Beech Avenue

This unique tree lined road on the Kingston Lacey estate is one of the most famous in Dorset. Beech Avenue began life in 1835, when 731 trees were planted either side of the newly built road, which was created as a turnpike, or toll road, to the financial benefit of the land's owner, Dorset aristocrat William John Bankes. It is said that the road and trees were an extravagant gift from William to his mother Frances. There are 365 trees along one side and 366 along the other, one for every day of the year, and the other for every day of a leap year.