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.

Boy putting conkers into a jar

Search for conkers

Where will you find the best conkers this autumn?

The Clump is full of sweet chestnut trees and is a great place for an adventurous walk in search of the perfect conker. You'll be treated to amazing autumn views of the surrounding countryside.

Front Park is a great place to take your four-legged friend on the hunt for conkers. Look out for rooks and jackdaws as they flock together in the trees and get their autumn roosts ready.

Danes Wood is a little off the beaten track but could be home to the champion conker. You can park there or at Killerton and take a walk there across Front Park.

 

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' 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, park, toilets and café takeaway at Killerton are now open, and the shop will reopen from Thursday 3 December. We've introduced advance booking to keep everyone safe and maintain social distancing. To avoid disappointment please book in advance, especially at busier times such as weekends and school holidays. However, where space is available on weekdays, pre-booking may not always be necessary.

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
Killerton   Devon

Seasonal eating and drinking at Killerton

The café takeaway is open, serving drinks, hot and cold food, snacks and ice cream. We’ve introduced new safety measures, including waymarked routes, closing seating areas 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.

Eating at Killerton