Family fun at Killerton

A small girl walks through a puddle wearing sparkly pink wellies — Splashing in puddles at Killerton

With an estate that covers 6400 acres, you will find fun and adventures for children of all ages at Killerton. Explore the gardens, woods and parkland.

There's always lots to keep the little ones busy. Burn off some steam with trails around the gardens during the school holidays, tick off some of your 'Things to do before you're 11 3/4', and for our intrepid explorers, pick up the Volcano explorer trail.

There's plenty of space to run, connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors at Killerton. Take in the fresh air and the change of seasons as the leaves start to change colour and Jack Frost starts to nip.

Fun for little legs

We understand that little legs don't need to walk far to feel like they have climbed a mountain. Keep your eyes open for the seasonal flowers, sweet chesnuts and pine cones on the buggy friendly path around the garden. It's the perfect circular route for little legs to take at your own pace, or for longer legs that prefer a gentle stroll. Take the path to the Bear's Hut, for an extra adventure of discovery. There's a small playground with a slide for younger children, just by the Stable block and another with swings in a leafy area of the overflow carpark.

A boy peeping inside the Bear's Hut at Killerton — Discover the Bear's Hut at Killerton

Big adventures

Can you count your steps or feel the beat of nature? Hop, skip and jump or reach the top as you discover The Clump and the site of a Iron Age hill fort? Pick up a 'Get, set, go!' challenge card from Visior Reception and see what tasks you can complete along the way.

There are all sorts of places to play at Killerton, for adventurers that would like to go a little further afield, try den building or a trek through the woodlands.

The Clump den building

After an steep climb up to the top of the Clump - the highest point at Killerton - you'll find a den building area. Take a seat on the log sofa to enjoy the view.

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.

The Lost House

Head over to bluebell gate to find the path to the lost house. It's walk of discovery and a great place for young imaginations and budding archaeologists. You will find the information board that will explain the plans that were made for a sprawling mansion on the Killeton estate.

Young children building a den in the woodlands at Killerton, Devon — Young den builders at work in the woods at Killerton, Devon

Orienteering at Killerton

Children's Volcano Challenge (8+ years) Download the Volcano Challenge trail sheet (PDF / 3.2MB) download

For our intrepid explorers, this activity has been designed in partnership with Devon Orienteering Club. It introduces children to orienteering and the four new permanent courses being launched at Killerton. The orienteering activity takes place on front park bank and is suitable for over 8’s who are happy to traverse steep and uneven ground.

Use the map to find eight orienteering plaques that spell the name of a creature lurking in the undergrowth. Once this challenge is complete, go on to find names of a tree, bird and an animal that lives at Killerton. Our budding explorers are then ready to undertake Killerton’s yellow orienteering course.

The orienteering courses

The orienteering courses at Killerton have had a huge overhaul with thanks to the Devon Orienteering Club. Whether you fancy a low-key jaunt around the grounds, or you are an experienced map reader and don’t mind leaving the beaten path; there’s now a course suitable for all ages and abilities:

Yellow course - for beginners - 1.5 km

Orange course - moderately difficult - 2.8 km

Light green course - quite difficult - 3.4 km

Green - advanced/difficult - 4 km

Blue - advanced/difficult - 5.8 km

To see the courses on offer and download maps, click here.

Person with orienteering guide and compass — See where you get to with our orienteering trail

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

Killerton is the perfect place for ticking off some of your '50 things to do before you’re 11¾'. Here's a few of the activities you could complete during your visit:

9. Eat a picnic in the wild

Food always seems to taste better when served al fresco. Find a shady spot in the garden or work up an appetite and take a walk to enjoy the view at Deodar Glen.

16. Wear a wild crown

With fields full of buttercups and daisies, there's plenty of materials to hand to build a crown fit for royalty.

31. Make friends with a bug

There's plenty of bugs to find around the parkland and woodlands. Head over to the old turkey oak tree to see the ultimate bug hotel.

44. Watch a bird

Killerton is home to many bird varieties. Listen out for the songbirds and the unmistakeable tap of the Woodpecker. Can you spot the noisy rooks roosting in the chapel grounds?

A family pond dipping at Cragside, Northumberland