Devon

Ancient trees walk at Killerton

This circular walk highlights some of the many ancient trees that you can see in the garden and park at Killerton. Examples include gnarled sweet chestnuts that were planted some 250 years ago but as you follow the route, look around you to see many more.

View or download a print-friendly version of this trail

Total steps: 8

Start point

The car park at Killerton. Grid ref: SS973001

Step 1

From the car park, head to visitor reception. Walk through the stable block and turn right, following the footpath towards the entrance to the chapel grounds.

Landscaped parkland

Sir Thomas Dyke Acland, along with his gardener and land steward John Veitch, started Killerton's tree collection during the 1770s. Veitch developed into an exceptional landscaper, and today Killerton exhibits rare veteran trees from around the world, many of which were the first of their kind to be planted in this country. Look out for a grove of tulip trees in the chapel grounds, planted by Veitch over 200 years ago.

Step 2

Leaving the chapel grounds via the wooden gate at the top, follow the track and turn right towards the wrought-iron fence and gate. Go through the gate into the open parkland. Continue straight ahead, then turn left along the track.

Step 3

Along this track, you'll find stunning views over the estate, along with ancient oak trees, some of which are over 600 years old. These trees are of great ecological value, providing a habitat to many insects, fungi and lichen. Killerton is also home to more than 12 species of bat.

Step 4

Bear left into the plain of the park, an open area with ancient birches, redwoods and thorns. One of the thorns in the left-hand corner dates back to the early 1800s.

Step 5

Head towards the top-right corner of the plain and go through the wooden gate. Then turn left through another gate, onto the Iron Age hillfort.

Step 6

Go across the hillfort and straight over the crossroads in the path. Head towards the wrought-iron fence that encloses the garden, and go through the gate into the garden.

Step 7

Head down through the garden, looking out for the old sweet chestnuts, the giant redwood and a wide range of unusual trees.

Step 8

Follow the garden path past the front of the house, go through the garden gate and head down the drive back to your starting point.

End point

The car park at Killerton. Grid ref: SS973001

Trail map

Map of Killerton ancient trees walk — Map of the ancient trees walk at Killerton | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

An avenue of autumnal beech trees, lit by low sun, with their leaves turning from green to yellow

Trail

Killerton autumn garden stroll

Take in the full array of autumnal colours on this gentle meander around the main paths of the garden at Killerton.

Man and woman walking along winding woodland path with abundant green foliage to either side

Trail

Danes Wood walk

An enchanting walk from the Killerton estate to nearby Danes Wood, a haven for wildlife.

A smiling visitor walks a black and white dog at Knightshayes in autumn

Trail

Knightshayes parkland circular dog walk

This circular route is perfect for dog walking and for exploring the historic parkland. It takes you through open fields and past some special trees in the Knightshayes parkland, including the Turkey oak, believed to be the largest in the UK.

A view up the River Teign seen from the gorge walk at Castle Drogo, Devon in autumn

Trail

Teign Gorge classic circuit

Follow the breathtaking Hunters Path high above the river Teign for chances to spot wildlife and stunning views. The path then drops down into the beautiful woodland as you follow the river back to Castle Drogo.

Broadclyst, Exeter, Devon, EX5 3LE

01392881345

killerton@nationaltrust.org.uk

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website

Visitor crossing water via stepping stones with their dog on an autumnal walk at Wallington

Walking

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

Walking in Devon

From rugged coastline with captivating views to gentle woodland strolls, these are some of the best walks in Devon this winter.

A man and a woman enjoy the view whilst walking in the Peak District

Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner

Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.

Article

Follow the Countryside Code

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon

Article

Staying safe at National Trust places

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.

Autumn colour in the parkland at Killerton

Article

Things to do on the estate at Killerton

Explore the forests, orchards and parkland on the vast estate at Killerton and discover the creatures that live here, from Highland cows and dormice to bats and butterflies.

Project