Longleat House has unveiled a festive treat for visitors this Christmas – a stunning miniature forest of themed trees that tells the rich and varied story of the stately home. Each tree is decorated to represent a different chapter of Longleat’s history, offering an enchanting glimpse into the estate’s heritage.
Among the highlights of this festive display is a tree in the Lower Dining Room, adorned with hand-felted decorations representing the native wildlife that calls the Wiltshire estate home. Meanwhile, in the Great Hall, a tree fit for royalty commemorates the 450th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth I’s visit to the house, with decorations that evoke the splendour of the Tudor period.
Visitors will also find a magnificent tree at the bottom of the Grand Staircase, featuring animal-inspired ornaments in honour of the wildlife in Longleat’s famous Safari Park. In the Music Room, the theme shifts to sound, with decorations taking the form of musical notes and traditional instruments. For those who enjoy a good book during the festive season, the Red Library offers a unique sight: a tree constructed from 500 vintage second-hand books, adding a literary touch to the holiday celebrations.
But perhaps the most breathtaking of all is the 24-foot (7.5-metre) home-grown tree that takes centre stage in the Great Hall. Standing proudly in the heart of Longleat, this towering Nordmann fir was carefully nurtured and pruned to create the perfect tree that harks back to Victorian traditions. According to curator James Ford, the grandeur of the Great Hall tree is sure to leave visitors with a sense of awe the moment they enter.
“The House would have been decorated with natural foliage at Christmas as far back as the Elizabethan period, but Christmas trees are first recorded at Longleat in the late Victorian era,” Ford said. “Nothing evokes the festive season like a country house dressed for Christmas – it’s such a magical atmosphere.”
The tradition of decorating Christmas trees was introduced to the UK by Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s consort, and Longleat continues to embrace this festive legacy in spectacular fashion.
This year’s display also includes a collaboration with Horningsham Primary School, where pupils have created 1940s-style decorations to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Longleat opening its doors to the public.
The 24-foot tree is grown at Longleat, in a field that was originally dedicated to Christmas trees. Over the years, the field has naturally evolved, with oaks, willows, and birches now thriving alongside the Christmas trees. Head forester Jim McConkie explains, “The field is slowly transitioning into a diverse woodland environment that we are encouraging for the future.”
This year’s impressive tree is a Nordmann fir, selected for its excellent needle retention, ensuring the tree remains pristine for the duration of the festive period. Visitors can enjoy this magical Christmas display as part of Longleat’s Festival of Light, which runs until 5 January. House tours, available with Festival tickets, can be booked online or through Guest Services on site, subject to availability.
