The garden at Killerton

The gate leading to the garden at Killerton

Famous for it's rare trees and shrubs, the garden is the jewel in the centre of the Killerton estate. From formal terrace to meandering paths leading to woodland, the garden is filled with year round interest. Spring brings a mass of flowering bulbs, magnolias and azaleas. Take in the scents of the herbaceous border in the summer, and embrace the stunning colours of the autumn.

The garden is open daily 10am-5pm (last entry 4.30pm)

 

The Terrace Garden

Head through the gate to explore the gardens at Killerton. Opposite the old front door to the house is Admiral's Lawn with a pretty border of tender perennials.

Stretching out behind the mansion house is the Terrace Garden. The herbaceous flowering bed offers a canvas of colour in the summer, and the four larger beds contain hazel and willow obelisk which are to support four different types of annual climbers. 

Willow obelisk for climbing plants in the Terrace garden at Killerton
The Terrace garden with willow obelisk at Killerton
Willow obelisk for climbing plants in the Terrace garden at Killerton

The Formal Garden

Neatly cut, sloping lawns and a variety of historic rhododendron frame the formal gardens. Follow the path up to the memorial for Sir Thomas Acland, 10th Baronet, it's clear to see why this was his favourite spot, looking out over the Devon rolling fields. Many specimen and champion trees follow the natural contours of the garden. Spot the giant redwood at the end of Beech Walk.

Enjoy the views on the winding paths to reach the lofty heights of the upper garden, and head through the gate to the shady woodland of the Clump - an extinct volcano and site of a Roman Hill Fort.

The main lawn in the garden at Killerton
The cut lawn and rhododendron bushes at Killerton
The main lawn in the garden at Killerton

Wildflower meadows

Areas in the garden are dedicated to wildflower meadows. In the wildflower meadows below the Bear's hut and in the Ha-Ha bed grows a variety of flowers that attracts pollinators and insects.

Butterflies love the wildflowers in the garden at Killerton
A butterfly feeding from daisies in the garden at Killerton
Butterflies love the wildflowers in the garden at Killerton

The Chapel grounds

Take a stroll through the chapel grounds to enjoy the peace, tranquility and the sound of birdsong. A carpet of cyclamen illuminates spring time, followed by a haze of bluebells in May. The white wisteria is an early summer sight, not to be missed.

The Acland chapel, Killerton
White wisteria in front of the chapel, Killerton
The Acland chapel, Killerton