A walk through history

Historic trees are being celebrated this February with a newly created trail taking in one marking an iconic nursery rhyme to another where a ghost is said to walk.

The popular song, Here we go round the Mulberry Bush, was first published in the 19th century and youngsters visiting Longleat during February will be able to discover a mulberry tree.

Emma Challinor, Archivist, said: “Records show that the builder of Longleat, Sir John Thynne, introduced mulberry trees in his new gardens here as far back as 1547, and in 1788, a large mulberry was moved from the Bishop of Exeter’s garden in Frome to Longleat for the 1st Marquess of Bath

.”Also part of the trail will be the oak tree at the start of the Sand Walk, a footpath leading along the west bank of Half Mile Pond which was created by the 1st Marquess of Bath, owner of Longleat between 1751 and 1796, to enable family and guests to enjoy the views across the pond.

“Sand walks were a popular choice of artificial path for gardens and pleasure grounds in the 18th and 19th centuries, having the benefits of allowing surface water to drain away to offer a dry surface, and being gentle underfoot,” says Emma.

“The plantation of trees that now borders the Sand Walk and the west bank of the pond was first planted by the 1st Marquess’ son, the 2nd Marquess, in 1806-1808.

“In the first half of the 20th century there were stories that a ghostly form of the 2nd Marquess could still be seen at night strolling along the Sand Walk and enjoying the trees that he had had planted there.

”The Sand Walk saw the Longleat Railway, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025, built there so the route is enjoyed in a different way than first intended but the oak tree remains as it was when first planted centuries ago.

The Railway isn’t the only attraction celebrating a key milestone, planting of the world-famous yew hedge maze began in 1975 and was formally opened to the public three years later.

The trail will also feature work by one of the foremost landscape designers of the 20th century, Russell Page.

Emma said: “He designed Lime Tree Walk after the house opened to the public in 1949.  His aim was to quickly deliver ‘a certain definite impression’ to visitors who may only spend a minute or two in each area.

“In 1953, he created the beautiful Secret Garden, where he included the stunning- and quirkily named, Handkerchief Trees, also known as Dove Trees, adding a magical touch to the garden's charm.

“We’re sure children and garden-lovers will be captivated by the trail as there are so many different stories attached enabling people to see the estate in perhaps a different way than they have viewed it before.”

The Tree Trail is included free as part of the day ticket and is a feature of Winter Wonders Week running from 15-22 February which will also see an indoor winter snow-tacular with cool inflatables to enjoy featuring a snowboard simulator, inflatable toboggan slide and giant snow globe. For more information visit www.longleat.co.uk