Killerton 

Discover what to see and do in Killerton's diverse garden. There’s plenty of space for walks and adventure at this country estate near Exeter.

Family visitors playing grass trumpets in the garden in August at Killerton, Devon

Visiting Killerton with your dog 

Killerton is a two pawprint rated place. With miles of paths and tracks to explore, dogs love walkies at Killerton. Find out the best dog-friendly walking routes and where they can run off the lead.

Woman walking a dog in an open field at Killerton