Visiting Killerton National Trust with children

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Legend has it that there’s a dragon at Killerton in Devon. It lives on top of the Iron Age fort overlooking this National Trust house and estate. Last month we went in search of the dragon with our two pre-schoolers and their grand parents. Numbers are important in this type of situation!

About Killerton National Trust in Devon

Killerton is one of the largest estates looked after by the National Trust – 10 square miles in all, with farms, woods, orchards and parkland full of wildlife and outdoor activities for visitors.

In 1944, Sir Richard Acland gave the estate to the National Trust because he did not believe in land ownership. This political decision is a boon for people visiting Killerton today.

Our visit to Killerton National Trust with children

We arrived just before lunch and decided to stretch Tin Box Dog’s legs in the extensive parkland.

Dogs must be kept on leads on the main drive away and are not allowed in the gardens around the house or chapel. However well behaved pooches can come off the lead in the parkland.

TBD enjoyed joining us to explore for the first part of our visit at Killerton.

Searching for a dragon

Having been told about the legendary dragon who is said to live in The Clump enclosure we began to climb the hill to see what we could see.

The dragon, known as Dolbury, is said to guard a hoard of treasure buried in the hill. We were on a mission to find him.

On the way we were distracted by some of the tree swings that are dotted all over the estate. It was here that I took one of my favourite pictures of the summer featuring Tin Box Baby and her grandparents.

We continued our search for Dolbury. At the very top of the hill we found a nest and some lovely views but sadly no dragon. Do let me know if you’ve visited and spotted Dolbury.

Den building

Before we’d given up our search for the dragon, Tin Box Tot had dragged Grandma off to a den building area we’d passed earlier.

Tin Box Tot was a hard task master and had us all stacking branches up against one of the tree stumps in the clearing until she was satisfied the job was done. It took some time to meet her requirements for the perfect den!

Families looking for somewhere to let their kids run off steam will enjoy the grounds and outdoor activities at Killerton. You can even bring your own bikes and cycle the paths around the estate.

It was now well past lunch time, which is a risky time with two small tummies beginning to rumble, not to mention four large ones. It was time to find something to eat.

More features in the gardens

On the way to the house we found the estate war memorial and Bear House, once home to a real bear brought to the UK from Canada.

We reconvened for sandwiches and hot drinks at the Dairy Cafe at the back of the house. While we were eating our late lunch under a huge umbrella on the terrace, the weather took a turn for the worse.

Killerton House

Luckily, our next place to explore was the house. The Acland family owned the estate from the 1600s to 1944 when it was gifted to the National Trust.

The current mansion was built in 1775 as a stop gap while plans for a grander stately home were drawn up. The bigger and better Killerton House never came to fruition but the existing one was modified and extended over the years.

I always enjoy looking around stately homes and imagining what it must have been like to live in them. With two pre-schoolers more interested in getting muddy on the playground than playing princesses, this can be a challenge.

However, the National Trust always has children’s trails around their properties and Tin Box Tot loves these.

At Killerton her challenge was to find toy mice hidden in each room. An added bonus was the Rainbow Room upstairs in the resident fashion exhibition.

The girls had draws full of different materials to pull out and turn into outfits using pegs and accessories.

All in all it took less than an hour to explore the house – just about the right amount of time with two small kids.

FAQs about Killerton National Trust

Here’s some handy things to know about visiting Killerton National Trust:

Can you walk at Killerton for free?

Yes, the wider Killerton estate is made up of 6,400 acres of parkland, farmland and woods which are open to the public. Here are some of the walking routes around Killerton.

How much is entry to Killerton?

In 2022 a family entry ticket for Killerton’s formal gardens, park, house and Chapel cost £32.50. Check the National Trust website for the latest prices.

Is Killerton free for National Trust members?

Yes, National Trust members do not need to pay for entry to any part of Killerton. Don’t forget to scan your membership card in the card park for free parking too.

Do you have to book to go to Killerton House?

No, booking is not generally required but may be necessary during seasonal events.

Check the National Trust website for the latest guidance.

Are there any family facilities?

Killerton offers facilities to make life easier for visiting families: there’s a buggy park in the house and baby changing in the toilets at Dairy Cafe and at the Estate entrance.

There were high chairs available at the cafes and restaurants but they were a bit tight for space if you have a pushchair with you.

Directions to Killerton

We followed our Satnav from the south and were taken on some narrow, minor roads. Better routes are from Junction 28 or 30 off the M5 through Cullompton.

So, we didn’t find a dragon but we did enjoy a full day at Killerton with the whole family. Have you visited Killerton National Trust with children? What were the best bits for you?

Check out my Devon with Kids website for more ideas for days out in Devon.

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