Welsh tree named iconic alternative to Sycamore Gap

The Sycamore is no more, but here are some tree-fic alternatives

Nature-loving tourists mourning the loss of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree have been told of other picturesque spots to embrace the beauty of the British Isles.

From the Horror Tree of Suffolk to the Ardmaddy Wishing Tree in Argyll, travel experts at StressFreeCarRental.com have researched the ten most legendary trees still standing.

Northumbria Police launched an investigation last Thursday after the legendary 300-year-old Sycamore Gap tree was cut down overnight.

The deliberate act of vandalism has caused outrage and despair from thousands of people while police investigate who was behind the criminal damage.

The tree stood on Hadrian’s Wall in the Northumberland National Park and was described as one of the most photographed in the country after featuring in a prominent scene in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

Unfortunately, experts say it will take centuries for the Sycamore to grow back, but thankfully the UK and Ireland are home to plenty of other beautiful and unique trees.

It is estimated that there are around 3 billion trees across the British Islea covering a wide variety of species including oak, hazel, birch and pine.

Amongst these are some trees with extraordinary qualities and history that have become legendary such as The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest and the Boscobel House English Oak in  Stafford.

John Charnock, CEO of StressFreeCarRental.com said: “It is devastating that the UK has lost the iconic Sycamore Gap tree to a thoughtless act of vandalism.

“Although it doesn’t make up for the loss, luckily the British Isles has plenty more iconic trees to visit while the Sycamore tree grows back.

“The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest is a great alternative to visit because of its similar Robin Hood links, but there are multiple trees on the lists that are just as picturesque and rife with history.

“As well as being stunning to look at, trees are a wildlife sanctuary and great for mental wellbeing, so consider taking a road trip to enjoy them in their full glory this Autumn.

Here are StressFreeCarRental’s ten most iconic trees in the British Isles:

1. Major Oak, Sherwood Forest, England

Image Credit: Unsplash

The Major Oak is arguably the most famous oak tree in the UK, iconically the secret hiding place and shelter of the outlaw hero Robin Hood and his merry men. It is also the largest oak in Britain, thought to be around 1000 years old, with its twisted canopy spanning 28 meters.

2. The Horror Tree, Stowlangtoft, Suffolk, England

Image credit: Twitter @inner_lives

This 70ft spooky tree will make the perfect visit during the spooky season because of its terrifying face creepily reminiscent of Edvard Munch’s ‘Scream.’ Others say the beech tree is very similar to the Whomping Willow tree in Harry Potter. The only certain thing is that nature was not kind to this gaping-mouthed, ghastly-looking tree.

3. The Ankerwycke Yew, Berkshire, England

Image Credit: Wikimedia

Predicted to be 2,500 years old, this Yew is said to be the oldest tree in England and is steeped in history.  Impressively, it is documented to be the tree that Henry VIII proposed to Anne Boleyn, so it is a historical and romantic spot, despite the tragic fate of Boleyn.

4. Boscobel House English Oak,  Stafford, England

Image Credit: Wikimedia

King Charles II famously refuged in The Royal Oak Tree in Boscobel House, following the 1651 English Civil War battle to evade capture. The tree which stands today is the descendent of the iconic Royal Oak and is protected by iron railings installed back in 1817 because of the prestige and significance of the tree.

5. Birnham Oak, Dunkeld, Scotland

Image Credit: Wikimedia

This elderly tree is an ancient survivor from Shakespeare’s Birnam Wood, celebrated in the play Macbeth.  Located on the outskirts of the Perthshire village, the tree is the final reminder of the former great forest which once rested on the banks and hillsides of the River Tay.

6. Ardmaddy Wishing Tree, Argyll, Scotland

Image Credit: Wikimedia

Long associated with magic and rituals, this very nearly dead fallen Hawthorn is located half a mile south of Ardmaddy Castle and has hundreds of coins embedded in the bark. The tree has a long history of being considered sacred, and thousands of people have surrendered their coins in exchange for wishes. However, the tree is now fenced to protect it.

7. Fortingall Yew, Perthshire, Scotland

Image Credit: Wikimedia

The ancient Fortingall Yew is said to be the oldest tree in the United Kingdom, and it is believed to be one of the oldest living things in Europe- thought to be as old as 3000 to 9000 years old. Located in an ancient church ground, it would have survived historical events such as the Roman and Viking invasions and the fight for the thirteenth-century fight for Scottish independence.

8. Charleville Castle’s King Oak Tree, Tullamore, Ireland

Image Credit: @lorraineelizab6

Stood on the grounds of Charleville Castle, this 900-year-old oak tree is thought to have a sinister past. If a branch fell off the tree, it is said that a member of the Bury family would die. In 1963, the tree was struck by lightning, and soon after the head of the family, Coronel Charles Howard-Bury, died.

9. The Hungry Tree, Dublin, Ireland

Image Credit: Wikimedia

This unique Dublin tree is in the process of swallowing a cast-iron bench in Dublin, hence the name “hungry tree.” Estimated to be about 80 years old, Dublin  City Council have measures in place to protect the unique tree and bench, and it is now considered one of the capital’s heritage trees.

10. The Llangernyw Yew, Conway, Wales

Image Credit: Wikimedia

Growing in Conway, Wales, this ancient Yew is also considered one of the world’s oldest trees and is estimated to be between 4,000 and 5,000 years old, dating back to before Christianity arrived in the British Isles. The tree also has a Welsh legend intertwined with it and is associated with a spirit known as Angelystor which is said to speak a prophecy foretelling the names of parishioners destined to die.

To find out more about the most iconic trees  in the UK, please visit: https://www.stressfreecarrental.com/en/iconic-trees-to-visit-in-the-uk