Discover Longleat

Longleat's History and Significance

Longleat House, the centrepiece of the estate, was built in the late 16th century by Sir John Thynne and is one of the finest examples of Elizabethan architecture in Britain. The house has been the ancestral seat of the Marquesses of Bath since 1541. Over the centuries, it has undergone various renovations and expansions, but its Renaissance-style façades, grand interiors, and collection of fine art and antiques have been remarkably preserved.

In 1966, Longleat made history by opening the world’s first safari park outside of Africa, thanks to the vision of the 6th Marquess of Bath. This pioneering move transformed the estate from a traditional stately home into a revolutionary wildlife reserve, offering a new way for the public to view animals in large, open enclosures rather than in cages. Today, Longleat continues to innovate, combining its historical heritage with a variety of family-friendly attractions.

Longleat Highlights

1. Longleat House: The magnificent Elizabethan mansion offers visitors a glimpse into its richly decorated rooms filled with fine paintings, period furniture, and tapestries. Highlights include the Great Hall, adorned with elaborate wood carvings and family portraits, and the State Dining Room, featuring a collection of exquisite porcelain. Guided tours are available, providing deeper insight into the history of the house and the family’s lineage.

2. Safari Drive-Through: The safari park is the most famous attraction at Longleat. Visitors can drive their own vehicles or take a guided safari bus through various themed enclosures. The drive-through includes the Big Game Park, where giraffes, zebras, and ostriches roam freely, and the Tiger Territory, where visitors can observe these majestic big cats from a safe distance. The Lion Country enclosure is particularly popular, offering an up-close view of the park’s prides of lions.

3. Monkey Mayhem: One of the most exciting sections of the safari, Monkey Mayhem is home to a troop of mischievous rhesus macaques. Known for their playful antics, the monkeys are infamous for interacting with cars, sometimes removing car parts like windscreen wipers—a source of amusement for visitors but requiring a degree of caution.

4. Adventure Park: The Adventure Park offers a variety of attractions suitable for all ages. Highlights include the Jungle Kingdom, where visitors can walk through enclosures featuring meerkats, otters, and porcupines, and the Jungle Cruise, a boat ride that takes guests past hippos and sea lions. A visit to Gorilla Colony, an island sanctuary for the park’s group of western lowland gorillas, is also included in this area.

5. Family Farmyard and Animal Handling: The Family Farmyard allows younger visitors to interact with domestic animals like goats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Animal handling sessions offer educational experiences, where children can learn more about the animals under the guidance of the park’s staff.

6. The Bat Cave: This walk-through attraction provides an opportunity to see hundreds of free-flying Egyptian fruit bats in a dimly lit cave environment. The immersive setting lets visitors experience the sights and sounds of these nocturnal creatures up close.

7. Longleat Hedge Maze: The hedge maze, one of the largest in Britain, is a popular feature of the grounds. With over 1.5 miles of pathways, the maze provides an entertaining challenge as visitors navigate through its twists and turns to reach the central viewing platform.

8. The Capability Brown Landscape: Longleat’s grounds were landscaped by the famed 18th-century designer Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. His work can be appreciated through the estate’s sweeping vistas, rolling lawns, and strategically placed woodlands, which create a picturesque setting around the house. Visitors can take guided walks or simply stroll at their own pace to enjoy the serene beauty of the estate.

9. Festival of Light: Held annually from mid-November to early January, the Festival of Light is one of Longleat’s most spectacular events. The park is transformed into a magical world of giant illuminated lanterns and light installations, often depicting scenes from popular stories or cultural themes. The festival attracts large crowds and offers a unique way to experience Longleat during the winter months.

Longleat Facilities and Visitor Information

Longleat provides a range of facilities to enhance the visitor experience. The estate has multiple dining options, including the Orangery Restaurant, serving afternoon tea with views over the formal gardens, and the Tropical Storm Café, offering a variety of hot and cold dishes in a rainforest-themed setting. Picnic areas are also available throughout the park.

There are several gift shops on-site, selling everything from wildlife-themed toys and souvenirs to locally produced food items. The main gift shop near the entrance features a range of Longleat-branded merchandise, while other shops in the Adventure Park area cater to children and families.

Longleat is accessible by car, with ample parking available. For those traveling by public transport, the nearest train station is in Warminster, from which a short taxi ride or bus journey is needed to reach the park. During peak times, such as school holidays and special events, Longleat operates a timed ticketing system to manage visitor flow and minimise wait times.

The park is designed to be accessible, with level pathways, disabled parking, and accessible restrooms. Mobility scooters and wheelchairs are available to hire, and carers accompanying disabled visitors receive free entry. Some attractions, such as the safari drive-through, can be enjoyed entirely from within a vehicle, making them suitable for those with limited mobility.

Nearby Attractions

Longleat’s location in the rolling hills of Wiltshire makes it an ideal base for exploring other regional attractions. The ancient city of Bath, known for its Roman baths and Georgian architecture, is less than an hour’s drive away. Visitors can explore the Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, and the Jane Austen Centre.

Closer to Longleat, the town of Warminster offers additional dining and shopping options. For those interested in history, the prehistoric site of Stonehenge is also within a short drive. Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides an insight into early human civilization and is one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks.

The nearby Stourhead estate, managed by the National Trust, features a renowned landscape garden with classical temples, a lake, and scenic woodlands. This is a perfect complement to Longleat’s landscaped grounds and offers a tranquil environment for nature lovers.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Opening Hours: Longleat is open year-round, but opening times vary by season and specific attractions. During the summer months, the park typically stays open later, while some sections may close earlier during the winter. It is advisable to check the website before visiting.

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased in advance online, and discounts are often available for pre-booking. Longleat operates a range of ticket options, including day passes and annual memberships. Special event tickets, such as those for the Festival of Light, may need to be booked separately.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer are ideal times to visit Longleat, as the warmer weather allows for comfortable exploration of both the safari park and the gardens. During these months, the animals are typically more active, and the grounds are in full bloom. Autumn also offers beautiful foliage displays and quieter crowds, while winter is highlighted by the popular Festival of Light, which brings a festive atmosphere to the estate. If visiting during school holidays or special events, it's advisable to arrive early to make the most of the day and avoid queues.

Plan for Weather: As Longleat’s attractions include both indoor and outdoor areas, it’s wise to prepare for changing weather conditions. Comfortable footwear and layered clothing are recommended for exploring the extensive grounds, and umbrellas or waterproofs can be useful in case of rain.

Safety in the Safari: When driving through the safari park, it’s important to keep all windows and doors closed at all times and follow the park’s guidelines, particularly in enclosures with large or potentially dangerous animals. Visitors should be aware of the potential for monkeys to interact with vehicles and remove loose items such as roof racks or antennas to avoid damage.

Photography: Photography is permitted throughout Longleat, making it an ideal destination for capturing memories of both the historic house and the wildlife. However, drones are not allowed on the estate, and flash photography may be restricted in certain areas of Longleat House to protect delicate artworks and furnishings.