Family fun at Killerton

From the best places to for children to play at Killerton, to the '50 things' fun and family trails they can complete, find out about everything on offer for families.

Exploring in autumn

From September soak up a palette of dazzling autumnal colour around the estate. Enjoy exploring off the beaten track to come across secret paths, crunch leaves underfoot and take in the natural beauty of the changing season.

Halloween pumpkin trail (ages 0-7)
Killerton   Devon

Pumpkin trail

Enjoy a wander through the autumnal colours at Killerton while looking out for pumpkins and fun facts. To take part simply scan the QR code at reception or the trail start point and follow the arrows. Don’t worry if you don’t have a smart phone; paper copies are available at reception and in the shop. There are 12 pumpkins to find, so good luck spotting them all. Don’t for get to download your certificate at the end. The trail is fee and runs daily until 1 November.

Download the trail

 

Visiting the house

The ground floor of the house will be open daily from 1-4pm (last entry 3.30pm). Visits are limited to ensure social distancing and entry to the house is not guaranteed on the day you visit. In line with government guidance, you're required to wear a face covering in the house. Please bring one with you.

Can you spot the mice hiding in Killerton house?

Family fun in the house

Killerton's mice are hidden in the house. Look out for them to see how many you can spot on your visit. The much loved mice are looking a little different this year. They're focusing on their wellbeing and have taken up different activities. Can you figure out what activity each mouse is doing?

Top five places to play at Killerton

There are all sorts of places to play at Killerton, from woods to parkland. Here are five of the best places to play when you visit, but the opportunities for a fun and playful visit are endless.

 

1. The Clump den building

After an adventurous climb up to the top of the Clump - the highest point at Killerton - you'll find a den building area where you can test your skills.

2. Sparrow Park

Two fallen veteran trees are a great place for clambering and climbing. Look out for big fungi growing on them in autumn and winter.

3. Swings

Keep your eyes open for swings as you explore the park. We often move them to new places, so ask in visitor reception for their latest location.

4. Park Wood den building

The more adventurous visitor might enjoy a walk to Park Wood where they will discover a secluded den building site. It makes a great place for a family afternoon creating the perfect forest shelter.

5. The lost house

It's an adventurous walk to the lost house but a great place for young imaginations and budding archaeologists.

Look out for places to play around the parkland
killerton woodland parkland play tree family summer
Look out for places to play around the parkland

'50 things to do before you're 11¾' at Killerton

As you wander through the garden, discover the chapel grounds or climb an extinct volcano, why not tick of some of the '50 things to do before you're 11¾'? Take a look at the map for some ideas of activities that you could try as you explore Killerton. The activities are self-explanatory so you won’t need any equipment or see any signs, just enjoy being outside with nature. Download the map guide below and head to the top spots to try something new.

Killerton family trail Download now

More '50 things to do before you're 11¾' fun

4. Build a den 

Explore the magnificent woods to discover the perfect haven for hiding - with a supply of sticks and twigs for building things.

6. Go welly wandering

There are acres of parkland to wandering in, don't miss the muddy puddles to jump in at this time of year too.

18. Create some wild art

Forage in the woods for some quirky craft materials. What will you create? Keep an eye out for events throughout the year for plenty of 50 things inspiration.

31. Make friends with a bug

Killerton's woodlands offer the perfect habitat for all kinds of creepy crawlies – come and explore under rocks and in trees. What will you befriend?

34. Discover wild animal clues

The gardens and parkland are home to lots of wildlife including badgers, deer, foxes, otter and pheasants. See if you can spot any of them. Remember to stay quiet so you don’t scare them away. 

44. Watch a bird

The estate is alive with birds all year. In winter, keep your eyes open for noisy rooks roosting in the chapel grounds and for the blue flash of jays as they dive into trees.

47. Cook on a campfire

Join us around a campfire on one of our many family events and activities and to cook marshmallows, apple fritters and more.

A family pond dipping at Cragside, Northumberland

Download the '50 things' activity guide 

If you want to download a PDF of the whole '50 things to do before you’re 11¾' list, then here it is.

Playing in nature
A family playing in the woods
Playing in nature

Useful things to know before your visit

Please book ahead before visiting 

The car park, garden, house (1-4pm), park, toilets, Stables Coffeeshop, Killerton Kitchen takeaway, shop and plant sales at Killerton are now open. You’ll need to book tickets online or by calling 0344 249 1895 by 3pm the day before your visit. Members can book for free, while non-members will need to pay when booking. We'll be releasing tickets every Friday. Please note we’ll be turning people away who arrive and haven't booked. We're looking forward to welcoming you back.

Book now
Find a picnic spot for an al fresco lunch at Killerton, Devon
Killerton   Devon

Top five places for a picnic at Killerton

Feel the grass between your toes or find shade under a canopy of trees. There's plenty of perfect places for an al fresco feast at Killerton; here's five of our favourites. Please be aware that you'll need to book ahead before visiting.

Plan your picnic
We use compostable takeaway cups in our cafes

Eating and drinking at Killerton 

The Killerton Kitchen takeaway is open 10am-4pm daily, serving drinks, snacks and ice cream. The Stables Coffeeshop is open 10am-4pm daily from Wednesday 30 September, serving drinks, hot and cold food, snacks and ice cream. We’ve introduced new safety measures, including waymarked routes and only accepting card payment. Unfortunately we won’t be able to take loyalty cards or serve customers drinks in their own cups. We look forward to welcoming you back and know that you’ll support us to make this a safe experience for everyone.

Garden supplies

Shop and plant sales 

Our shop and plants sales are open. For the safety of staff and visitors we've introduced social distancing measures and changes to payment, which will be via card only. It is through your purchases that we are able to continue to look after Killerton for everyone, for ever.