Explore Longleat’s history on the new Tree Trail, part of the Winter Wonders Week! Discover historical trees and their stories.
The trail features a special mulberry tree. This tree is linked to a nursery rhyme. There’s also an old oak tree on a path. People once saw a ghost there, near that oak.
Emma Challinor is Longleat’s archivist. She said they planted mulberry trees in 1547. Sir John Thynne planted them in his new gardens. Later, in 1788, they moved a big mulberry tree. It came from a bishop’s garden.
The oak tree marks the Sand Walk entrance. The 1st Marquess made this pathway for nice walks with pond views. The Longleat Railway now uses this path, celebrating sixty years.
People say a ghost walked the Sand Walk. They thought it was the 2nd Marquess of Bath. He liked the trees he had planted long ago. He roamed there at night, people claimed.
Russell Page, a famous designer in the 1900s, designed some Longleat gardens. He created Lime Tree Walk in 1949. He also created the Secret Garden, which has a unique Handkerchief Tree.
The trail runs from February 15 to 22. It’s included with a day ticket. There’s also a winter experience inside, including a snowboard simulator and a snow globe for family fun.
The trail brings history to life easily and shows how trees helped create history. This is a great chance to learn about Longleat. The trail should appeal to many people.