Brindley’s
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[22.1 miles]
A bijou bed and breakfast with pretty bedrooms just a five-minute walk from the city centre – Jane Austen would approve.
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Bucket list experience:
Longleat was the first safari park outside Africa and remains one of Britain’s top family days out, with sprawling, drive-through enclosures that are home to lions, tigers, giraffe, hippo and the park’s shyest residents – a family of cheetahs. Visitors can drive their own cars, or take the safari bus, which operates a 1.5-hour guided tour through the park.
The Market Square area is home to a range of animal enclosures, including the Jungle Kingdom, which has a walk-through meerkat enclosure, Koala Creek and giant otters and crocodiles. Every day there are live shows and the chance to get up close with some of the smaller, tamer species.
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Destination Guide >It takes about 2-2.5 hours to drive from London to Longleat. Trains from Paddington stop at Westbury (1.5 hours), which is 12 miles from Longleat (taxis are available at the station).
The park is open from early March to early November, seven days a week. Christmas is a great time to visit, with a super Santa’s Grotto accessed by a magical train ride.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[22.1 miles]
A bijou bed and breakfast with pretty bedrooms just a five-minute walk from the city centre – Jane Austen would approve.
Official star rating:
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[22.4 miles]
No need to head to the often-busy Thermae Spa to get the full benefit of Bath’s healing waters – the gorgeous Gainsborough Hotel, which shouts luxury throughout, has its own thermal pools in its in-house spa, right in the city centre.
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Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[22.6 miles]
Expect friendly, youthful vibes at this relaxed hotel, decorated in jewel tones and with a buzzy restaurant. The location is excellent – the city centre is a five-minute walk away.
Official star rating:
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[22.7 miles]
Slap bang in the heart of things, No 15. is one of the smartest places to stay, on arguably Bath’s grandest road, close to the city centre. There’s beautiful décor, a relaxed bar and fine attention to detail.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)
A lovely west country city of world-class Georgian architecture, ancient and modern spas, and an atmosphere of romance and refinement.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[22.4 miles]
A unique modern spa with steam rooms and showpiece rooftop pool, that uses Bath’s natural thermal water.
Best for ages: 12+ | £38
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[22.5 miles]
The historic Grand Pump Room next door has a fountain spouting genuine mineral-rich Bath spa water for tasting. It also does an enjoyable afternoon tea, a popular and highly recommended way to round off your visit.
Best for ages: 8+ | £15
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[23.4 miles]
Take to the air for unrivalled views of Bath’s architecture and the north Somerset countryside.
Best for ages: 13+ | £120 | 4 hours
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[21.1 miles]
A pretty, car-free 3-mile cycle or walk along the Kennet & Avon Canal Path to Warleigh Weir; the weir’s also a perfect spot for picnicking and wild swimming.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 1-3 hours
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[22.4 miles]
A historic café in one of Bath’s oldest houses, serving up trademark light, fluffy and sweet brioche-like buns since 1680. See the original, 300-year-old kitchen.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[22.5 miles]
This Gothic beauty, built in Bath Stone in the 12th and 16th centuries, known for its unique architecture and fan vaulting. You can climb the tower for views of the city, and there’s also a small museum in the vaults housing artefacts and exhibits about the abbey’s history.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[22.6 miles]
The cheery cluster of wooden cabins that take over the city centre from mid-November attracts a throng of shoppers, but is still well worth wandering through on a Christmas weekend trip if you fancy meeting local makers and sampling festive foodie treats.
Best for ages: Any | Free