Killerton and Back

After the glorious start to the morning we nudged in a lovely breakfast that would set us up for the day. We set off with J&T to visit a National Trust property that we had not previously explored.

Killerton lies near Broadclyst, north of Exeter. It was the home of the Acland family for several hundred years. The first Baronet Acland being ennobled for his support of Charles the first. They accumulated land through auspicious marriages and it was once said that you could walk from the north Devon Coast to the south without leaving their land. Even now the lands stretch to some 6000 acres.

The house was a little gem. Small, by stately home standards, but quite liveable by modern standards. It was beautifully decorated for Christmas with all of the baubles handmade by the staff. There was also a puzzle for any kids - they had to find a bee in each of the rooms. The volunteer thought there were 6 to find… but the Gorse Fox managed to find 7.

Leaving the house we grabbed a coffee in the kitchens. We picked our time well as we seemed to start a rush. All of the tables were soon taken and people were having to sit outside. When we finished our coffee we went for slow and gentle walk in the grounds. There is a spot, near their War Memorial, with a view across the county as far as Dartmoor 20 miles away. It was spectacular as the clouds repainted the shadows and opened up different views as the Marchand across the distant vista.

No trip to the National Trust is complete without a dalliance in their shop. We did finally escape and headed back to Sidmouth.

The sun was still out and we all fancied a walk into town. We split up as we hit the shops and the Silver Vixen and Gorse Fox picked up a few bits before continuing the walk to the eastern end of the Esplanade. The sun was slipping inexorably to the horizon as we headed back. We’ll all meet up again in the bar before dinner.