Longleat is a safari park and stately home near Warminster in Wiltshire. The Elizabethan house, home to the 7th Marquess of Bath, sits in parkland landscaped by Capability Brown. Around it is Britain's first safari park, opened in 1966 and the first drive-through one outside Africa. You can drive past lions, tigers, wolves, cheetahs and giraffes in your own car, take a boat cruise to see sea lions and hippos, ride the railway and walk through the house. The park also has the UK's only koalas, a maze and a bat cave.
From a priory to a stately home
The estate began in 1540, when John Thynne bought a run-down priory with 60 acres, a rabbit warren and an orchard for £53. Longleat House was substantially completed by 1580. It is regarded as one of the best examples of high Elizabethan architecture in Britain, and it is still the home of the 7th Marquess of Bath.
The house stands in parkland landscaped by Capability Brown in the 18th century. The wider estate also includes woodland, farmland and Shearwater Lake. The house opened to the public in 1949. You can join one of the organised tours or walk through at your own pace, and the rooms hold an art collection. The guides are knowledgeable and glad to answer questions.
The first drive-through safari outside Africa
The safari park opened in 1966 and was the first drive-through safari park outside Africa. It was Britain's first safari park. Today the route passes through several areas: Lion Country, Tiger Territory, the Deer Park, the Big Game Park and Cheetah Kingdom. You may also see the resident wolf pack, rhinoceros, zebra and giraffe.
The drive is easy to follow without a guide and you stay in your own car. The monkey section is the exception to the calm. The monkeys climb on vehicles and can pull off parts such as aerials, so close the windows. The section is optional and you can drive around it.
If you would rather not drive, a safari bus runs at set times. The driver gives commentary on the park and its animals. Big cats are often asleep, so the drive can be quieter on some days than others.
Boats, railway and close encounters
Away from the drive-through, the Jungle Cruise is one of the busiest attractions. The boat passes sea lions, hippos and gorillas, and the guides are good company. The queue can look long, but it moves.
The Longleat Railway also runs past hippos and gorillas. You can feed the giraffes and take part in animal feeding sessions. The park has walk-through areas with meerkats, and Koala Creek, home to the only koalas in the UK. Other animals include red pandas and otters, which play in an underwater viewing area.
The bat cave suits a second look. The bats are not equally active at every visit, so try again at another time if the first visit is quiet. The park also has a maze, an adventure castle, a large adventure playground and a tea cup ride, which keep younger children busy. Longleat is also the setting of the BBC series Animal Park.
Planning a visit
The entrance, restrooms and parking have wheelchair access, and there is wheelchair accessible seating. Staff direct traffic at busy times, and the toilets and coffee shop are plentiful. There are also shops on site.
The park holds events through the year. The Festival of Lights in winter brings some visitors back, and a year's pass suits anyone planning more than one trip. VIP tickets include closer encounters with the animals and keeper-led experiences. Visitors who tried them were pleased with the results.
FAQ
How long do you need at Longleat?
Plan a full day. There is more to do than most visitors fit into one visit, and some come back for a second day.
Can you skip the monkeys on the safari drive?
Yes. The monkey section is optional and you can drive around it. If you go through, close your windows and remove loose parts such as aerials.
Do you need to book tickets in advance?
Booking in advance is recommended. Special and VIP tickets give access to extras such as private safaris.
Is Longleat wheelchair accessible?
The entrance, restrooms and parking lot are wheelchair accessible, and there is accessible seating.
When did Longleat open to the public?
The house opened to the public in 1949. The safari park followed in 1966 and was the first drive-through safari park outside Africa.
