Home   Bury St Edmunds   News   Article

Subscribe Now

Stowlangtoft horror tree near Bury St Edmunds could be scariest in the world




As I walked towards the terrifying tree, an ominous thought crossed my mind:

“Will I make it out of Stowlangtoft alive?”

The village, which is near Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, is home to a 70ft beech known to many as the ‘horror tree’ on the grounds of Stowlangtoft Hall, which is now a care home owned by Stow Healthcare Group.

The horror tree of Stowlangtoft. Picture: Mecha Morton
The horror tree of Stowlangtoft. Picture: Mecha Morton

After one glance at the tree’s petrifying face, that’s right - it has a face, it’s no wonder why the tree was granted this sinister nickname.

Terrible eyes, dreadful teeth and a screaming mouth: Is this Suffolk tree the scariest in the world?

Liam Walsh, who works at Stow Healthcare Group , said: “I really realised just how famous this tree was when we had a call from a Welsh student who wanted to come take photos of it for a university project.

“There’s many stories that the tree is haunted and there’s been all types of sightings on the grounds - but I’m a bit too sceptical to believe it, I’m afraid.

“I just think we’re so lucky to have this tree on the grounds and to be surrounded by rich history here in Suffolk.”

The horror tree has been previously compared to the Whomping Willow tree in Harry Potter and Edvard Munch's classic Scream painting.

The tree is a 70ft beech on the grounds of Stowlangtoft Hall which is occupied by Stow Healthcare Group. Picture: Mecha Morton
The tree is a 70ft beech on the grounds of Stowlangtoft Hall which is occupied by Stow Healthcare Group. Picture: Mecha Morton

Be sure to take care if you visit the spooktacular tree this Halloween.