If you’re looking for an unforgettable day out that perfectly blends wild animal encounters with breathtaking British history, you’ve found it. Welcome to Longleat Safari Park (often accidentally typed as “Longlest” when eager thumbs are searching for their next adventure!). Nestled in the stunning Wiltshire countryside, Longleat isn’t just a zoo—it’s a massive, immersive estate that offers something for absolutely everyone.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about its fascinating history, the incredible animals, the thrilling attractions, the magnificent “castle,” and what you can expect to pay for a ticket today.
A Roaring History
Longleat is a true trailblazer in the world of wildlife conservation and tourism. In 1966, it made global headlines by opening as the world’s very first drive-through safari park outside of Africa. The concept was the brilliant, albeit radical, brainchild of Jimmy Chipperfield (of circus fame) and Henry Thynne, the 6th Marquess of Bath. They wanted to create an environment where the animals roamed free while the humans were “caged” in their cars.
Before the lions even arrived, Longleat was already making waves. In 1949, the 6th Marquess made the brave decision to open his ancestral home, Longleat House, to the paying public to help pay off massive death duties and ensure the estate’s survival. Today, it remains the family home of the 8th Marquess and Marchioness of Bath, seamlessly blending a historic stately home with a world-class wildlife park.
Welcome to the Jungle: The Safari & Animals
The undisputed main event at Longleat is the incredible array of over 120 animal species. The park is cleverly divided into different zones, allowing you to explore by car, foot, train, and even boat!
- The Drive-Through Safari: This is the iconic Longleat experience. From the safety of your car, you’ll cruise past majestic African lions, endangered Amur tigers, and packs of European grey wolves. You’ll also spot white rhinos, giraffes, and zebras roaming the wide-open plains. And, of course, no trip is complete without braving the infamous Monkey Drive-Through, where mischievous rhesus macaques might just try to hitch a ride on your roof (or steal your windscreen wipers!).
- The Walking Safari: Stretch your legs in the Jungle Kingdom and Animal Adventure zones. Here, you can walk straight through enclosures with curious meerkats and playful lemurs. Don’t miss Koala Creek, home to England’s only resident southern koalas, or the bat cave where free-flying Egyptian fruit bats swoop overhead.
- The Boat Safari: Hop aboard a scenic cruise on Half Mile Lake. You’ll be escorted by a very noisy, splashy escort of Californian sea lions begging for fish. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident hippos and gaze across at Gorilla Island, a sanctuary for Western lowland gorillas.
Rides and Park Attractions
Beyond the wildlife, Longleat is packed with family-friendly attractions designed to burn off energy and create lasting memories.
- The Hedge Maze: Get spectacularly lost in Britain’s biggest hedge maze! Planted in 1975, it consists of over 16,000 English yew trees and 1.5 miles of twisting pathways. It usually takes about 30 minutes to find the central observation tower.
- Longleat Railway: Running since 1965, this charming miniature narrow-gauge train takes you on a 1¼-mile scenic journey through the woodlands and along the edge of the lake.
- Adventure Castle: A massive, medieval-themed adventure playground perfect for kids aged 14 and under. It features tube slides, zip wires, climbing frames, and a splash pad for hot summer days.
- Rockin’ Rhino: A fun, gentle ride tailored perfectly for the park’s youngest explorers.
Longleat House: The “Castle”
While visitors often refer to it as a castle, Longleat House is actually one of the finest examples of high Elizabethan architecture in Britain. Built between 1567 and 1580 by Sir John Thynne, the mansion is an absolute masterpiece of grand facades, towering windows, and opulent interiors.
Your park ticket includes access to the gorgeous ground floor of the house. You can take a self-guided stroll to admire the Great Hall, stunning period furniture, tapestries, and an incredible art collection. If you want a deeper dive into the Thynne family’s eccentric and fascinating history, you can book an expert-led guided tour for a small extra fee. Surrounding the house are the magnificent, sweeping formal gardens and parkland originally designed by the legendary 18th-century landscape architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.
Getting There
Getting to Longleat Safari Park from major UK hubs is surprisingly easy, whether you are planning a scenic road trip or preferring to let the train take the strain. Because Longleat is nestled deep in the Wiltshire countryside (near the towns of Warminster and Frome), your journey will likely end with some beautiful, winding country roads.
Here is how you can reach the lions and koalas from some of the UK’s most famous spots!
🇬🇧 From London
- By Car: Driving from central London usually takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the infamous London traffic. The most direct route is heading out on the M3 and then joining the A303 westbound, before following the signs for Warminster and Longleat.
- By Train: You have a couple of great options here.
- You can take a fast train from London Paddington to Westbury (which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes). Westbury is about 12 miles from the park.
- Alternatively, take a train from London Waterloo to Warminster (often requiring a quick change in Salisbury). Warminster is the closest station to the park—just 5 miles away.
- Note: There are no direct public buses from the stations to the park entrance, so you will need to catch a quick 10-minute taxi from the Warminster station rank.
🏛️ From Bath
Bath is incredibly close to Longleat, making the safari park a perfect day trip if you’re staying in the historic Roman city!
- By Car: It’s a beautifully scenic and straightforward drive down the A36. It usually takes just 30 to 40 minutes.
- By Train: Hop on a train at Bath Spa station heading to Warminster. The journey is direct, takes under 50 minutes, and drops you right at the local taxi rank to finish the last 5 miles to the estate.
🌉 From Bristol
- By Car: Driving from Bristol takes about 1 hour. You’ll generally head southeast via the A4 and A36 through Bath, straight down to the Longleat estate.
- By Train: Catch a train from Bristol Temple Meads to Warminster. You will usually need to make a quick, easy change at either Bath Spa or Westbury along the way. The total journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
🚌 A Crucial Tip for Train Travelers!
Because Longleat’s main attraction is a drive-through safari, you might be wondering how you’ll see the lions and tigers if you arrive by train and taxi.
Don’t worry—you won’t miss out! Longleat operates a Safari Bus specifically for foot passengers or those arriving in soft-top convertibles. For an additional £10.95 per person, you can book a guided tour on their dedicated bus. Bonus: Longleat actually just upgraded their Safari Bus fleet in the summer of 2025 to include luxury seating, air-conditioning, and Wi-Fi, making it a fantastic way to see the animals while a knowledgeable guide provides the commentary! Just be sure to book your Safari Bus tickets online in advance, as seats fill up very quickly.
Ticket Prices (2025/2026 Season)
Longleat requires you to book your tickets in advance to guarantee entry. Ticket prices can fluctuate slightly depending on whether you are visiting during peak season (school holidays, weekends, and their spectacular winter Festival of Light) or off-peak days.
Here is what you can generally expect to pay for a standard All-Day Ticket (which includes the Safari Drive-Through, Walking Safari, Boat Safari, Longleat Railway, rides, and Longleat House):
- Adults (16+ years): Typically ranges between £42.95 (early/off-peak season) and £44.95 – £48.95 (main/peak season).
- Children (3 to 15 years): Typically ranges between £32.95 and £36.70.
- Infants (Under 3): Go entirely Free!
- Carers: Free (when accompanying a guest with additional needs).
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for 2-Day tickets if you want to take your time, as trying to squeeze the safari, the boat ride, the maze, and the house into a single day is a wonderfully exhausting marathon!
