Introduction
National Trust Seaton Delaval Hall has an air of “great theatricality, drama and mischief” … a parvenu princeling beside the patrician majesty of the Arboretum.
The Arboretum dates from the late 20th century, with much of the planting from around the 1990s. The eclectic mixture of deciduous and evergreen specimens ensures there is interest all year round.
The Collection
Refer to the Catalogue for detailed information, including the Latin name and common name for each tree, its what3words location, and a link to further information on the RHS website.
The Arboretum’s forty-six trees complement the adjoining woodlands and the Hall’s formal gardens, with its most recent member, the Judas Tree – Cersis siquilastrum – planted in honour of HM Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
Amongst the recognized standards, there are well-established oaks, limes, beech, holly, maples, cherry, and birch. Our stand-out trees include a Chinese tupelo, Colorado fir, liquidambar, Vilmorin’s rowan, sweet chestnut, and Himalayan birch.
Refer to the Gallery to see photos of the trees in the collection.
Just outside the Arboretum, to the western end of the Parterre, there’s the towering Ginkho biloba; situated on the formal garden’s D Lawn the famous Weeping Ash still stands – for now – and is known to be well over 300 years old.
What3Words
Use the W3W app on your mobile device to find a tree’s physical location in the Arboretum by clicking its W3W link in the catalogue.
Exploring
A simple Map gives a topological view of the Arboretum’s layout. Tree numbers on the map correspond to the entry in the catalogue.
When you’re in the Arboretum, use the identity number on the metal disk on a tree to look it up in the Catalogue.
Try Woody’s Tree Trail when you’re outside and see where it leads ! Remember to let Visitor Welcome know !
If you’re exploring further afield … don’t miss the Elephant Tree down by the bonfire. It’s recognizable by its whorls and long branch making it resemble an elephant’s head. Legend has it that it marks the location of the burial site of the Great Elephant of Delaval, a beast brought to the Hall from Africa in the mid 1750s by one of the explorer Delavals. Whether true or not, the tree still stands guardian.
Polite Request
Please respect the trees … don’t smoke in the Arboretum, be mindful with your petrol, and always use chainsaws with the care they deserve. Most of all, enjoy the trees and the work they do for us … while they still can.