The BEAUTY of Killerton Estate | Killerton House

National Trust - Killerton | Broadclyst, Devon ​Set within a vast 6,400-acre estate just north of Exeter, National Trust - Killerton is an elegant 18th-century Georgian mansion surrounded by world-renowned hillside gardens, ancient parkland, and working farmland. It was the ancestral home of the Acland family, one of Devon’s most prominent political dynasties. About this Location: The present house was built in 1778 by Sir Thomas Acland, 7th Baronet, as a temporary dwelling while planning a grander mansion nearby—which was never built, leaving this charming house to become the family's permanent seat. In 1944, Sir Richard Acland, a passionate politician and founder of the Common Wealth Party, gifted the entire estate to the National Trust to ensure it remained accessible to the public. ​Common Questions about Killerton: ​Q: What is the famous fashion and costume collection? ​A: Killerton houses the National Trust’s extensive fashion collection, featuring over 20,000 items of historic clothing, footwear, and accessories ranging from the 16th century to modern times. The house hosts changing, themed costume exhibitions on the upper floors throughout the year. ​Q: What makes the gardens special? ​A: Created in the late 18th century by John Veitch, the hillside garden is world-famous for its incredible collection of exotic trees and shrubs. Highlights include towering giant sequoias, rare magnolias, rhododendrons, and a charming 19th-century thatched Bear's Hut hidden in the woods. ​Q: What can you see in the wider parkland? ​A: The wider estate covers working farms, historic woodlands, and the remains of an Iron Age hill fort at Dolbury Hill. There is also an active chapel in the grounds built in 1841, designed as a replica of a Norman church. ​Q: Are dogs allowed at Killerton? ​A: Yes, Killerton is exceptionally dog-friendly. Dogs on leads are welcome across the vast parkland trails, in the designated outdoor seating areas of the cafes, and within the Stables courtyard. ​Q: Is it open year-round? ​A: Yes, the house, main gardens, estate parkland, cafes, and plant shop are generally open daily throughout the year (with reduced opening hours for the house during winter months). ​Visitor Tip: Head up to Dolbury Hill within the garden grounds for a wonderful walk through ancient oak canopy—the elevated vantage point offers sweeping views across the Culm Valley and toward the distant hills of Dartmoor. ​#KillertonHouse #Devon #NationalTrust #AclandFamily #FashionCollection #HistoricGardens #Exeter #DevonHeritage #HistoricHouses #HiddenGemsUK