Longleat House and Safari Park: A Majestic Blend of History and Wildlife Adventure
Explore the grandeur of Elizabethan Longleat House and embark on thrilling safaris at the UK’s pioneering wildlife park.
Longleat House, located near Warminster, England, is a grand stately home set within a sprawling estate that also hosts the UK’s first drive-through safari park. Visitors can explore the lavish historic interiors, wander extensive formal gardens, and embark on thrilling wildlife safaris featuring exotic animals including England’s only koalas. The estate offers diverse attractions such as a hedge maze, boat safari, and family-friendly play areas, making it a captivating destination for all ages.
A brief summary to Longleat House
- Longleat House, Warminster, BA12 7NW, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 3 to 6 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Book tickets online in advance to secure entry and access discounts, especially during peak seasons.
- Consider purchasing a 2-day ticket to fully enjoy the safari, house tours, and all attractions without rushing.
- Opt for the safari bus to avoid potential car damage from monkeys and to get better views of animals.
- Visit in the afternoon or outside school holidays for a calmer atmosphere and shorter queues.
- Don’t miss feeding opportunities, such as giraffe feeding in the African Village, which may require an extra fee.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car
Driving from Warminster town center takes approximately 15 minutes via A36 and A350. Free parking is available on-site, including accessible spaces near the Main Square. Note that the drive from the main car park to the safari start is about 15 minutes.
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Coach
Coach groups can access dedicated coach parking at Longleat. Travel times vary depending on departure point but expect around 30 minutes from nearby Salisbury. Advance booking for coach parking is recommended during peak periods.
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Public Transport
From Warminster railway station, local bus services connect to Longleat estate with a journey time of approximately 20-30 minutes. Bus frequency is limited on weekends and holidays, so check schedules in advance.
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Walking
Walking from Warminster town center is possible but involves a 6-7 km route over mixed terrain, taking about 1.5 hours. Suitable only for those prepared for a long walk and with good mobility.
Longleat House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Longleat House
A Storied Heritage and Architectural Grandeur
Longleat House stands as a masterpiece of Elizabethan architecture, built in the late 16th century and renowned for its ornate façades and richly decorated interiors. As the ancestral home of the Marquesses of Bath, the house showcases centuries of British aristocratic history, with grand rooms adorned with fine art, period furnishings, and intricate woodwork. The estate's formal gardens complement the house’s elegance, offering meticulously maintained landscapes that invite leisurely strolls amid sculptures, fountains, and seasonal blooms.The Pioneering Safari Park Experience
Longleat is famed for pioneering the drive-through safari park concept outside Africa, opening in 1966. Spanning vast parkland, the safari allows visitors to encounter free-roaming exotic animals such as lions, giraffes, rhinos, and meerkats from the safety of their vehicles or on the safari bus. Unique to Longleat are England’s only resident koalas, found in Koala Creek, alongside other captivating species like giant otters and red squirrels. The safari’s immersive design blends wildlife adventure with conservation education.Family-Friendly Attractions and Interactive Experiences
Beyond the safari and house tours, Longleat offers a variety of attractions to engage visitors of all ages. The famous hedge maze challenges guests to navigate its winding passages, while the Adventure Castle and Little Explorer’s Garden provide safe, imaginative play spaces for children. The boat safari on Half Mile Pond offers tranquil views and close encounters with sea lions and gorillas. Seasonal events like The Festival of Light and LEGO® Brick Week add festive charm and creative fun throughout the year.Visitor Amenities and Accessibility
The estate is well-equipped with amenities including cafés, restaurants, shops, and ample parking with accessible spaces near the Main Square. Guided tours of Longleat House are available, with self-guided options returning in 2026. The safari and attractions operate with seasonal opening hours, generally from 9:30am to 6pm or later during special events. Accessibility features and dedicated support for neurodiverse visitors enhance the welcoming atmosphere.Seasonal Highlights and Special Events
Longleat hosts a range of events that enrich the visitor experience, such as the spectacular Festival of Light during winter, featuring illuminated installations and themed displays. The annual Sky Safari hot air balloon festival offers breathtaking aerial views and vibrant entertainment, attracting visitors from across the region. Spring and summer bring opportunities to explore gardens in full bloom and enjoy extended daylight hours for safaris and outdoor activities.A Destination for All Interests and Ages
Whether you are drawn by history, wildlife, family fun, or seasonal festivities, Longleat House and Safari Park present a multifaceted destination. Its blend of cultural heritage and immersive animal encounters creates a unique experience that appeals to solo travelers, families, couples, and groups alike, making it one of Wiltshire’s premier attractions.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Nunney Castle
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Bath Quays Waterside
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Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum
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Monks Mill
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Archway
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The Pump Room Restaurant
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The EASTGATE
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Bath Guildhall Market
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Beazer Garden Maze
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Pulteney weir
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Victoria Art Gallery
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Pulteney Bridge
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Green Park Station
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Part of the mediaeval wall of the City of Bath
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Unmissable attractions to see
Longleat
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The Parish Church of St John the Baptist
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Rook Lane Chapel
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Catherine Hill
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Frome Weekly Market
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The Lamb & Fountain
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Shepton Mallet Prison
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Warleigh Weir
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Bath Skyline
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Bath CityViewpoint
22.1 km
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Bath
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SouthGate Bath
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Monument
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River Adventures Ltd
22.3 km
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The Forum
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Essential places to dine
Prezzo Italian Restaurant Bath
22.1 km
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Tapas Revolution.
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The Elder Restaurant
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Yak Yeti Yak
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Noya's Kitchen
22.4 km
Experience authentic Vietnamese home cooking in a charming Grade II listed Georgian setting in the heart of Bath.
Opa Bath
22.4 km
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Sotto Sotto
22.4 km
Discover authentic Italian cuisine in a romantic vaulted cellar setting beneath Bath’s historic streets.
La Perla
22.4 km
Discover authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant flavors in the cozy, atmospheric arches beneath Bath’s historic streets.
Tagine Zhor
22.5 km
Experience the rich flavors and warm hospitality of Morocco in the heart of Bath at Tagine Zhor, a vibrant and authentic Moroccan dining destination.
OAK Restaurant
22.5 km
Discover OAK Restaurant in Bath: exquisite vegetarian small plates crafted with local, seasonal ingredients in a cozy, historic setting.
Bar + Block Steakhouse Bath
22.6 km
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Browns Bath
22.6 km
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Bill's Bath Restaurant
22.6 km
A vibrant British restaurant in central Bath, perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner near the Theatre Royal and Bath Abbey.
Thai Balcony Restaurant
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Authentic Thai dining with a charming balcony view in the heart of Bath’s vibrant Seven Dials district.
Las Iguanas - Bath
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Experience bold Latin American flavors and vibrant cocktails in the heart of Bath’s lively Seven Dials district.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Luca & Fig
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My Small World Toy Store
22.2 km
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Urban Outfitters
22.3 km
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Hidden Store Bath
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Hauslife
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Bath Retro Store
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Topping & Company Booksellers of Bath
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Pinkart
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Nām
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The Roman baths shop
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Orange Grove Gifts and Souvenirs
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Wood & Burr
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Jacks of Bath
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Fancy That of London
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Bluebells of Bath
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Juno Bar and Kitchen
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ArtBar
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The Hideout
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Sleight Magic Bar
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The Grapes
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The Dark Horse
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Vino Vino
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Fidel Rum Bar
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The Bath Distillery Gin Bar
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The Old Green Tree
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The Raven
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Second Bridge
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Labyrinth Bar & Nightclub
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Komedia
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Zero / Zero
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Sub 13
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Lomah
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E11evn's Nightclub
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Motion
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Dare to Club
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Thekla
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PRYZM
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Popworld - Bristol
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Forró Bristol
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Family Friendly
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Family Friendly
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
