Celebrating Orchards and Autumn Antics at Killerton
The National Trust is celebrating the rich heritage of Killerton’s orchards, near Exeter, this October. From 10 October to 3 November, visitors can enjoy daily apple-themed activities and join the ranger team on weekends to press apples and learn about traditional cider-making.
On 16 & 17 October, Killerton is offering guided walks through one of the estate’s heritage orchards to the home of the 200-year-old apple press, with booking essential. Visitors will meet members of the ranger team, who will demonstrate the use of the press and share the history of Killerton’s cider making.
Tim Dafforn, Countryside Manager at Killerton, said: “Since the 1950s, ninety percent of traditional orchards in England have vanished. Today, Killerton’s ranger team manages ten orchards.
"Over fifty different apple varieties are harvested to make Killerton’s cider, using a 200-year-old apple press. We are working hard to restore this valuable habitat across the estate. In the last three years, we have replanted four lost orchards, with two more to be planted this coming winter in partnership with our tenant farmers.”
Apple and cider production at Killerton has left a legacy of heritage orchards. Visitors can learn how the team manages these orchards and plants new ones to create havens for nature and wildlife. Families are encouraged to follow a trail to one of the orchards to harvest apples for traditional cider making or pick their own to take home. Apple activities will be available around the house, garden, and grounds.
Jamie Jones, Visitor Operations and Experience Manager, added: “The apple press at Killerton is an integral part of our historic orchards. It’s a real treat to see the apple press in action, and of course, the cider is delicious.”
From October 26th to November 3rd, families can follow a trail of pumpkins around the garden and participate in seasonal games and activities.
For more information and to book a place on the guided walk, please visit the National Trust’s website.
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