What is Longleat?
Longleat is an estate like no other, home to the 8th Marquess and Marchioness of Bath, as well as lions, zebras, gorillas and a score of other safari animals. Set on over 900 acres of land, an Elizabethan manor house is the center of the property, surrounded by a drive-through safari (with a walkable section!), containing over 120 different animal species. It also features railway tours, a boat experience and of course magnificent gardens.
The History of Longleat
Before the manor house was built it was an Augustinian priory, a religious monastery dedicated to Saint Mary. This first priory was built roughly 2 miles from what is now Longleat house. Sometime before 1235 (exact date unknown) a second priory (dedicated to Saint Radegun) was built where the current house stands today. The name Longleat comes from the word leat, meaning ‘an open watercourse conducting water to a mill’. This term originated with the Augustinian priory, which utilised a man-made stream to supply their mill.
In 1546, the building became a private residence, which burned down in 1567. Building for a new home began quickly, and the house was completed by 1580. While modifications have been made to the interiors and grounds (including the addition of State Rooms, corridors and grand staircases), the exterior and structure of the house have remained unchanged, preserving the rich history stretching into its cellars where the foundation of the priory can still be found today.
After over 20 years of construction, Longleat House was finished in 1580. Over 350 years later the 6th Marquess Henry Thynne made the decision to open the house to the public. Though today this is a common choice throughout historic homes in England, it was unusual in the time and Longleat was one of the first houses to do so. On April 1st 1949 the doors opened and visitors were permitted. Since then, Longleat has become one of the most popular sites to visit, ranking as the most popular country house to visit in the South West, and has ranked within the nation’s top 5 favourite country houses.
What to do at Longleat House
Guided Tours
Guided tours are available for booking in addition to a day ticket. Lasting about an hour, they are run by guides and offer exclusive access to the first floor. The tours run from 12:00 - 16:00 and can be booked online or purchased in person day of, located in Guest Services.
Self-Guided Tours
Self guided tours offer freedom to roam and explore the ground floor. This is included with Day Ticket purchase.
Longleat House Accessibility
There is limited mobility and wheelchair access through the back of the house. For families with young children, prams are not allowed but there is space to store yours in the front of the house.
How to See Longleat Safari
Longleat Safari is one of the most notable aspects of the estate. In 1966 the drive-through safari at Longleat opened. This followed a pattern of bold decisions to reshape the circumstances of the house and open it to the public. Notably, it was the first drive-through safari outside of Africa. Since its opening, the safari has become one of England’s biggest attractions and is notorious for its uniqueness. A charming BBC article offers some insight into the 60th anniversary of the park, you can read more here!
Accessing the Safari
There are multiple ways to explore the safari, each method offering different focuses and animals. Through the safari there are a plethora of different species and no matter which route you take you are bound to see fantastic wildlife.
By Car
- Driving through the safari is a great option for those with their own car. The car must have a hardtop cover and windows must stay up at all times (with some exceptions). Additionally, for those driving through, you can download the Longleat App, which has features to guide you through the drive, giving information on each animal exhibition. App available on Google and Apple stores.
- Monkey Drive-Through: The monkeys in the safari are known for being curious and hectic, and can damage your car. Longleat doesn’t take any responsibility, and there is an option to skip this section if you are concerned, known as the Monkey By-Pass Lane.
- The drive takes anywhere from 1-3 hours depending on your pace and how busy it is. Ensure you allow yourself enough time to enjoy it properly, while reserving sufficient time to explore the rest of the estate.
- The drive-through safari also offers extra experiences, such as feeding deer in the deer park.
On Foot
- Dedicted for walking exposure, part of the safari offers access to various mammals and birds at any pace you choose. You can reach this section through the main car park, or by stopping at a designated area during your drive through safari. Longleat notes that you can walk through the loop as many times as you’d like.
Safari Bus
- The Longleat Safari Bus is available for those who want to see the drive-through section but don’t have a car. It is an additional fee and is dependent on the availability of the day, as there is limited seating. There is wifi and air conditioning on the bus!
Safari Boat
- The Longleat Safari Boat goes up the half-mile pond, taking roughly 20 minutes. On the boat you get views of the gorilla and monkey colonies, as well as the sea lions. There are opportunities to feed them fish at an additional fee.
Longleat Railway
- The Longleat Railway follows a one and a quarter mile track through the parkland and passes by the pond and various animal exhibits. There are rides throughout the day beginning at 11:00 AM. Riders must be 15 or older, or accompanied by an adult. There is wheelchair access on the train.
VIP Tours
Additionally, you can book individual VIP Tours. These experiences involve a unique view, more hands-on interaction, and are guided by trained rangers who offer expert commentary. There are different tiers or experiences geared towards specific animals, such as the Lion or Gorilla VIP experience.
The Gardens at Longleat
The gardens at Longleat have grown and gone through several redesigns since the acquisition of the estate in 1541. In 1638 larger and more formal gardens inspired by Versailles were ordered. Through the 18th century the canal was widened into a river and the landscape was adjusted to personal tastes, including replacing the formal gardens and creating man-made ponds near the house. These ponds were altered in 1804, where they were merged into the larger ponds seen today. In 1852, formal gardens were reinstated - a style of landscaping built on geometric designs and symmetry. These lasted nearly a century before being redesigned in 1929. Additions kept coming, and in 1978 the Hedge Maze was built, one of the longest in the world. Numerous other changes have shaped the landscape into what it is today. The history of the gardens is something to consider as you are on the estate. Though the gardens may seem new and natural compared to the historic house, the outside landscape is just as much a part of the curated property and has a rich history of human touch.
The Hedge Maze
With over a mile and a half of paths, the hedge maze is three dimensional and built with over 16,000 English Yew trees. The maze has additional features to add fun including a tower in the center and several raised bridges.
Tickets
All tickets to Longleat can be booked on the Longleat website, available here!
Day Tickets
- Safari access including driving and walkthrough sites, boat cruise, train ride, access to the maze.
- Access to the ground floor of the house.
House and Garden Tickets
- Guided house tour and access to gardens.
VIP Animal Experiences
- Variety of specific animal experiences ranging from Lions to Meerkats, giving hands on and face to face interactions depending on the experience.
Travelling to Longleat
Parking
Parking for Longleat is free!
Travelling to Longleat By Car
Longleat is located in Warminster, Wiltshire. It's easily accessible and can be found just off the A36 between Bath and Salisbury.
Longleat requests that visitors ignore their sat nav directions as you approach Longleat, and instead follow the brown tourist signs, as not all navigation systems direct you to the correct location.
By Train
There are two train stations best suited for Longleat, Warminster Station and Westbury Station. From there, visitors can get a taxi to the estate, which is only a short drive away.
Longleat recommend two local taxi companies, which can be contacted on the numbers below:
- AAA Taxis 01985 846674
- DJ's Taxi's 01985 215151