Welcome to Stately Homes

Longleat is widely regarded as the best example of high Elizabethan architecture in Britain and one of the most beautiful stately homes open to the public. The magnificence of the House itself is matched by the splendour of its surroundings; a spectacular mixture of landscaped parkland, lakes and formal gardens.

In 1949 Longleat became the first stately home in England to open its doors to the public. Today it has become - along with its equally famous Safari Park, mazes and other exciting features - one of the country's leading tourist attractions. It has been the home of the Thynn(e) family for more than 450 years and is currently lived in by the 7th Marquess of Bath, Alexander Thynn.

Gardens and Grounds

With its spectacular mixture of open parkland, lakes, woods and formal gardens Longleat's grounds are a delight to explore. Fringed by thousands of trees planted over more than four decades, the park underwent a major 're-fashioning' by 'Capability' Brown under the instruction of the 1st Marquess during the latter half off the 18th century.

This work was continued by the 2nd Marquess who employed Humphry Repton to re-design Half Mile Lake which had originally been constructed as a canal by the 1st Viscount Weymouth. It is Humphry Repton who built the island where Longleat's Lowland Gorilla, Nico, now lives. One of the most recognisable features within the park has to be Heaven's Gate. Designed by 'Capability' Brown, this gap in the beech trees offers magnificent views across Somerset.

Surrounding the house itself are a series of more formal gardens and buildings including the mysterious Secret Garden and the beautiful Orangery (now used as the idyllic setting for weddings). Three more recent additions reflect the present Lord Bath's great affection for mazes and puzzles: the Love Labyrinth, the Sun Maze and the Lunar Labyrinth which are all situated within close vicinity to the House so that the seventh Marquess can see their unique designs from the privacy of his penthouse. Longleat is now home to no less than five mazes!

Opening Times - 2010:

House:
13th - 21st February inclusive: daily, 10 am - 5 pm
27th February - 21st March inclusive: Saturdays & Sundays, Bank Holidays, 10 am - 5.30 pm
27th March - 31st October inclusive: daily

Guided tours may be subject to change - please telephone for up to date information.

Safari Park:
13th - 21st February inclusive: daily, 10 am - 4 pm
27th February - 21st March inclusive: Saturdays & Sundays, Bank Holidays, 10 am - 5 pm
27th March - 31st October inclusive: daily

NB: Last admission times may be earlier due to shorter daylight hours in February, March, September, October and November.

Admission Prices - 2010:

House & Grounds:
Adult - £12
Child (3-14yrs) - £6
Senior - £8

Safari Park:
Adult - £12
Child (3-14yrs) - £8
Senior - £9

Grounds & Gardens:
Adult - £4
Child (3-14yrs) - £2
Senior - £3

Longleat Passport (see below):
Adult - £23
Child (3-14yrs) - £15
Senior - £17

The Longleat Passport

This includes entrance to all the following:
Longleat House, Safari Park, Safari Boats, Longleat Hedge Maze, Pets Corner, Adventure Castle, Longleat Railway, VirtuaScope Motion Simulators, Butterfly Garden, Postman Pat Village*, Old Joe's Mine, Grounds and Gardens. *under 14 years only.