Discover more at Killerton
Find out when Killerton is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Things to do in Killerton House
Step inside and explore the country house residence of Sir Francis Acland, 14th Baronet, home of the Acland family from the late 17th century.
Getting ready for Christmas
Killerton House and Killerton Kitchen Café are closed whilst the team prepare for Christmas. The house and café will reopen on Saturday 28 November.
Explore the house
Killerton House lies at the heart of the Killerton Estate, which was the seat of the Acland family from the late 17th century until it was passed on to the National Trust in 1944. Step inside and explore the relaxed family home of Sir Francis Acland, 14th Baronet.
On your visit you’ll experience the ground floor of the house as if it were the 1920s–1930s. You can explore the entrance hall, music room, staircase hall, drawing room, library and dining room.
As you wander through these rooms, imagine Killerton as the home of an active, busy family who enjoyed a wide range of country pursuits.
A tame pheasant
Mackintoshes in the entrance hall, dogs on the sofa in the music room (despite protests from Sir Francis), the library scattered with books and correspondence. Back in the day, if you visited at breakfast time, you would have caught a glimpse of Sir Francis feeding his tame pheasant through the window.
Fashion on the first floor
In 1978, Killerton became the home of the Paulise de Bush fashion collection. Where was once bedrooms, the upstairs rooms now hosts changing fashion exhibitions. The fashion exhibition is now closed for winter. A new exhibition, 'Travelling in Style, from the Grand Tour to package holidays' will be opening February 2027.
Family fun
As a family home there is plenty to do for younger visitors and for those who are just young at heart.
Legend has it that the Acland children once built a boat in the study. We don’t offer boat building today, but there are plenty of other exciting things to discover at Killerton.
Family pets
The family absolutely adored their dogs, horses and birds. A fun game to play is to spot all the family pets in the paintings and photographs. How many can you find hidden in plain sight? See if you can find more than the room guides.
Hide and seek game
A group of friendly mice are hiding in Killerton House. They are dotted around each room. Can you spot them all as you explore?
The Laundry
Tucked away at the side of the house you can find the historic laundry. Until it closed in 1940, Killerton's laundry employed three full-time female staff plus a varying number of part-time employees. Today you can step back in time to follow a day in the life of Queenie Frankpitt, a real working laundress at Killerton.
Walk through the laundry rooms and uncover the skill, routine and physical effort involved in caring for the estate's household linens. From washing and drying to ironing and mending, learn about the expertise required to keep Killerton house running smoothly behind the scenes.
You might also be interested in
History of The Aclands at Killerton
The Acland family, who passed on the estate to the Trust in 1944, did so for the benefit and enjoyment of everybody. Here's a brief history of the family who called Killerton home.
The collection at Killerton
Discover some of the highlights in the collection at Killerton, from an historic landscape painting to a pair of special wine goblets.
Things to do in the garden at Killerton
Discover what to see and do in Killerton's diverse garden. There’s plenty of space for walks and adventure at this country estate near Exeter.
Houses and buildings
Historic houses and buildings are full of stories, art and collections. Learn more about their past and plan your next visit.
Houses and buildings in Devon
Discover the grand houses and curious family homes across Devon. Step inside and find things to inspire and entertain all the family, whatever the weather.
