Heritage > Historic Houses

Longleat House

Location

Longleat House, Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 7NW

London 2 hrs. M3, A303, A36, A362. Midway between Warminster and Frome or from NW M4/J18.


History

Longleat House lies in a sheltered valley amidst rolling parkland. The magnificent Elizabethan property, built by Sir John Thynne and completed in 1580, has been the home of the same family ever since.

The house contains many treasures, including paintings by Tintoretto, Wootton, exquisite French and Flemish tapestries and fine ceilings from the 'School of Titian'. Lovers of books will revel in the splendid collections which are to be found in Longleat's seven libraries.

The murals in the family apartments in the west Wing were painted by Alexander, the present Marquess, and are fascinating and remarkable additions to the collections.

Apart from the ancestral home, Longleat is probably best known for its Safari Park. Here, visitors have the rare opportunity to see animals in a natural setting. The East African Reserve is home to giraffe, zebra and camels and is the only place where you can walk freely amongst these exotic animals. Rhinos, rhesus monkeys, gorillas, tigers and the ever popular Longleat lions are also to be found in the park.

Other attractions include the 'World's Longest Maze', children's adventure castle, Victorian kitchens, tropical butterfly garden, needlework centre, boat, train rides and New Airborne 1 Balloon Ride, enough variety to keep anyone occupied, whatever their age and interest.


Facilities & Amenities

Shop. Fashion shows, concerts, archery, garden parties, equestrian events shows, rallies, filming, product launches promotions, grand piano, parkland, helicopter pad. Lectures on the property and its history can be arranged for up to 50. Rooms can be hired. Coach driver friendly.

Cellar Cafe (capacity 80). Parties book in advance for tea and other meals. Cream teas as well as lunch from £5 and sandwiches and snacks from £1.20.

Guided tours for groups of up to 20. Pre-book tours when required in French, Spanish or German. Tour time 1 hr.

School groups welcome with 1 teacher given free entry per 8 children. Group and education pack available on request.

Passport Tickets

April - September: includes Safari Park, Longleat House, Dolls' Houses, Boat Ride, Lord Bath's Bygones, VIP Vehicles, Maze, Butterfly Garden, Postman Pat's Village, Railway, Pets Corner, Simulator, Adventure Castle, Memorial Exhibition, Grounds and Garden.



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