Christmas at Killerton
Visitors can step back in time to explore the historic house adorned with traditional festive decorations inspired by the 1924 diary entries of young Ellen Acland. Outside, families can take on an interactive children's play trail featuring activities and challenges across the garden, parkland, and chapel grounds. The display also includes creatively decorated community Christmas trees and nature-inspired local artwork.
What to Expect
Experience a 1924 Christmas through the diaries of young Ellen Acland.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Broadclyst
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
National Trust
Food & Drink
Seasonal hot chocolate, treats, mince pies and lunch are available, with a new winter menu arriving later in the year at The Stables Coffee Shop and Killerton Kitchen Café.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and visitors who enjoy historic houses
Vibe
Festive and nostalgic
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Parking: Pay and display car park, with charges for non-members, using machines or the JustPark app. Blue Badge spaces are available.
- Accessibility: There is a stepped entrance to the house with an alternative accessible entrance through a side door, accessible toilets, and designated Blue Badge parking.
- Pets: Dogs are welcome on short leads outside; only assistance dogs may enter historic buildings. Dogs are welcome at the Stables Coffee Shop. Only assistance dogs may enter Killerton Kitchen Café and its terrace.
Tips & Advice
- Wrap up warm for the children's festive play trail, because it runs entirely outdoors through the garden, parkland and chapel grounds.
- Book ahead if you want a relaxed hours session, since booking is essential for these quieter, calmer visits even though general entry needs no booking.
- Download the JustPark app before you arrive, because the car park uses it, along with payment machines, for member check-in and non-member payments.
- Don't plan your visit around the first-floor Fashion Exhibition, which stays closed through the festive season while the 2027 display is installed.
- Pick up a mince pie to take round the garden with you, then head to one of the cafés for lunch after seeing the house.
Special Events & Promotions
- Relaxed hours sessions offer a quieter, calmer visit for people living with autism, SEN or dementia, and booking is essential.
- New this year: creatively decorated community Christmas trees in the chapel and around the property.
- A special art installation made with local community groups and inspired by nature is on show, alongside a gallery of community artwork.
- A new winter menu is arriving at The Stables Coffee Shop and Killerton Kitchen Café.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need to book a Christmas visit?
No, there's no need to book. The exception is the relaxed hours sessions, where booking is essential.
What's on in the house?
The rooms are decorated for a 1924 Christmas with the Acland family. Extracts from young Ellen Acland's diary show how Christmas was celebrated there. The first-floor Fashion Exhibition is closed over the festive season while the 2027 display goes in.
What is there for children?
There's an outdoor festive play trail across the garden, parkland and chapel grounds, suitable for all ages. It's all outside, so wrap up warm.
Where can we get food and drink?
You can get seasonal hot chocolate, treats and mince pies, as well as lunch. A new winter menu is coming to The Stables Coffee Shop and Killerton Kitchen Café.
Is there a quieter time to visit?
Arriving later in the afternoon is best for a quieter visit. You can also book a relaxed hours session, designed for visitors living with autism, SEN or dementia.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.