Horse riding at Killerton

Two people riding horses across a field surrounded by trees — Horse riding at Killerton | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

The Killerton estate is a great place to explore on horseback, thanks to the miles of permissive bridleways. There are three main areas horse riders can explore: Danes Wood, Killerton Park and Ashclyst Forest. Horse riders can find out more below on accessible routes and how to explore Killerton’s vast estate.

Where can I ride my horse?

There are lots of bridleways for horse riders to make good use of on the Killerton estate. All permissive bridleways are shared with cyclists and walkers. Please note that the bridleways are permissive paths and so may become unavailable if the tracks or surrounding nature are compromised with use.

A horse rider at Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire in spring — Enjoying horse riding at Killerton | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Danes Wood and Killerton Park

Permissive bridleways open to riders can be found in Danes Wood and Killerton Park. Riders can make a long loop taking in the perimeter of the Killerton parkland, but this involves joining up the sections by walking on roads. Routes are signposted on the estate.

All horse riders are asked to be aware of other visitors on the paths, including children on bicycles, dog walkers and livestock.

Ashclyst Forest

There are lots of footpaths and bridleways to be explored around Ashclyst Forest. The forest is the perfect spot for a quiet family ride or a quick hack in the woods. There’s also a long looped route with short linking sections on quiet roads. With peaceful trails winding through the trees, Whitedown is also an ideal choice for a relaxed ride.

Ashclyst Forest in winter

Many of the bridleways are muddy and rutted in winter. Also, restrictions might be in place due to conservation or forestry work.

Ashclyst Forest

Forest Gate car park, in the middle of the forest, has space for several trailers or boxes. However, the road can get a bit narrow up there.

Parking restrictions

There’s no parking for horseboxes available in the main Killerton car park or Danes Wood.

Group of three on horseback, riding through woodland — Horse riding is one of the activities available on the Killerton estate | © Chris Lacey

Where can’t I ride my horse?

The visitor entrance of Killerton’s estate, along with the house and garden, are not suitable for horses. This also includes the surrounding parkland with the Front Park, the Clump, The Plains, Deodar Glen and Park Wood.

Columbjohn Wood and Cross Parks are also currently closed to horse riding. Paradise Copse in Ashclyst Forest is also unsuitable for horses. Horse riders are asked to keep to the signposted permissive bridleways around the estate.

What do I need to be aware of at Killerton?

Keep on track: When riding on a bridleway, please make sure to stick to the designated route.
Share bridleways: Please look out for walkers and cyclists, as many of the bridlepaths are also shared footpaths and cyclepaths
Only bridleways: Please do not ride on permissive footpaths.
Enjoy the ride: Make sure to ride slowly past all livestock and ensure that you leave all gates as you find them.
Be safe: Please ride responsibly and be considerate of others using the estate.
Stay grounded: Don’t jump any hedges, fences or walls.

This guidance is in place to make sure everyone can enjoy their visit to Killerton, to help look after the historic estate and to ensure the wellbeing of livestock and wildlife.