Spend a Day at Longleat: Explore the Drive-Through Safari, Elizabethan House, and Seasonal Events

Nestled in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside near Warminster is Longleat Safari Park, one of the UK’s most exciting family attractions, offering a fantastic mix of wildlife encounters, historic architecture and seasonal events. Whether you are planning a family day out, a memorable adventure with friends or a festive winter escape, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Longleat in Wiltshire.

From getting up close to majestic giraffes and lions on the Drive-Through Safari, to exploring Longleat House, a magnificent Elizabethan stately home, this Wiltshire attraction offers a full day of adventure. And with spectacular events throughout the year, including their Icons of the Sky in September followed by the popular Festival of Light Christmas lantern trail, it’s by far THE destination to visit in every season!

Lions at Longleat Drive-Through Safari

Go on Longleat’s Safari and Meet Amazing Animals

Start your visit with the famous Drive-Through Safari, where you can discover wildlife from around the world by following along the path by Safari bus, or in the comfort of your own car. Look out for majestic lions, curious wolves and playful monkeys.! You can also explore African Village, home to animals including Zebras, Lemurs and African Painted Dogs.

The fun doesn’t stop there! Once you’ve completed the safari, continue your adventure on foot. Jungle Kingdom offers the chance to encounter fascinating creatures like Red Pandas and Rainbow Lorikeets, while Koala Creek is home to England’s only resident koalas. You can also watch playful giant otters, spot sloths and get close to meerkats as you explore the walking safari areas.

For another memorable wildlife experience, climb aboard the Boat Safari and travel across Half Mile Pond. Here, you can see Californian sea lions as the keepers feed them fish over your head! Plus, enjoy views of Gorillas and Colobus Monkeys. If you’re looking for something a little different, feeding experiences and special animal encounters offer further opportunities to discover Longleat’s incredible residents.

Longleat House, credit Boss Drone Photography

Discover Longleat House and its Beautiful Grounds

Beyond the animals, Longleat is steeped in history. Longleat House is one of England’s finest examples of Elizabethan architecture, set within beautiful, landscaped grounds. Step inside to admire its historic interiors and learn more about the house and the family who have called it home for generations.

You can explore the house on a self-guided visit, subject to availability, or look into a guided tour for a deeper insight into its history. Outside, the surrounding grounds provide a lovely setting for a leisurely stroll and a chance to appreciate the estate’s impressive architecture and landscapes.

There’s plenty for younger visitors to enjoy, too. Challenge the family to find the centre of the famous Hedge Maze, UK’s longest Hedge Maze at 1.48 acres! Or let little adventurers run wild in the Adventure Castle before taking a ride on Rockin’ Rhino. For a more relaxing experience, hop aboard the Longleat Railway for a scenic miniature train journey around the park.

With so much to see and do, it’s worth planning your day in advance to make the most of your visit. Especially around Longleat’s annual events, that include general admission for the whole day.

Icons of the Sky at Longleat

Icons of the Sky: An Extraordinary Spectacle

Longleat’s calendar is packed with exciting events, and Icons of the Sky brings something truly different to the Wiltshire countryside. Held during the second weekend of September each year, this spectacular air festival combines hot air balloon launches, thrilling flying displays and entertainment for an unforgettable few days.

Visitors can look forward to the sight of colourful hot air balloons taking to the skies, alongside impressive aerial performances and fireworks. In 2026, Icons of the Sky also celebrated a significant milestone for Longleat: 60 years since the opening of its Drive-Through Safari, the first of its kind outside Africa.

Whether you’re fascinated by aviation or simply looking for a spectacular day out, Icons of the Sky adds another dimension to Longleat’s year-round appeal. Keep an eye on the official event listings for future dates and announcements.

Festival of Light ‘Legendary Worlds’ at Longleat

The Festival of Light: Step into Legendary Worlds in 2026

As the days grow shorter, Longleat transforms into a magical festive destination with its much-loved Festival of Light, running on selected dates from the beginning of November to early January each year.

This year’s theme, Legendary Worlds, invites visitors to embark on an extraordinary journey through myths, heroes and legendary tales. More than 1,000 lanterns illuminate the park, creating an immersive after-dark trail filled with spectacular scenes and enchanting discoveries.

Explore the lost city of Atlantis, wander beneath a life-sized blue whale and discover an underwater wonderland. Mythological heroes come to life, including Thor battling the World Serpent, while lands of giants, dragons and magical creatures promise plenty of memorable moments for visitors of all ages!

The festive experience continues with the Enchanted Christmas Tree Show and the Santa Train, making it a wonderful choice for a family Christmas outing. A dedicated Sensory Day is also planned for visitors who prefer a quieter, lower-key experience.

With its dazzling displays and magical atmosphere, the Festival of Light is a highlight of Wiltshire’s winter calendar and a brilliant reason to visit Longleat during the festive season.

Plan your Day at Longleat

Whether you are exploring the safari, discovering the history of Longleat House or enjoying one of its spectacular seasonal events, Longleat offers an experience that combines wildlife, heritage and entertainment all into one remarkable setting.

Located near Warminster in Wiltshire, it makes an excellent addition to a family holiday or a longer countryside break. With so much to explore, you could easily spend an entire day discovering the estate’s attractions.

Wildlife outside Longleat Cottages

Stay at Longleat this Season

Looking for a place to stay to extend your visit at Longleat? Why not explore their cottages on site! Discover the wider Longleat estate with its colourful woodland and spectacular lakes, before relaxing in one of their stunning properties steeped in history, luxury and comfort.

Ready to plan your visit? Check opening times, ticket options and event dates before travelling, and book ahead to make the most of your Longleat adventure.

Discover more about Longleat on Visit Wiltshire, and start planning your next Wiltshire day out.