at longleat · safari drive-through bring your group to experience the majesty of our impressive...
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Groupsat
Longleat2017
It is with enormous pleasure that we welcome you to Longleat;
an extraordinary and unique place which is incredibly special.
It means a lot to all of us that guests like you can visit the park
and create special memories that last through generations.
It has been over 50 years since the famous Safari Drive-Through was
opened by Henry Thynne with a pride of African lions. Today, we are the
proud home of over a thousand animals, across over a hundred species;
ranging from the tiny and delicate lacewing butterfly to the
huge and impressive hippopotamus.
This year is your chance to visit Longleat House to take a tour exploring
its extraordinary history from a new perspective, as well as travel through
the newly-renovated Lion Country and Tiger Territory, where the
largest big cats in the world prowl.
We do hope that you will be able to join us for another
spectacular year of wonder and discovery at Longleat.
The Longleat Team
Welcome to Longleat
Discover Longleat Houseand Grounds
Set within 900 acres of stunning ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland, Longleat House was the first stately home to fully open its doors to the public back in 1949. A visit to Longleat House is a day out unlike any other.
The House is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Elizabethan architecture in Britain. As well as being packed to the rafters with priceless antiques, the abundance of artistry and flair the House exudes will capture the imaginations of those young, and young at heart.
Built by Sir John Thynne, Longleat House was substantially completed by 1580 and is the current home to the 7th Marquess of Bath and his family; Viscount and Viscountess Weymouth and their son John. Why not treat your guests to an exclusive tour of the house to view its wonderful treasures and heirlooms including early books and manuscripts, magnificent paintings, exquisite Flemish tapestries and opulent interiors.
Choose one of our fascinating tours, exclusive to groups, to complement your visit to Longleat.
Available at 10am or 11am
One of Longleat’s House guides will take your group on a journey around Longleat House to visit some of the most exquisite and fantastic rooms; step into the historic areas of the House that royalty and nobility have graced. This tour allows your group exclusive access to view rooms such as the grandiose Great Hall, the ornate libraries, the decorative dining rooms and the ostentatious corridors and Grand Staircase. This 45 minute tour is a supplementary £5 per guest.
Available at 10am or 11am
On this tour your group will explore unseen areas of Longleat house; walking in the footsteps of the past butlers, maids, housekeepers and cooks. Step behind the scenes to the back rooms and passages the House staff used, and visit Lord Bath’s prestigious Banqueting Suite where the family were served sumptuous feasts when entertaining noble (or royal) guests. Your group will be fascinated to discover stories of the other side to Longleat House’s residents. This 45 minute tour is a supplementary £5 per guest.
Available at 10am or 11am
Over the centuries, Longleat House has been the focus of plenty of controversial stories and scandalous goings on. This tour will take your guests through the heart of the House to visit an eye-opening selection of rooms and artefacts associated with compelling and salacious gossip through the ages. Bring your group to hear the inside scoop from your guide about famous (and infamous) Longleat House tales on the Scandalous History tour. This one hour tour is a supplementary £8 per guest.
*Please be advised that each of the Longleat House tours include a certain level of physical activity (such as walking up and down stairs and prolonged standing). Please ensure all guests are comfortable with this. Wheelchair access is limited and can be catered for if noted when booking
Scandalous History
Butlers & Housekeepers Tour
Longleat House Exclusive Tour
Safari Drive-Through
Bring your group to experience the majesty of our impressive animals moving freely across hundreds of acres of land; including zebra, giraffe, tigers, rhino, flamingo, cheetah and of course the famous lions. You have the opportunity to drive amongst them; be it in a car, minibus, or fully loaded coach, a group of any size can immerse themselves in the wild. Don’t panic about the notorious Monkey ‘Drive-Thru’ through; we have created a bypass lane to keep your vehicle in pristine condition with no unwanted meddling, or passengers!
Stop at the African Village to walk amongst the lemurs and spot the lofty giraffes. Maybe grab a slice of cake at the Watering Hole and take a look out across the Zebra Plains. Don’t forget to visit Wallaby Walk and Warthog Ridge too!
There’s no need to book a time slot for your vehicle to enter the safari, just drive up from the main park with your booking details handy and you can begin your wild adventure. The Safari Drive-Through is open at different times throughout the year so if you’re curious, do give us a call on 01985 844328 to discuss planning your day. Access to the Safari Drive-Through and the African Village are included in the all-in-one day ticket so there will be no surprise charges!
African Village
Main Square
Stroll at your own pace through the Main Square attractions; jump aboard the Jungle Express for a scenic ride through the park or take a trip on the Jungle Cruise boat, where you’ll experience the delight of the sea lions as they swim alongside you. Plus an unmissable opportunity to catch a glimpse of our magnificent trio of Western lowland brothers in Gorilla Colony and 55 year old Nico on his iconic island home.
With immersive up-close encounters, feeding opportunities and exotic animals around every corner, your group will be sure to have plenty to do at the Main Square.
Give your group the chance todiscover a world of exploration and fun. Lose yourselves in the immense and famous Longleat Hedge Maze, let the children explore the incredible Adventure Castle, complete with rope bridges, zip wires, slides and a Medieval Keep. Don’t forget about the brand new play area for little explorers; aptly named ‘Little Explorer’s Garden!
Walk through the meerkat enclosure and experience them running around your feet, don’t forget to look out for the porcupines who share their sandy home. Hand-feed the lorikeets and watch the coati climbing over your head around their multi-section habitat. Enter Monkey Temple to see the adorable red pandas and look up to see the marmosets darting up and down their open play area.
Adventure Zone
Animal Discovery
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Confirmed for a fourth year in 2017Group Rates Frozen!
Book Now for 2017
The Festival of Light
Longleat’s year of vibrant events will culminate in the famous Festival of Light, which sees the Longleat Estate transformed into a glowing wonderland with a series of giant illuminated lantern displays.
Selected dates11th November 2016 - 2nd January 2017
Call us for up-to-date availability01985 844328
Following the spectacular Beatrix Potter themed displays for 2016, a brand new and exciting theme will be taking over Longleat in the form of the Festival of Light for the fourth year running in 2017. Each year, we aim to deliver an even more innovative and wondrous winter event, and 2017’s will be no exception.
Food, Drink & ShoppingWith such a fascinating and enjoyable day, your group is bound to work up an appetite! Enjoy lunch in the Cellar Café, or afternoon tea served in the beautiful Orangery, set within the rose garden with a stunning view of Longleat House. Our food is prepared on-site and is of great quality and fantastic value; we welcome you to contact the team to discuss any specific requirements or requests you have. Alternatively, to offer your guests some flexibility, we can arrange lunch vouchers; they can then enjoy lunch at their own leisure from our selection of cafés and restaurants.
Youth Groups& Schools
No trip to Longleat would be complete without a little retail therapy; why not visit our shops to pick up some souvenirs or gifts for family and friends. With our range of outlets, including Lord Bath’s Sweet Shoppe, Emma’s Kitchen and the Simon King photographic range you’ll please even the most discerning shoppers with our authentic and unique selection.
This year we are excited to be able to showcase even more learning opportunities; not only for a visit to Longleat but also ways in which we can support teaching and learning in the classroom.
We offer extended discounts to school groups and can offer many extra perks such as detailed guidance on risk assessments and day plans, a free teacher’s ticket for every six children, free carer’s tickets, and the opportunity to book the school lunch room absolutely free! Visit longleat.co.uk/education for more information or email [email protected]
• FREE - adult entry with every 8 paying primary school aged child
• FREE - adult entry with every 12 paying secondary school aged child
• Opportunity to book talks and sessions specific to badge requirements
• Children’s Lunch boxes from £5.95pp
Longleat offers the opportunity for an exciting and memorable day out for Rainbows, Brownies, Cubs, Beavers, Guides, Scouts, after school clubs, and all other types of youth groups. With the Longleat estate featuring so many opportunities to learn and discover, your children will be returning home fuelled with excitement and a new understanding of animals, nature and history.
Along with all the benefits of a group visit, youth groups can access extended perks!
Schools
Youth Groups
Shopping
Need to KnowWe’re used to dealing with flocks and packs, so we’re looking forward to welcoming your group, however large! Whether you’re a tour or coach operator, special interest group, or you’re planning to visit with friends and family, we have adventures to suit any appetite or itinerary.
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from11th – 27th November
Every day from1st December – 2nd January(Excluding Christmas Day)
Longleat will be open on selected dates from11th FebruaryFor full year details, please visit the website atlongleat.co.uk/visitor-info/opening-times
2016 & 2017 Group Prices
All-in-one Day Ticket:
Adult: £23.50 Child: £17.45 Senior: £18.45
Flexi-ticket:Safari OR House & Gardens
Adult: £12.00 Child: £9.00 Senior: £10.00*Please note: Flexi-Tickets are unavailable during the Festival of Light and some special events.
Group Benefits
• At least 30% discount on tickets for parties of 12+ paying guests.Pre-payment and pre-booking required
• FREE - Organiser ticket for groups of 30 or more travelling as a group
• FREE - Coach driver ticket plus lunch voucher for every coach/tour operator booking – the driver can collect on the day of the visit
• FREE - Coach parking
• FREE - Safari Park commentary CD per vehicle on arrival (subject to availability)
To qualify for all these fantastic perks, you must pre-book. Booking is simple and can be done online at longleat.co.uk/groups, over the phone on 01985 844328 or via email to [email protected]. Please be advised that payment is required in full prior to your visit. Payment options are flexible and can be completed via credit/debit card, cheque or bank transfer.
Longleat is located off the A36 between Bath & Salisbury.
• From the South East: M3 (J8) – A303 – A36 towards Bath
• From the South West: A303 towards London – A350 towards Warminster – A36 towards Bath
• From the North: M4 (J18) – A46 towards Bath – A36 towards Salisbury. The Longleat turning is located on the A362 between Warminster and Frome
How to Book
How to find us
Opening Dates 2017
2016 Festival of Light at LongleatOpening Dates
Longleat Group TeamThe Estate Office, Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW
01985 844328
longleat.co.uk/groups