Victorian vision, beauty and extravagance
The origins of the Larmer Tree grounds
General Pitt Rivers first created the Larmer Tree Pleasure Grounds in 1880, shortly after inheriting the Rushmore Estate. Designed as a sanctuary to enlighten, educate and inspire his estate workers and guests, he took great pride in creating a unique space to share with them.
Committed to carving out his own path, both in land and in life, General Pitt Rivers was the first in the UK to open his privately owned gardens to the general public. By 1899, the Larmer Tree Pleasure Grounds were welcoming over 44,000 visitors a year.
The Singing Theatre was used for plays and poetry recitals, while the field adjoining the gardens was transformed into a racecourse, lawn tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course. Evenings saw hanging glass lamps lit with candles – also known as Vauxhall lights – illuminating the gardens for open-air dancing.
Holly Hock Photography
“Quite the prettiest sight I ever saw in my life”
– British novelist and poet Thomas Hardy, 1895
How Larmer Tree got its name
Llama Tree, Larma Tree or Larmer Tree?
Larmer Tree is said to have taken its name from a 10th century wych-elm tree on the grounds. First spelt ‘Lavermere’ (‘Laver’ originating from the Anglo Saxon word ‘laur’ meaning ‘laurel’ and ‘mere’ meaning boundary), the tree’s placement later indicated Parish and County boundary lines.
Rooted in history, looking to the future
A new generation
Fast-forward to the present day and Larmer Tree continues to be enjoyed by visitors from Wiltshire, Dorset and beyond. Its magnificent gardens and beautifully restored historic buildings make for a popular attraction, artistic events space and award-winning luxury wedding venue with accommodation.
Holly Hock Photography
Map of the grounds
See what's On
Unique
Timeless
Relaxed
Wedding & Events Venue Manger
Meet the team
Amy Reid
Wedding & Event Coordinator
Lauren Griffiths
Wedding & Event Coordinator
Francesca Bethell
The Gardens Team
Head Gardener
Paul King
Gardener
Steve Condick
Housekeeper
Rachael Sheppard
The Gardens Team
forkingout
meet our catering partner
Mike, Nick, Sam, Matthew, Warren, Laura & millie head up the forkingout team supported by their wonderful bar and waiting staff
A look back on the history
The original Larmer Tree, a 10th century wych-elm tree, starts growing.
901AD-1000
King John hunts in this area many times, meeting with his huntsmen under the branches of the Larmer Tree.
1189-1216
General Augustus Lane Fox inherits what is known as the Rushmore Estate. Changes his name to General Pitt Rivers, as specified in the conditions of his inheritance.
1880
The newly named General Pitt Rivers begins creating the Larmer Tree Pleasure Gardens. Its 11-acre grounds and collection of buildings are opened to the general public.
1880
The original Larmer Tree, now rapidly decaying at this point, has an oak tree planted within its trunk.
1894
steeped in history and beauty
General Pitt Rivers passes away and the Larmer Tree gardens are closed, only opening occasionally for specific events.
1900
Michael Pitt Rivers, the General’s great grandson, sets to work restoring the Larmer Tree gardens to their former glory, including tackling the laurel-swamped gardens, building repairs and restorations.
1991
The Larmer Tree gardens reopen to the general public.
1995
Michael Pitt Rivers plants a new Larmer Tree, marking the new Millennium, shortly before his death in December 1999.
1999
Artist William Gronow-Davis, Michael’s lifelong partner, inherits the Rushmore Estate. He continues Michael’s conservation and restoration work of the Larmer Tree grounds.
2000
the magic of Larmer Tree
65ft folly
William Gronow-Davis builds a 65ft folly at Larmer Tree. It’s the tallest folly to be built in England for 100 years
2009
William Gronow-Davis passes away
2015
Anthony Pitt-Rivers succeeds William Gronow-Davis as head of the family.
2015
Anthony Pitt-Rivers hands Larmer Tree and the Rushmore Estate over to William Fox-Pitt as head of the family. William, along with his wife Alice, are passionate about continuing the General’s work in maintaining the magic of the Larmer Tree for future generations to enjoy.
2023
The first Larmer Tree Festival takes place
1990
The first End of the Road festival takes place, which continues annually at the gardens.
2006
MAP OF THE GROUNDS
