The hedge maze at Longleat consists of over 16,000 English yew trees.
Longleat House was the first stately home in Britain to open its doors to the public for payment in 1949.
The estate remains home to a pride of lions that have lived on-site since the safari park's opening in 1966.
The Great Hall features a rare collection of 16th-century Flemish tapestries.
The underground cellar of Longleat House contains a significant library and historical archives.
The safari park features a 'Monkey Drive-Through' which is often bypassed by an alternative route due to primate damage to vehicles.
The estate is built on the site of a former Augustinian priory dissolved during the Reformation.
Longleat is a multi-faceted estate in Wiltshire, England, famous for hosting the first drive-through safari park outside of Africa. The site comprises a sprawling safari drive featuring lions, tigers, and wolves, alongside an Elizabethan stately home. The house, designed by Robert Smythson, is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of high Elizabethan architecture in Britain. Beyond the safari, the estate grounds include a massive hedge maze, an adventure park, and formal gardens designed by Capability Brown. Visitors navigate the safari park by their own vehicle or utilize a guided bus tour. The estate remains the ancestral seat of the Marquesses of Bath. Interactive animal experiences include feeding lorikeets and watching sea lion shows. The grounds span over 900 acres of landscaped parkland and woodland. Recent features include themed seasonal events and augmented reality wildlife encounters.
The elevated vantage point in the hedge maze for a symmetrical overhead view of the paths.
Visit the Monkey enclosure only if you are prepared for primates to climb on or remove parts from your car.
Use the Safari Bus tour if you want to avoid potential vehicle damage and receive expert commentary.
Prioritize the Safari Drive early in the day as animals are generally most active during cooler morning hours.
Leaving your car windows open in the monkey area, as they are known for stealing windscreen wipers and wing mirror covers.
The safari park is closed annually in January and February; specific attractions may close due to inclement weather.
Maintain vehicle windows and doors closed while in the animal enclosures; do not feed the animals; respectful attire required inside the house.
