Killerton winter garden walk
Take a stroll around the chapel and house gardens. Feast your eyes on colourful barks not usually visible in spring and summer, and admire winter and early spring flowers.
Total steps: 11
Total steps: 11
Start point
Starting from Visitor reception, stable block. Grid ref: SS 97622 00091
Step 1
Walking out of the stable block turn right. Turn right again up to the chapel grounds to see the cyclamen carpeting the ground, a spectacular sight and well worth the walk.
Step 2
Retrace your steps down to the main path again and turn right along that path towards the house. Once you reach the forecourt, walk through the garden gate. At the end of the house turn right up the gravel path.
Step 3
Follow the path around the curve to the left and on to the straight, then take the next right uphill.
Step 4
Just beyond the thatched buildings on your right is a winter bed with hellebores ranging from white to purple, and winter sweet. On your left are crocuses and early spring bulbs in the grass. Also along the grass path on your left, you can see a Tibetan cherry tree.
Step 5
Follow the gravel path uphill. You can see the dried heads from hydrangeas, coloured stems crocuses and other early flowers.
Step 6
Along the path on your right, you'll see a giant redwood tree. On your left are excellent examples of the Victorian fascination for dark, brooding conifers. (If you fancy some great views you can walk uphill here and find the higher paths-just remember to return to the main path afterwards).
Step 7
Continue along the beech walk and cross the rustic bridge. Walk on, and on your right look our for the grove of white-stemmed birches.
Step 8
Walk downhill and enjoy sweeping views across parkland to Dartmoor on your right. Pass the memorial cross and walk down to a fork in the path. Nestled in the fork is the umbrella pine, whose needles look like umbrella spokes.
Step 9
Take the left-hand path and see the Lady Cott (Bear's hut) and Rock Garden. Return to the fork and walk downhill.
Step 10
At the curve look downhill to see signs of early bulbs and, beyond, winter interest plants. You may be able to see the red and orange stems of the striking cornus midwinter fire.
Step 11
Continue along the gravel path towards the house, and enjoy views of the house, garden and parkland. Walk down the gravel path by the house, turn left and return to the forecourt.
End point
Outside the house
Trail map
