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.
