Let’s Get Festive
We visited Killerton a few weeks ago which you can read about here, and enjoyed the National Trust house and gardens and so we were keen to return for the festive offerings. Each year Killerton, like many NT properties, adopts a theme based on a classic story and decorates their property for the festivites. This year we were in for a treat.
Wind in the Willows
Killerton’s festive theme this year is based on the book and film ‘The Wind in the Willows‘ and it’s glorious! You are invited to visit the estate and go on an adventure with the classic character Toad, Ratty, Badger and Mole. NT asks that people book an entry slot (every 15 minutes) so that the house doesn’t get too overcrowded and busy. I think this is a really good idea as visits are popular and there’s nothing worse than going to see a display of some sort and not actually being able to see it.
On arrival at the entrance to Killerton you are given your time slot cards and provided with a Wind in the Willows story and activity book which tells you about this years theme, a synopsis of the classic story and has some activities for the younger ones.
So Much to See
After collecting our ticket and activity book we made our way outside and headed along the path towards the house. The path is adorned with wooden cut out statues of woodland animals and theres lights and baubles hanging from the trees. We were immediately put into the Christmas Spirit and were really pleased to see that the scaffolding what was around the top part of the main house on our last visit had gone.
We entered the house and couldn’t believe how different if looked compared to when we were here a few weeks ago – the place was decked with brightly coloured trees, beautiful festive decorations and looked stunning! I particularly liked the garlands that decorated the doorways as I thought they looked really effective.
Following the Story
As you walk around the house you are greeted by various classic scenes from the story, some with a lovely Christmas twist. I particularly liked the Christmas dinner scene – the animals sure looked like they were having fun and enjoying themselves!
There was lots to look at and many decorations to admire. Upstairs in one of the rooms there was a place for children to dress up and try on different costumes and we saw many children engaging in this and having a good time.
It took us around 20 minutes to walk around the house and displays I think. We enjoyed it although it did get quite hot with the number of visitors in there and quite a few excited children running around!
Magical Outdoor Trail
After visiting the house we decided to walk along the outdoor trail which had been set up based on the Wind in the Willows theme. There were lots of lights and decorations along the route as well as games such as hook a duck and noughts and crosses. In the activity book there is a tick list for children to tick off all the woodland animals they encounter along the route.
We made our way up to the chapel which was beautifully decorate with trees from local schools. There was a small carol concert going on with a four piece choir. We sat and listened to a few songs which added to our warm festive feelings.
No Hot Chocolate
We thought it would be nice to visit the Stables Cafe but by the time we got there mid afternoon they didn’t have any chocolate left and the selection of cakes wasn’t too plentiful so we decided not to worry. It was busy in there and I guess the lack of things left shows how busy it had been all day – we will have to get there earlier next time!
Festive Events
There’s lots to do at Killerton during the festive period including visiting Father Christmas and Christmas shopping. Check out the events page here. I would really recommend the Wind in the Willows festive display and think anyone of any age would enjoy it! It’s open until Friday 5th January so plenty time left to visit!
I love the little ladder and the tea table set up by the fire! So cute 🙂
It was all so lovely and cute! Really enjoyed the display!
I love houses like this because they evoke that 19th century, Jane Austen-like atmosphere. The decorations sure are beautiful and it’s really fun that they do a theme! Wind in the Willows is a great story, and I thoroughly enjoyed the film adaption.
Oh totally, they have so much history in them and so many stories to tell! Glad you enjoyed the film – I need to watch it again!
It is all so beautiful! What a delightfully enchanted experience. It has been a while since I read “Wind in the Willows”, so a refresher of the story before the tour would certainly make it more enjoyable. I love all of the animals! Now, I want to go in person! (But, I do thank you for the pictorial tour regardless)
It was so lovely and festive too! I’m glad you enjoyed looking at the animals and pictures 🙂
Oh, decorations based on a story, what a great idea! it seems you had such a wonderful time there.
Such a brilliant idea isn’t it!
How fun! Everything looks so well decorated. Makes me so excited to see this as the holidays are right around the corner! 🙂
It made us feel so festive and symboled the start of Christmas for me 🙂
I love all the mice decorations! The outdoor wooden mouse is so cute, I need to look for one of those. I would love to visit, all the decorations are gorgeous!
Me too – so cute aren’t they! Such a great theme!
Looks like a beautiful quiet, quaint little town! Lovely decorations
It’s such a lovely place and the decorations were awesome!
This is all so gorgeous!! Makes me want to add it to my to do list!!
Thanks, it’s so pretty isn’t it! Go if you can!
Oh my gosh, seeing all these decorations puts me right in the holiday spirit! It gives me so many ideas for around the home. Looks like I need to put this on my list for travel!
I know right, it did the same for us too! Yes do, it’s such a lovely place!
Love the Wind in the Willows theme. It’s so nice seeing places you know already that have been transformed for Christmas.
It was such a good theme and the children there loved it! I loved it so much too!
I absolutely loved The wind in the Willows as a child and would adore visiting here one day with my family! It looks so beautiful!
Aww you would love it there then Shell! So awesome and lots of scenes and characters to look at!
Oh Christmas festivals how wonderful to see, from the lights to the decors and Christmas trees! I really can feel the excitement for the Holidays in that place!
I know, made me get excited for the first time about Christmas! I want to have my Christmas dinner there!!
I think this is adorable! I love how well they put the theme together.
They have done so well, already can’t wait to see what they do next year!!
I love the Christmas decor. It’s so lovely. Beautiful house.
So gorgeous! I love visiting there!
I love the Magical Outdoor Trail. The table was perfectly set up. Beautiful lights and decoration. I think I should try this at home since My house is not yet set up for Christmas.
Haha it would look awesome if you could recreate it! I loved how they catered for all ages 🙂
Oh this looks absolutely gorgeous, so festive too. I love the theme of Wind in the Willows.
Such a good idea for a theme! So festive!
What an awesome experience! I love the festive vibe of this place! 🙂
It’s so festive isn’t it! Really got me in the Christmas Spirit!
This is such a cute place! It is so well decorated (liked esp the outside trees, so simple, yet so special)! I’d like to visit a similar place, seems like a different world!
It was glorious! Doesn’t take much to dress all the trees up etc but looks super effective!
It seems like lot of fun! Everything looks so well decorated. Makes me so excited to see this as the holidays are right around the corner!
Me too! Holidays are really coming now!!
Such a peaceful place to be! I love that it’s so serene here but there’s also a lot in store especially for families! It’s really beautiful.
It’s so peaceful and even when there are lots of visitors you can always take a walk and find a quiet spot.
This looks delightful! We adore wind in the willows in our house and it would be a hit with all of them
Aww sounds like everyone would love a trip to Killerton!
This looks fantastic! I wish we were closer as my children would love this. Fabulous photos too.
There were so many children enjoying it! thank you 🙂
What a lovely place to visit. It looks like a magical place all trimmed up for Christmas 🙂 Looks like a great day out.
It was awesome!
What a wonderful idea for a theme! It looks so lovely and festive too, perfect for the whole family.
Such a great idea for a theme, suits the place so well!
This place looks so great! Must be so cool to visit! Loving all the christmas set up
So festive and fun!!
The Christmas decorations, the classic look, whole feel of Wind in the Willows house is gripping.
It’s so classically stunning, I loved it so much!
I am a big fan of this season most of it because of the decorations 🙂 This place looks so pretty! All the Christmas decorations look fabulous!
They look amazing dont they! Such a good idea 🙂
Lovely photos. The Christmas decor look great.
Thank you so much!
It looks so cute and Christmassy! My son would love it. I will not be able to go this year, but it is an inspiration for my own decorations.
Aww I bet your son would love it – there was lots for children to do 🙂
That looks like such a magical and fun place to visit. Very festive.
Those words totally sum it up – festive, magical and fun!
what a beautiful place! It looks like it set the perfect mood for the holidays!
It got us in the festive spirit for sure!
This is so fabulous and festive! I wish I lived near there; my little girl would love this! Thanks for sharing.
Xoxo,
Amber S. | http://www.thesuburbansocialite.com
Thanks for reading and commenting!
A feast for the eyes. Love this! I feel as though I’ve been transported to a different time and place. All the details are amazing, and the decorations, festive!
Aww thats such a nice thing to say, I’m glad the post was able to do that for you! It was even better being there!
This looks like a great place to visit. I love that they book people every 15 minutes so it doesn’t get too over crowded and you can see the beautiful displays.
Yeah I thought it was a really good idea or else I think it would be too busy and it would ruin the atmosphere etc.
The decorations are beautiful. This was my favorite thing to do growing up. My grandparents always took us to look at Christmas lights every year. I used to do it with my older kids when they were little. Now, it is hard to find houses with pretty lights. I’m not a fan of all the nylon blowup decorations that litter the yard now.
Aww that’s such a nice memory, thanks for sharing that with me. I’m not sure whether as many people decorate their houses these days – probably costs too much in electricity bills! I know what you mean about too many big blow up decs!
Ahh we’re really close to Killerton in Exeter. We’re hoping to make a Christmas trip as we love it there. Shame you didn’t get to have hot chocolate though 😀
Ah you need to go Lisa! I so recommend it! Especially if you have children 🙂 I’ll make up the missed hot choc soon I’m sure!!
Those decorations are so beautiful! This place look so neat and amazing!
It’s awesome isn’t it!!
What a beautiful place to visit! It would certainly get even the most grumpy grinch into the festive spirit, I think! 🙂
I think it certainly would! It made us feel so ready for the festivities!
This pictures are so cute and lovely !!
Nice festtive😍
I really loved this post !!
Aww thank you Helene, I’m glad you liked reading it and enjoyed the pictures 🙂
I love that book! It looks absolutely beautiful and very festive indeed.
Such a classic! Love it!
Wow! Sounds like a fantastic place. Will definitely pen this place to visit next time. Thanks for sharing.
Defo check it out if you get a chance! Well worth it!
Such a beautiful place! A real festive treat. And lovely that you got to listen to the carol concert too.
Such a treat! The carol concert really made it feel super festive!
Beautiful decor! Feels like an enchanted fairy tale. Holiday season is a magical time!
It was a bit like a fairy tale, what with all the Christmas trees, decorations and lights.
I love how they’ve decorated everything – it all looks so beautifully festive. Su
It was so lovely! Thanks for your comment Su.
The wind in the willows theme is so cute and eye-opener. Such a stunning Christmas decoration. I really feel the spirit of Christmas after seeing this post.
Such a great theme isnt it! I’m glad your feeling in the Christmas spirit now too!
I love how all of the decorations are based on a story! Beautiful decorations and very festive!
It makes them even more magical doesn’t it!
Everywhere in the house is Instagrammable. I love the ambiance (Christmassy feel) and how the decorations are fit for children’s liking.
Haha that’s so true – I must have taken so many pictures! And shared them on Instagram too!
This looks like a great place to visit. They really did a great job with the decoration and theme.
They did such a great job, loved it!
I love Wind in the Willows! It was one of my favourite movies as a kid.
It’s so great, loved all the characters and the scenes they depicted!
What a beautiful house. Loving the Christmas decor.
It’s so lovely isn’t it!
This looks so lovely! Bloody love NT. The Christmas dinner scene is amazing! So magical.
Ah me too Holly! I love the NT – always great for a day out and even better at Christmas!!
Who does not love Wind in the Willows. It was a book I group up reading over and over for the love of adventure.
I agree – such a classic!
This is the first time I’ve heard of killerton and I love the Christmas decoration they have! I’ve almost forgotten about the story ‘The Wind in the Willows” until I see the characters in your photos. How nostalgic!
It’s such a nice place, like many of the National Trust places are. Glad you enjoyed the nostalgic pictures!