safari drive longleat

Top Family Attractions - Plan Your Visit To Longleat

Barmy aristocrats, a family feud, a great Elizabethan house and lions in the backyard - why would anyone not want to visit Longleat?

Not too long ago the BBC program All Change at Longleat   offered viewers a revealing behind-the-scenes look at what's been going on since the endearingly loony Lord Bath (Alexander Thynn, 7th Marquess of Bath) handed over the business reins of the Longleat estate to his much less colorful son and heir, Viscount Weymouth.

The show was better than a soap opera as Ceawlin (the Viscount, whose name is pronounced Syoolin ) and his new wife Emma took over the place and immediately fell out with the old man. It's available on YouTube and it's worth a look in for a giggle.

Meanwhile, life goes on as normal for visitors to the great stately home and amazing safari park. Here's what you need to know to plan a visit.

First A Bit of Background

Longleat has been welcoming visitors since the late 1940s. The house an outstanding example of High Elizabethan architecture in England , was the first stately home ever opened to the public on a commercial basis. In a way, Henry, the 6th Marquess, father of the current Marquess of Bath, pioneered the tourism genre of stately homes as multiple activity attractions.

In 1966, Longleat opened the first drive-through Safari Park outside of Africa. It has since been seen by millions, worldwide, through the BBC's Animal Park television series.

Today, Longleat, set within 900 acres of Capability Brown landscaped park and 8,000 acres of woodland, lakes and farmland, is crammed with family activities and attractions, including:

Longleat House

Completed by 1580, Longleat was already a splendid house when it was visited by Queen Elizabeth I in 1574. Today's visitors can enjoy the remarkable collections of one family who have looked after the house for 14 generations, over 400 years. Among its treasures are masterpieces of Italian Renaissance and seven libraries (some of which are included in tours) filled with 40,000 books - the largest private collection in Europe.

One of the gorier items in the family collection is the bloodstained waistcoat worn by King Charles I at his execution. You can see it displayed in the Great Hall.

The notorious murals and portraits painted by the current Lord Bath decorate the private apartments and can be seen on morning guided tours of the ground floor. One reason for the family feud, as seen in the BBC documentary, was Viscount Weymouth's removal of one of the murals - his wife said they smelled. She meant they smelled of oil paint, but some art critics have been of the same opinion.

Longleat Safari Park

When Longleat first opened its safari park in the 1960s, the locals worried about lions roaming around the Wiltshire countryside. It's not an idle worry.

One of the revealing snippets of All Change at Longleat was the fact that estate managers carefully check the three miles of fencing around the safari park every day. They don't expect the big cats to tunnel out. But if a large branch falls in the night, it could provide a ladder for a lion or tiger to climb over a fence.

Visitors don't have to worry - as long as they stay safely locked in their cars. As you drive through, you can expect close encounters with wolves, giraffes, rhinos, two prides of the famous black-maned Longleat lions and, if you are lucky, the shy Siberian tigers. Thegangs of Rhesus monkeys that commit all kinds of mayhem on cars passing through the monkey jungle are very popular with families. And, if you take a boat ride on the park's lake, you may spot members of the new colony of lowland gorillas on the island in the middle. This was once the home of Nico, the park's Silverback gorilla who was one of the world's oldest known Silverbacks and a widower. He lived in splendid isolation on his own island. Sadly, Nico died at 56 years of age in 2018. The new gorillas are now settling in.

Also settling in is the family of Koalas. The park has created an Aussie paradise for them at Koala Creek.

Besides being a park attraction, with more than 100 species to see, Longleat plays a vital role in international breeding, conservation and rescue programs. Every year there are new arrivals. In 2019 the park celebrated the birth of two Amur Tiger cubs. This endangered species is the world's largest cat. Later in the year, seven wolf cubs were born in Wolf Wood.

Longleat Essentials

• Where: Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 7NW England
• Phone: +44 (0)1985 844 400  
• Visit their website
• Open:  Longleat House, the Safari Park and the Adventure Park (with a superb Maze) are open from late March to November 1, from November 13 to December 6 and from December 11 to January 3, except for Christmas Day. Last admission and closing times vary based on daylight hours. Check the website for dates and times because opening days and hours vary slightly from year to year.
• Admission: Adult, child and senior tickets (for 60+) are available for the whole park, including Longleat House, or for the house and garden only. No family tickets are offered but online tickets cost 15% less than full price.
• By car: Longleat is just off the A36 between Bath and Salisbury on the A362 Warminster – Frome road. It's about 106 miles and 2.5 hours from London.
• By train: From London, take the Paddington to Penzance service to Westbury Station, 12 miles from Longleat. Warminster Station, 5 miles away, can be reached from London Waterloo, changing at Salisbury or from London Paddington, changing at Bath Spa. Check National Rail Enquiries for times and prices.    Taxi s from both stations can be booked.

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Longleat safari park – a great family day out.

Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire has a well deserved reputation as the UK’s leading safari and families will discover that along with this incredible experience, there’s so much more on offer here that you’ll want to return again and again.

*AD / This post contains affiliate links & as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also have been compensated in this post either financially or with products / stays. To read more see our  Disclosure Policy .

We drove into Longleat Safari Park with a slight sense of wariness, not knowing quite what to expect. This drive-through safari takes two to three hours to complete, set in the most wonderful countryside.

Our sense of anticipation quickly turned to wonder as we drove in through the gates and into the most incredible open landscapes filled with animals from around the world. 

We downloaded the award-winning Longleat App which acts as your tour guide as you drive from one zone to the next and it is absolutely brilliant. The app locates you exactly where you are on your drive through the safari and a guide instantly tells you about the animals you are seeing, fascinating facts and points to look out for.

We were so impressed with the app, and it really enhanced our enjoyment of the Longleat safari drive-through. I would thoroughly recommend having the app installed for your trip to Longleat.

The Safari drive through takes you into a host of different territories including Lion Country, Cheetah Kingdom and the Big Game Park complete with white rhinos as well as camels, oryx and ostriches. You’ll see the most incredible safari sights as you drive slowly past the animals.

It very much feels like you’re visiting their large and spacious natural habitats rather than them being ‘on show’ which is great to see. 

We adored every part of the Safari at Longleat, including spotting the wolf pack on the move, giraffes gently eating leaves as we passed by and of course, the immersive ‘monkey mayhem’ zone where you come up close with a troop of inquisitive macaques.

It wasn’t long before we had monkeys climbing up onto our car roof and windscreen, and little faces peered through the windows much to the squeals of delight from my children. These cheeky macaques are well known for making off with anything loose on the outside of your vehicle or nibbling at your car aerial, so you can bypass this area if you want, but we thoroughly enjoyed this memorably up-close experience. 

If you’re keen to take time out of the car on the safari, one stop not to miss is the African Village where you can park up, take a stroll along the Lemur Walk-Through, spot giraffes, zebras and black wildebeest. There’s also giraffe feeding here for a small additional charge which is a wonderful experience.

We were so impressed with the Drive Through at Longleat Safari Park and it’s easy to see why it has become one of the most popular in the UK.

The fun at Longleat Safari Park doesn’t stop there. The sheer amount of activities on offer at Longleat is astonishing, so we would recommend making sure you have a full day to explore everything there is to enjoy.

Next to the Historic Longleat house is a wealth of brilliant family friendly activities all based around the main square. 

We started with the delightful Jungle Cruise which takes you on a half-hour boat trip past two resident hippos, along to a lakeside gorilla colony which is far enough away from the boat to be easily seen but not disturbed by their human visitors.

Then we were treated to a few minutes of fun from a group of Californian sea lions who were leaping and dashing through the water eager to catch a few fish thrown by the boat staff. This is a really lovely trip which makes it easy once again to see some wonderful animals without getting too close and disturbing their activities. 

There are plenty of places to grab food and refreshments back at the main square where you’ll find something for all tastes. If your kids are keen to burn off some energy the Adventure Castle is well worth a visit with zip wires, a medieval castle keep as well as climbing frames, trampolines and slides.

There’s a splash pad and soft play for little ones so it’s easy to spend a good hour here. We also loved the hedge maze which my kids thought was fantastic fun.

The maze twists and turns and you can spend lots of time here trying different routes in order the reach the centre and then onto the exit.

If you’re looking to explore a little further and want to skip the walking for a while, the Longleat Railway is a great way to journey around the grounds and spot more animals. This miniature railway takes you on a one-and-a-quarter mile journey through scenic woodlands and along the side of the tranquil half-mile lake, home to the hippos and seal ions.

For younger visitors there’s a new play area called the Little Explorer’s Garden as well as a gentle ‘Rockin Rhino’ fun fair style ride. There are plenty of chances to get up close with animals too in Monkey Temple where you can hand feed bright and colourful lorikeets, meet new arrivals on Koala Creek and spot otters and crocodiles in Jungle Kingdom.

Each of these areas are great family friendly attractions where you can spend plenty of time exploring and learning more about the natural world.

The house itself has incredible grounds which are so pleasant to explore. There are wonders around every corner from the ornate formal gardens, the cool orangery and the spacious corner dedicated to a pet cemetery in memory of the many animals who lived with the family in the house.

The house is a glorious masterpiece of Elizabethan architecture and you can visit it by booking a tour. We hadn’t left ourselves enough time to fit in the house tour, so we’re looking forward to coming back and enjoying more of the house and safari park.

Longleat Safari Park’s reputation as one of the best attractions in the UK for families is well deserved and comes thoroughly recommended. You can find out more about Longleat, its attractions and Safari drive through at the official website here .

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Explore the UK's first safari park at Longleat

Longleat, wiltshire.

Feed giraffes by hand and walk on the wildside with lemurs at this popular safari park, found in the picturesque grounds of historic Longleat House.

First opened in 1966, Longleat Safari Park was the first drive-through attraction of its kind outside Africa, and it's still running strong today. With countless species of animals and attractions like Penguin Island, Stingray Bay, Jungle Cruise and an adventure castle, it's a great day out for the entire family. Explore the animal habitats on a road tour through the park, before stepping onto the Main Square and venturing into koala habitats, outdoor playgrounds and hedge mazes.

Special events run throughout the year, including the ever-popular Festival of Lights over the Christmas period; this large display of illuminated Chinese lanterns adorns the entire parkland and adds a touch of festivity to everything. And, of course, visitors can also extend their stay in the area with a tour through Longleat House and its surrounding pleasure gardens.

Longleat Safari Park is due to re-open on Monday 15 June - make sure to check the website through the link below for availability and opening times.

• Find out more about Longleat
• Find more wildlife and nature reserves in Wiltshire

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Longleat Safari & Adventure Park

Warminster, Wiltshire, United Kingdom (UK)

• https://www.longleat.co.uk

Longleat was the first safari park outside Africa and remains one of Britain’s top family days out, with sprawling, drive-through enclosures that are home to lions, tigers, giraffe, hippo and the park’s shyest residents – a family of cheetahs. Visitors can drive their own cars, or take the safari bus, which operates a 1.5-hour guided tour through the park.

The Market Square area is home to a range of animal enclosures, including the Jungle Kingdom, which has a walk-through meerkat enclosure, Koala Creek and giant otters and crocodiles. Every day there are live shows and the chance to get up close with some of the smaller, tamer species.

Getting there & doing it

It takes about 2-2.5 hours to drive from London to Longleat. Trains from Paddington stop at Westbury (1.5 hours), which is 12 miles from Longleat (taxis are available at the station).

When to do it

The park is open from early March to early November, seven days a week. Christmas is a great time to visit, with a super Santa’s Grotto accessed by a magical train ride.

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Longleat Safari Park Review, All You Need To Know

December 12, 2023, written by shayle, longleat safari park is one of our favourite places to visit as a family. we have visited during every season and loved every minute we spent there. here’s our review of longleat safari park and all you need to know..

Are you planning a family trip to Longleat Safari Park and Estate? In this blog post, we’ll share our comprehensive Longleat Safari Park review and tips to help you make the most of your visit, from the different ways to explore the safari park to our top money-saving ideas.

What’s at Longleat Safari Park?

Longleat Safari Park is located in  Wiltshire . It is home to various animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, and many more. You can drive through the drive-through safari park in your car or take a guided tour to see the animals up close. In addition to the safari park , Longleat also features a walking safari, boat safari, stately home, gardens, and a range of other attractions and activities for visitors of all ages.

Longleat in Wiltshire was the pioneer of drive-through safari parks outside Africa. In 1966, on the 5th of April, it opened its doors to an enormous crowd of 486,500 visitors who came to witness the majestic lions of Longleat. Around 106,000 cars and 1,950 coaches went to the park during the first year.

Who is Longleat Safari Park suitable for?

Longleat Safari Park is suitable for anyone who loves animals and wants to experience a unique and exciting day out. It’s an excellent place for families with children, as various activities and attractions keep everyone entertained. We would say it’s most ideal for kids between the ages of 2 and 12, but it’s still enjoyable for children 13 years or older.

Is Longleat Safari Park accessible for disabled visitors?

The park is reachable by car and relatively flat, perfect for push and wheelchairs. There are several accessible toilets available, and changing facilities come equipped with adjustable changing benches and hoists near the Main Square. Additionally, there is a designated wheelchair area on the boat. They offer concessionary tickets and a queue assist scheme. For more accessibility information, visit Longleat’s website.

Is Longleat Safari Park expensive?

It’s probably the highest price we would play for a day at a zoo/safari park; however, it’s exceptional value for money for the amount your ticket gives you access to. The park is beautifully maintained, and the animals are thoroughly cared for. It’s a day out you will remember. There are optional extras like animal feeding, food, gifts, etc. But, they are not essential to have a great time. After entry costs, we only spend an extra £1.50 feeding the sea-lions during the day. You can view prices and buy tickets here.

What does your day ticket include?

• The drive-through safari experience.
• The walking safari and boat safari.
• Explore many attractions, including Longleat railway, adventure castle, rockin’ rhino and the hedge maze.
• Longleat’s stunning grounds and gardens.
• Special seasonal events (events taking place on your chosen visit date. Some restrictions apply. For more information, visit their  seasonal events page .)

We like to start the day at the African Village

We love to begin the day at the African village , where you leave the car and get up close to the animals, especially if we’ve had a lengthy drive already; it’s good to stretch our legs and use the facilities.

Here, you can feed giraffes, which is such a fun experience! There is also the lemur walk-through, which is perfect for little ones. We’ve even seen Ben Fogle filming for Animal Park in the lemur walk-through on one of our visits.

If you fancy a drink or a snack before returning to the car and beginning the Safari, consider checking out the Watering Hole Café. You can also find visitor toilets and the African Traders gift shop nearby.

Next, we head back to the car to head into the first part of the car safari, the East African Reserve.

Then we began the drive-through safari

Before embarking on your safari tour, wind up your windows and hide all the sandwiches. To enhance your experience, don’t forget to download the award-winning Longleat App . This pocket-sized guide includes exclusive audio commentary by Animal Park’s Kate Humble, guiding you through the incredible animals you’ll encounter on your drive.

We like to do the drive-through safari as early as possible, and when we stick to this, we dodge lengthy queues! The safari is long and takes you through the gorgeous woodland.

Will the monkeys damage your car?

You can bypass the monkeys if you prefer; there are cautionary signs about the potential damage they may cause to your vehicle. We drove through the monkey enclosure and, fortunately, did not experience any harm to our car. It was pretty fun when the monkeys climbed onto our vehicle. However, we did witness a few other cars that could have been more fortunate and had their rubber stripping and windshield wipers pulled off by the monkeys.

We loved Tiger Territory. Longleat’s Amur tigers are truly magnificent creatures. Yana and Red, both four years old, arrived at Longleat in 2018 as part of an international breeding program. Their cubs, Yuki and Rusty, were born in July 2019.

Can you get out of your car at the safari drive-through?

In most areas, your doors and windows need to be firmly shut – but there are more relaxed opportunities, too. You can purchase deer food to feed the deer and wind down your window. It’s important to note that the deer can be pretty persistent regarding food, and some people may feel uncomfortable or uneasy around them. Additionally, if you stop at the park, be prepared for your car to get a bit dirty from deer drool. If this isn’t something you’re comfortable with, you can bypass this section.

The safari drive-through takes roughly 2-3 hours to complete when there is little queuing, so factor that into your day.

Boat safari

Once at the main park, we like to head straight for the boat safari . There is usually a queue, but it can be hectic at peak times.

We loved the boat safari, a unique part of the zoo. We caught a glimpse of the gorilla colony. Additionally, we had the opportunity to feed the sea lions, who always seem to be hungry and very friendly. We purchased a pot of fish for £1.50, which was well spent. The sea lions followed us alongside the boat, barking and jumping for the fish. We also saw a hippo relaxing in the distance.

Please note that while the boat is wheelchair accessible, pushchairs must be left at the quay. Additionally, any young explorers must be accompanied by an adult.

Time to explore the main park

The walking safari is the most hands-on zoo experience we have ever encountered. You can feed rainbow lorikeets nectar straight from your hand when you purchase a cup from the feeding station. In the wild, they mainly feed on fruit and pollen, but nectar is their preferred indulgence. 

We visited the family farmyard , which is lovely for younger children to interact with animals like donkeys and bunnies. The keepers here were so friendly and knowledgeable. They engaged the kids. 

You can also witness animal encounter shows throughout the day, led by incredibly knowledgeable keepers. Learn about and interact with snakes, spiders, guinea pigs, tortoises, millipedes, stick insects, cockroaches, ferrets, and rats.

There are attractions to enjoy, too, such as the hedge maze . Added to the estate in 1978, the hedge maze is the largest maze at Longleat and the biggest in Britain. It’s made up of over 16,000 English yew trees, which the grounds and gardens team have to keep in tip-top condition. A visit to the hedge maze can take 20 to 90 minutes, depending on how good you are at finding your way to the middle!

There’s just so much; there are rides like the rocking rhino, a train ride and much more.

Conservation at Longleat

Longleat is proud to support various conservation projects locally and globally. They focus on the UK and three world regions where they work with partner organisations. They concentrate efforts on particular species in these areas. In Asia, they help with the conservation of red pandas and elephants. In Australia, they assist with bushfire recovery work and focus on the southern koala. In Africa, they support a broader range of species across different countries, all in partnership with TUSK.

Longleat House

The 8th Marquess and Marchioness of Bath’s residence, Longleat House, is a stunning example of Elizabethan architecture and houses one of the most important private collections in the UK.

Longleat has been home to the Thynne family for sixteen generations, and their private collection is one of the most significant in Britain. The house’s walls were adorned with hundreds of paintings, including depictions of famous historical figures and members of the Thynne family dating back to the house’s construction by Sir John Thynne in the late 16th century.

The Great Hall features massive hunting scenes painted by John Wootton in the 1730s, while other rooms showcase exquisite tapestries, hand-painted Chinese wallpaper, and ornate Venetian-style ceilings.

Longleat also boasts a wealth of incredible furniture and thousands of historical documents, including around 44,000 books in seven libraries. Visitors can also see items used by the Thynne family, such as 19th-century christening robes and a lead-lined, cooper-built bath that was in use until 1946.

Walking through the vast halls and lavish chambers is like stepping back in time. Once you’ve finished admiring the house’s significance, explore the gorgeous gardens and Capability Brown-designed grounds that envelop it.

You can add a tour to your day ticket or membership for a nominal fee.

Can I take my dog to Longleat Safari Park?

Please be advised that Longleat Grounds do not allow dogs or other pets except in their kennelling facilities. This policy applies to Longleat House and associated courtyards, the formal grounds and car parks, and the Longleat Safari Park animal areas and attractions.

If you plan to bring your dog, you may use the kennelling facilities at the entrance to the safari drive-through for the day, subject to availability. Please note that advanced booking is not possible. The kennels at the entrance are basic, so you may bring food, water, blankets, or something that reminds your dog of home. Please be aware that the dogs are not supervised while in the kennels and are left at your own risk. However, a padlock will be provided upon request. Please note that this policy does not apply to Service Dogs, although restrictions apply.

Our top tips for visiting Longleat Safari Park to get the most for your money!

Arrive early

We always have difficulty fitting everything into one day at Longleat because there is so much to see and do. That’s why we have visited over and over again. Unfortunately, some attractions close earlier than others. Getting there early is best, especially if you are visiting in Winter.

Plan your visit in advance

Longleat Safari Park is a popular attraction, so planning your visit is a good idea. Check the park’s website for opening times, ticket prices, and any special events that may be taking place. You might even find discounts online. 

Pack a picnic

We always pack a picnic to save money; many picnic areas are in the park. Enjoy lunch in the beautiful surroundings or the car on your way around the safari drive-through.

How does Longleat Safari Park compare to other safari parks?

Longleat Safari Park is considered one of the top safari parks in the UK, and if we are truthful, it’s our favourite, and we will travel specifically to visit it. What makes Longleat Safari Park different from other safari parks is that it is not only a safari park but also a stately home with beautiful gardens and a range of other attractions.

Other popular safari parks in the UK include Woburn Safari Park, Knowsley Safari Park , and West Midland Safari Park. Ultimately, the best safari park for you will depend on your personal preferences and interests.

Where to stay nearby

Retreat to one of seven beautifully renovated self-catering cottages. Enjoy your very own self-catered Longleat Cottage, boasting views out over the Safari Park’s East African Reserve, the sprawling lawns of Longleat House or the picturesque woodland of the Longleat Estate.

Keepers House

We highly recommend the Keeper’s House for a luxury experience. This property is immersed within the safari on the east side of the Estate. You overlook the East African Reserve, the home of Longleat’s herd of Grant’s zebras and Rothschild’s giraffes. The Keeper’s House comprises two bedrooms, one equipped with a super king bed, while the other features twin beds that can be combined to form a double bed upon request.

A house has been at this location since 1804; it was initially built for the Longleat deer keeper. In 1890, the original building was almost entirely demolished and rebuilt by local builder John Vallis of Frome, based on the designs of Longleat’s Clerk of Works, William Buckenham. Following the opening of ‘The Lions of Longleat’ in 1966 as the first safari park outside of Africa, the house was converted into two separate cottages for animal keepers.

Center Parks Longleat Forest holiday breaks

Nestled within Longleat Forest, this spacious village offers a variety of activities, restaurants, and lodging options. You can even gaze up at Giant Redwoods, some of the tallest trees in Europe! For those seeking adventure, themed golf and escape rooms are available. And if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, spend quality time with loved ones in aqua sana. Learn more here.

Whitbourne Farm

Whitbourne Farm is in Corsley, just 5.1 km from Longleat Safari Park. With a beautiful garden and access to a patio, this holiday home offers free private parking and full-day security. The home boasts a hot tub, a terrace with stunning garden views, and a cosy living room. Guests can enjoy the outdoor dining area or the warmth of the fireplace on colder days—a great option if you are visiting the safari park and want to stay nearby.

Find further information here.

Nearby attractions 

If you’re staying nearby, why not visit Stonehenge ? This natural wonder is less than 20 miles away and provides plenty of open space to explore and learn. And if you’re interested in castles, several in the area, including Old Wardour Castle , are just a 30-minute drive away.

Longleat Safari Park is a fantastic destination that offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. The park’s commitment to conservation and animal welfare is evident throughout. With many attractions and activities, Longleat Safari Park is perfect for a day or even a weekend.

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How To Get Cheap & Discounted Longleat Tickets (10 Ways!)

This post may contain Affiliate Links

Longleat is a fantastic day out for all the family. However, Longleat tickets are not cheap and entry for a family of four costs over £135. In this post, I look at how to get cheap and discounted Longleat tickets.

We recently took a trip to Longleat which is billed as being one of the best Safaris and Animal parks in the UK.

While we have visited several times before, I was surprised at how much ticket prices had increased since our last visit two and half years ago (£10 per person!).

Of course, I think as with everything, Covid, rising energy costs and inflation have all had an impact.

However, I was still keen to get a discount on our tickets if I could and fortunately for us a member of our party had a Blue Light Card, so I was able to 30% off our tickets.

How Much Are Longleat Tickets?

Prices correct as of 27/02/23

Adult (16yrs+) £39.95

Child (3-15yrs) £29.95

Infant (0-2yrs) £0.00

Carer (Any) £0.00

What Do Longleat Tickets Include?

Longleat tickets include access to the Safari drive-through and other attractions back at the main house such as the Longleat Railway, Boat Safari, Animal Adventures, hedge maze, children’s play areas and much more.

Tickets do not include entry to the house which is an additional £4.95 for a tour – you will be asked whether or not you would like to do this when you book.

Longleat run lots of special event throughout the year and you may need to purchase additional tickets for these or book a specific ticket that includes both safari entry and the special event.

If you don’t want to drive through the Safari in your own vehicle, you can pay an additional £9 per person (under 3s are free) to take the Longleat Safari bus. This cannot be booked in advance and must be booked when you arrive via Guest Services. The bus runs twice daily on a first come first serve basis and the journey through the Safari takes around two hours.

How To Get Discounted Longleat Tickets

1. purchase a longleat annual pass.

One of the biggest ways you can save money on the cost of Longleat tickets is by purchasing an annual pass.

An annual pass costs £100 per year and starts from the day you first use the pass, not the date purchased.

This means if you’re able to visit more than three times in a year you’ll be making a saving.

Of course, there are other things to factor in here such as how close you live to Longleat, travel costs and so on. We live around an hour and twenty minutes from Longleat and for now, it feels just too far for us to consider this as an option.

Annual passes may also be worth considering if you often holiday in the area, especially if you can work it so your holidays are within the same year eg the end of July and then the beginning of July.

As well as unlimited entry to Longleat you’ll also get discounts on VIP experiences at the park and in shops and food outlets.

It’s worth noting that Longleat isn’t open year-round and even with an annual pass you’ll still need to book ahead of time which costs £1 and is donated to charity.

Longleat Annual Pass Ticket Prices

Adult (16-59yrs) £100.00

Child (3-15yrs) £75.00

Senior (60yrs+) £90.00

Carer (Any) – Must be accompanying a guest with additional needs.

2. Longleat Military Discount Tickets

Longleat Military discount tickets can be booked via the link below and entitle anyone working for the military plus up to five guests travelling with them to 30% off standard ticket prices. Under threes go free and are not counted in the total number of guests.

A valid Military ID will be required on arrival to validate the tickets.

Longleat Military Discount Tickets

3. Longleat Emergency Services Discount Tickets

Longleat also offers a 30% discount to those working in the emergency services, such as the police, fire service, NHS and ambulance services. As before, this discount is valid for up to six guests total (including the emergency services worker) all arriving together and those under three go free and do not count towards guest numbers.

A relevant ID card will be required on arrival to validate the tickets (blue Light Cards and Company IDs are accepted)

Longleat Emergency Services Discount

4. Longleat Bluelight Discount Tickets

Anyone with a Blue Light Card will be pleased to know that it can be used for discounted Longleat Tickets and the discount is 30%.

As with the emergency services and military discounts, it is valid for up to six guests including the cardholder themselves (must all arrive together) and under threes are free and not counted towards this limit.

Blue Light Card is required on arrival to validate the tickets

Longleat Blue Light Discount

How Do I Sign Up For A Blue Light Card?

Blue Light Cards are available to anyone working in emergency services and the NHS but also to those working in other care-related jobs such as social workers and care home workers.

There are even some volunteer roles that are eligible such as those that volunteer for the RLNI or St. Johns Ambulance.

You are required to provide evidence of either your company ID or a Payslip and membership costs £5 per two years.

Find out more about who is entitled to a Blue Light Card.

5. Free Longleat Tickets For Blue Peter Badge Holders

You’ll be pleased to know that if your child has a Blue Peter Badge and Card then they can get free entry to Longleat provided they are accompanied by a full-paying adult.

However, there are quite a few T&Cs to this discount including not being able to book online in advance (tickets must be purchased at the gate), not being valid with any other discounts and not being valid during the winter season or on event days in the summer.

As Longleat advises tickets should be purchased in advance to avoid disappointment, you might not want to risk not booking ahead and then being denied entry on arrival.

Longleat Blue Peter Badge Terms

6. Turn Tesco Vouchers Into Cheap Longleat Tickets

If you have Tesco Clubcard vouchers then you can turn these into cheap Longleat tickets as they will be worth three times their value.

Every £0.50 in Tesco vouchers can be into £1.50 to use with Longleat (or £1 from 14 June 2023). 

You simply create your Clubcard vouchers either on the app or on the Tesco website and purchase your tickets through the link below.

There is no need to have the full amount in Tesco Vouchers, you can simply pay the difference.

Longleat Tesco Clubcard Tickets

7. Free Longleat Tickets For Carers and Under 3s.

If your child is under three then there is no need to purchase a ticket for them when visiting Longleat. We made the most of this taking our daughter for both her first and second birthdays!

Carers can also get free tickets when accompanying someone who needs care. Evidence of this is required on arrival such as Blue Badge or DLA award letter.

8. More Than 12 In your Party? Book A Discounted Longleat Group Day Ticket

Did you know that Longleat offer discounts to large groups? If there are twelve or more at your party you can get a 20% discount off standard prices.

Find prices and terms here: Longleat Discounted Group Tickets

9. Staying At Center Parcs Longleat? Book Discounted Longleat Tickets Through Center Parcs

If you’re staying at Longleat Center Parcs you may be able to get discounted Longleat tickets when booked through the Center Parcs website.

This used to be quite a generous discount but in recent years seems to have been reduced to around £5 so you might find using a Blue Light Card or some of the other discounts mentioned above will give you more money off if you want to visit during a Center Parcs stay.

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10. Longleat Local Discount Tickets

Anyone living in the following postcodes can get discounted annual passes to Longleat.

Adults can save £15 on the cost of an annual pass and children can save £11.25. When purchasing your annual pass you’ll need both ID and proof of address.

Can I Change The Date Of My Longleat Tickets?

Once booked, you can change the date of your Longleat Tickets but this is charged at £5 per person and tickets can only be moved three times within the same year.

Are Discounted Longleat Tickets Refundable?

When booking in advance, Longleat Tickets are non-refundable.

However, you can purchase insurance which costs £5 per booking. We did this to give us peace of mind should we need to cancel and because we were already getting quite a generous discount by using a blue light card.

Can I Use Nectar Points To Buy Longlet Tickets?

Unfortunately, Longleat is not currently one of the retailers at which you can spend Nectar points.

However, you could spend your Nectar points on food and drink for a picnic for your visit, as you are allowed to take your own food and drink into Longlet.

Can I Get 2-for-1 Longlet Tickets?

There are no current discounts or offers that give 2-for-1 Longlet tickets.

However, if you are a carer for someone with disabilities, you can receive a complimentary ticket. T&Cs apply and you will be asked for proof (such as a blue badge) when you arrive at Longleat.

Are Longleat Tickets Worth The Money?

We enjoyed our recent trip to Longleat, however, there is no hiding the fact that it is not a cheap day out.

For us, the most enjoyable part of the trip was the Safari, which in total took us around three hours. This included stopping to get out of the car at the African Village and then continuing around the Safari including quite a long stint with the monkeys!

The monkey drive-through was by far our four-year-old’s favourite part of the day.

When it comes to the other attractions back behind the main house, certain areas could do with some improvement, in particular the Animal Adventure zone which is quite run down and dilapidated.

We were also disappointed to see lots of attractions had closed since our previous visits such as the Bat Cave and Butterfly House but hadn’t been replaced with anything new.

How Can I Save Money At Longleat Sarafi Park?

Now you’ve read all about the different ways you can get cheap and discounted Longleat Tickets you might also be looking for ways to save money while you’re there.

Luckily, I have a post on just that!

How To Save Money At Longleat Safari Park

What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Longleat Safari Park?

Longleat Safari Park is a great day out at any time of year.

We have found our most enjoyable visits crowd-wise to be during the summer, during term time – we usually try and visit on an inset day if possible.

Once you’ve parked and headed into Longleat, there isn’t a huge amount of shelter or indoor activities. We had one June trip where it rained pretty much the whole time we were there and we were pretty wet and grumpy by the end of the day.

Something else to take into consideration is that when on Safari there are areas where you can’t open your car windows.

If you don’t have air conditioning this can be very hot in the height of summer!

I hope these tips help you to save money on your next trip to Longleat!

2 thoughts on “ How To Get Cheap & Discounted Longleat Tickets (10 Ways!) ”

That’s some good advice, Tesco was surprising

I can remember visiting Longleat Safari Park with my family as I kid and would love to go again. I wonder if I can also find a discount code or cashback offer for something like this.

Thanks for the tips 🙂

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Top 10 Facts about Longleat

Longleat house by Rurik - Wikimedia Commons

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Longleat House by Saffron Blaze – Wikimedia Commons

1. Longleat was bought for Sir John Thynn in 1541

2. longleat was used as a temporary hospital during wwi.

Longleat in England by Gerd Eichmann – Wikimedia Commons

3. Longleat was opened to the public at the end of the 1940s 

4. the safari park remains the star attraction for most visitors of longleat.

Longleat Safari & Adventure Park by Karen Roe – Wikimedia Commons

5. Longleat staged the Red Bull Air Race in 2005

6. longleat is home to more than 1,200 animals.

Longleat Safari Park – Zebra by Anthony Parkes – Wikimedia Commons

7. The Longleat hedge maze is considered the world’s longest

8. longleat has been the host location for several film productions.

Longleat house by Rurik – Wikimedia Commons

9. Longleat is recorded as having one of the largest private book collections in Europe

10. a variety of different nobles inherited longleat .

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Fun Day Out At Longleat Safari Park

Last month when Sam and I visited Wiltshire, we took a day trip to Longleat Safari Park. I had wanted to visit Longleat for ages and it ended up being such a fun day out!

Safari Drive Through

When you arrive at the Longleat safari entrance they hand you a CD. This guides you through each section of the safari with some information about the animals. The first stop is the African village and walking safari where you can park your car to get out to explore.

We then decided to brave the Monkey drive through. The monkeys will jump on your car and could possibly break something. Sam has to get a new back windscreen wiper! However, it is a lot of fun watching the monkeys jump all over other people’s cars and seeing the cute babies .  If you don’t want to risk it then you can just take the by pass lane and carry onto the next part of the safari or take a bus which you can organise through Longleat here .

Longleat House

How long does the Safari take?

The Safari drive through takes between 2-3 hours depending how busy it is and how long you want to spend in each area

Do you have to drive?

If you don’t fancy driving around the Safari you can book a safari bus service at Guest Services daily, these are subject to availability. There are also lot’s of areas near Longleat House which you can walk around instead of doing the safari.

On the safari drive the only toilet stop is at the African village, there are none after that until back at Longleat house and main square so make sure you visit before starting the tour.

Feeding the animals

• You can feed the Giraffe at 10.30am or 2pm at the African Village
• Feed the Deer for £1
• Opportunity to feed the sea lions on the boat trip for £1
• Check out this page for more Longleat feeding times

Where to eat?

There are plenty of food options such as pizzas, burgers, sandwiches or snacks. You can eat at The Watering Hole Café, The Chameleon Tree Restaurant and Coffee House, The Orangery, Cellar Café or Pizza Piazza.

Address: Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW – if using a sat nav use this post code BA12 7JS

Longleat is just off the A36 between Bath and Salisbury

We had such a fun day at Longleat, make sure you arrive early as there’s so much to do and so many different areas to explore.

Cost – £33.95 at gate or £28.85 online

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My trip to Longleat Safari Park was complimentary in exchange for this review. However, all views and opinions are my own.

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12 comments.

I really must go to Longleat! Safari in our own country.

enjoytheadventures2017

Yeah it’s so cool having a Safari in the UK!

Dippy-Dotty Girl

Gorgeous photos Jess. The shortbread-loving deer are too cute!

Thanks the deer were adorable!

At first i thought this was in Africa… thats really cool, great pictures and a nice read.

enjoytheadventures

Yeah it doesn’t seem like somewhere in the UK. Thanks for reading 🙂

I never knew there was safari in the UK! This looks like such a good day out! Its 3 hours from me so not to bad at all!! Thanks for the tips!! xx

Thanks! It’s worth a visit such a fun day out x

Its now on the UK bucket list!!! Thank you!!! xxx

tumbling into wonderland

I love Longleat! We’ve never been brave enough to drive through the monkeys, we’ve seen too many horror stories.

If I visit again I’ll definitely avoid the monkeys!

This looks absolutely amazing and not too far from us (Gloucestershire)! I’m planning a sort of staycation in the October half term and looking for more things to do so I’ve just emailed hubby your blog post as I think this is a must!

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Find your break

Highlands End

Graston copse.

Immerse yourself in the animal kingdom with a visit to the UK’s original safari park. Are you ready for six and a half miles of incomparable drive-through experience with over 40 different species to see? Enter a land of adventure where lions roam, tigers stalk and monkeys swing.

In the main square there is plenty to see, including koala creek, giant otters and crocodiles, a jungle cruise on the lake, the gorilla colony, jungle kingdom, monkey temple, the bat cave and more. There are family-friendly activities including the hedge maze, the family farmyard, adventure castle and the longleat railway.

Make your visit even more memorable with a VIP experience. Feed the gorillas, get up close and personal with penguins or go behind the scenes with red pandas. Explore the Longleat House with its sweeping corridors and grand rooms that transport you back in time. Exploring this stunning example of high Elizabethan architecture is a day out in itself. Discover 15 rooms of the stately home, see the art collection, explore the formal gardens and view the exhibitions.

Events throughout the year include a food & drink festival, the sky safari with hot air balloons, firework displays and the festival of light, which is not to be missed. Longleat is open throughout most of the year and tickets can be booked online in advance or on the day upon arrival.

Book online to guarantee your entry

Where to find Longleat

Based on 21606 reviews

Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW

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55.2 miles from Highlands End and Eype Beach

56.0 miles from Golden Cap

56.3 miles from Graston Copse

48.8 miles from Sandyholme

01985 844400

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Roaring with adventure and wild encounters, Longleat Safari Park offers an unforgettable experience for all animal lovers.

We are now offering discounted family tickets for staying guests.

Visit the website here

Longleat Safari Park is a must-visit destination for animal lovers, adventure seekers, and families alike. With over 900 animals and 120 species, there is something for everyone to experience and enjoy. One of the top things to do at Longleat Safari Park is to take a safari drive through the park. This 5-mile long route takes you through different landscapes such as African savannah, Asian jungle, and even a lion enclosure. As you drive through, you will get up close and personal with animals like rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and more. The safari drive also includes a monkey enclosure, where the cheeky residents may even hop onto your car!

Aside from the safari drive, Longleat Safari Park also offers various animal encounters and experiences. Visitors can hand-feed giraffes, lemurs, and even meerkats.

For those seeking a more educational experience, Longleat Safari Park has a wide range of talks and demonstrations throughout the day. These include feeding sessions, where visitors can watch the animals receive their meals, and keeper talks, where they can learn about the daily care and conservation efforts for different species.

In addition to the animal attractions, Longleat Safari Park also boasts stunning gardens and a magnificent stately home. The Longleat House, built in the 16th century, is open for tours and offers a glimpse into the lives of the Thynn family who have lived there for over 400 years. The house also has a variety of exhibitions and activities for children, making it a great educational experience for the whole family.

The Adventure Castle is a huge indoor playground with slides and rope bridges, perfect for kids to burn off some energy. The park also has a Jungle Cruise, where visitors can hop on a boat and sail through the gorilla enclosure, and a Jungle Kingdom, where they can explore a tropical rainforest and encounter animals like crocodiles and exotic birds.

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