
Longleat House
A majestic Elizabethan stately home and one of the UK's premier safari parks, offering a blend of history, wildlife, and festive magic.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat

Longleat House
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic Elizabethan stately home and one of the UK's premier safari parks, offering a blend of history, wildlife, and festive magic.
"Fabulous day out! The lights are spectacular - been for a few years now and it never disappoints."

🚗 Safari Car Protection
Consider the 'Monkey Mayhem' on the safari! Wipers can get ripped off. Some opt for the safari bus for better views and less car worry.
🎟️ Book House & Safari Separately?
House entry is often included with general admission, but safari park tickets are separate and pricier. Check package deals!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Longleat House Tour
The Stately Home
Explore opulent state rooms, stunning ceilings, and intricate tapestries in this magnificent Elizabethan manor.

Safari Park Drive-Through
Safari Park
Embark on a thrilling drive past lions, tigers, giraffes, and more, with opportunities for close encounters.

Festival of Lights
Gardens
Experience a magical winter wonderland with spectacular light installations and festive displays.

The Bat Cave
Animal Exhibits
A unique walk-through experience where bats fly freely around you.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Plan for a Full Day
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Safari Car Protection
Consider the 'Monkey Mayhem' on the safari! Wipers can get ripped off. Some opt for the safari bus for better views and less car worry.
🎟️ Book House & Safari Separately?
House entry is often included with general admission, but safari park tickets are separate and pricier. Check package deals!
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the house, gardens, and safari park. Prioritize comfort!
💰 Food Can Be Pricey
While delicious, food options can add up, especially for families. Pack snacks or budget accordingly.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Safari Car Protection
Consider the 'Monkey Mayhem' on the safari! Wipers can get ripped off. Some opt for the safari bus for better views and less car worry.
🎟️ Book House & Safari Separately?
House entry is often included with general admission, but safari park tickets are separate and pricier. Check package deals!
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the house, gardens, and safari park. Prioritize comfort!
💰 Food Can Be Pricey
While delicious, food options can add up, especially for families. Pack snacks or budget accordingly.
🦇 Bat Cave Thrills
Don't be alarmed by bats flying close! It's a unique experience, but maybe not for the faint of heart.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Longleat for its diverse attractions, from the stunning historic house to the thrilling safari park. The Festival of Lights is a standout event, drawing praise for its spectacular displays. While many find it a great value for a full day out, some note that food and drink can be on the pricier side.
"Fabulous day out! We didn’t do the safari but plenty of other things to do while waiting for the lights to come on. Did the house tour, which is beautifully decorated for Christmas. Bat cave was well worth a visit, providing you don’t mind them flying past your head. The lights are spectacular - been for a few years now and it never disappoints. We were lucky to have a dry day! Pulled turkey roll was lovely, although a bit pricey at £8.95. I imagine buying food there could turn out a bit expensive if you’re a family. It was just 2 of us so not so bad."
H Jenkins
"Had a tour of the house which was included in our bus 🚌 trip. It's amazing 🤩 plenty to see and the tour manager was very knowledgeable. Interesting facts about the house and past owners would recommend a visit. The festival of lights were fantastic 😊, singing 🌲 was great to watch."
Maureen Smith
"Brilliant Walk of Light. Worth the drive and overnight stay. Very cold though!! Did the tour on the tour bus. Not such a good view but felt better when we saw windscreen wipers being ripped off in the monkey enclosure."
Stephen Bates
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Public transport options from Bath to Longleat can be limited. While there isn't a direct bus, you might need to take a bus to Frome or Warminster and then potentially a local taxi or a bus that stops near Longleat. Uber availability can also be inconsistent. It's often recommended to check local bus routes and taxi services in advance.
Yes, Longleat House is easily accessible by car and has ample parking available. It's located in Wiltshire, and driving is a popular way to reach the attraction. Sat navs will guide you to the estate.
Longleat offers extensive parking facilities for visitors. Parking is generally included with your admission ticket, making it convenient for those arriving by car.
While possible, visiting Longleat House without a car can be more challenging due to its rural location. Public transport options are limited, and taxis can be expensive. Many visitors opt for driving or organized coach tours.
The nearest train stations to Longleat House are Warminster and Frome. From these stations, you would typically need to arrange onward travel by taxi or local bus service, as they are not within walking distance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Longleat House itself is often included with a general admission ticket, which also grants access to the Safari Park. Ticket prices can vary, and booking online in advance is usually recommended for potential savings and to guarantee entry. Expect prices around £9.99 for house entry if purchased separately, but check the official website for current rates.
The Longleat Safari Park is a significant part of the attraction and has a separate, higher admission fee, often around £40 per person. It's advisable to check the official Longleat website for the most up-to-date pricing and any package deals that might include both the house and safari.
Yes, Longleat offers various ticket options, including day passes that cover the house and safari, and sometimes special event tickets for occasions like Christmas. VIP safari experiences are also available for a premium.
Opening times for Longleat House and the Safari Park can vary seasonally and daily. It's crucial to check the official Longleat website for the most accurate and up-to-date opening hours before your visit, as they can differ significantly.
Tickets are generally available for purchase at the gate, but booking online in advance is highly recommended. This often secures a better price and guarantees your entry, especially during busy periods or for popular events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Longleat offers a wealth of activities beyond the house tour, including the famous Safari Park, beautiful gardens with unique statues, boat trips, a maze, and various animal encounters. During festive seasons, there are also special events like the Festival of Lights.
Absolutely! The Longleat Safari Park is a huge hit with families and children. Seeing animals up close from the car or safari bus is an exciting experience for all ages.
The gardens at Longleat House are extensive and beautifully maintained, featuring formal areas, rolling parkland, and interesting features like statues and a maze. They offer a lovely contrast to the grandeur of the house.
Yes, guided tours are often available for Longleat House, providing in-depth insights into its history, architecture, and the lives of its past inhabitants. The guides are known for being knowledgeable and friendly.
The 'Witch's Mark' is a special carving found in the Stable Yard at Longleat House, believed to have been used historically to protect the building and its inhabitants from evil spirits. It's a fascinating historical detail to look out for.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Longleat offers several dining options, including cafes and restaurants serving a range of meals, snacks, and hot drinks. Popular items include pulled turkey rolls, but be aware that food can be a bit pricey.
While there are dining facilities, the cost of food at Longleat can be on the higher side, especially for families. Some visitors suggest packing snacks or budgeting carefully for meals.
Most dining outlets at Longleat aim to cater to various dietary needs, and you can usually find vegetarian options. It's always a good idea to check the menus on the day or inquire with staff about vegan choices.
Yes, visitors are generally permitted to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy in designated picnic areas. This can be a great way to save money on dining expenses.
Yes, there are food and drink facilities located within the Safari Park area, allowing you to refuel while enjoying the animal encounters. You can often get hot drinks with a view of the animals.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of Longleat House, especially with its grand facade and surrounding gardens, offers stunning photographic opportunities. Inside, the state rooms with their intricate details and artwork are also very photogenic.
Yes, you can take photos during the Safari Park drive, but be mindful of your surroundings and other visitors. It's a great chance to capture unique animal shots, but ensure your camera is secure.
Photography rules inside historic houses can vary. Generally, flash photography is prohibited to protect the artifacts and artwork. It's best to check for specific signage or ask a guide upon entry.
A versatile camera that can handle both wide shots of the house and gardens, and telephoto shots of animals in the safari park, would be ideal. A smartphone with a good zoom function can also capture great memories.
Drone usage is typically restricted at heritage sites like Longleat House to protect the property and wildlife. It's highly unlikely that drone photography is permitted without prior special authorization.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a safari bus tour to avoid any worries about your car with the more boisterous animals. The Bat Cave is a unique, albeit slightly spooky, experience that many children find fascinating. While food can be pricey, packing snacks and a picnic is a great way to manage costs. Longleat truly offers a full day of adventure and discovery for the whole family.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
For a unique experience, consider a boat trip on the lake or enjoying the Festival of Lights during the Christmas season, which creates a truly magical and romantic atmosphere. While the safari park is more family-oriented, it can still be a fun and exciting shared adventure. Enjoying a meal with a view, perhaps with animals in the background, can also add to the romantic ambiance.
🏰 History & Architecture Enthusiasts
Beyond the main house, explore the gardens and grounds, which have been shaped over centuries and feature various historical elements. Look out for unique details like the 'Witch's Mark' in the Stable Yard, a small but intriguing piece of history. The sheer longevity of the house as a family home means there are layers of history to uncover, making it a deeply rewarding visit for any history buff.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Longleat House: A Glimpse into History
Beyond its architectural grandeur, Longleat House is also known for its unique historical anecdotes. For instance, the 'Witch's Mark' in the Stable Yard is a fascinating detail that adds a layer of intrigue to the estate's past. The house has also served as a filming location for popular movies, most notably as the 'Gurukul' in the Bollywood film 'Mohabbatein', drawing fans from around the world. The knowledgeable guides at Longleat are adept at sharing these stories, making the visit both educational and entertaining.
When visiting, take your time to appreciate the details – from the grand fireplaces to the delicate paintings. The house tour provides a comprehensive overview, but wandering through the grounds also reveals hidden gems and historical markers. It’s a place where history truly comes alive, offering a tangible connection to centuries of British heritage.
The Longleat Safari Experience
Beyond the drive-through, Longleat features various other animal encounters and exhibits. You can enjoy boat trips to see hippos and sea lions, visit the Penguin Cove, and explore the Bat Cave, where bats fly freely around you. The park also offers opportunities for hot drinks with giraffes looking on, providing unique photo opportunities and memorable moments. The Bronze VIP Safari is a recommended option for those seeking a more immersive and front-row experience with the animals.
Planning your safari visit is key to maximizing enjoyment. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid the longest queues. While driving your own car offers flexibility, the safari bus provides a different perspective and can be less stressful if you're concerned about your vehicle. Remember to check the park's map and schedule for feeding times and keeper talks to enhance your wildlife viewing experience.
Longleat at Christmas: A Festive Spectacle
The Christmas experience at Longleat often includes special events and activities tailored for the season. The house itself is usually decorated beautifully for Christmas, offering a warm and inviting contrast to the outdoor light displays. Singing Christmas trees and other festive entertainment add to the celebratory mood, making it a popular destination for families and couples looking for a memorable holiday outing.
Due to the popularity of the Christmas events, it's essential to book tickets well in advance. The evenings can be quite cold, so dressing warmly is highly recommended. The Festival of Lights is a truly immersive experience that captures the magic of Christmas, making Longleat a must-visit during this time of year.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit