More family home than grand house, surrounded by a beautiful garden with a vast tree collection from across the globe. Explore winding paths, climb and extinct volcano, discover an Iron Age hill fort and take in distant views towards Dartmoor. Killerton's acres of historic parkland and woods are the perfect place to walk, run and play.
Where is Killerton located?
Killerton is one of Devon's largest estates, just outside Exeter and near the M5 motorway. Rich in history and natural beauty, it's the perfect place to stop off and explore.
What is the history of Killerton to the present day?
There has been a house on the site since 1610, however in the late eighteenth century this was replaced with a simple, well-proportioned rectangular two-storey house, designed by architect John Johnson. This house was to be a temporary residence for the family of Sir Thomas Dyke Acland, 7th Baronet, until a grander residence could be built.
However, the building of this grand Palladian-style mansion met with many difficulties and was never finished. The temporary residence became the permanent family home and was greatly modified, with extra rooms added as the family grew and in the late 1890s electricity and heating added.
The final modification of Killerton came in 1924 when Sir Francis Acland, the 14th Baronet, had the entrance porch, which you enter through today, built.
What is there to see and do at Killerton?
There's a lot to see throughout the year at Killerton.
Head into the Georgian mansion and uncover the stories of the Acland family. Outside the garden and parkland have plenty to offer. Carpets of cyclamen herald in the coming of spring, with daffodils to spot too.
Grab your picnic and explore the wider parkland in the summer months or enjoy the smells of the herbaceous border in the garden.
With a vast tree collection the autumn colour is not to be missed at Killerton.
At Christmas get cosy in the house seeing it decorated as a classic children's tale and enjoy the twinkling lights around the grounds
