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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Annabelle Thorpe

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.

Price from: £35
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Duration: 2-3 hours

Getting there & doing it

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).

When to do it

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

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.

Official star rating:

The Gainsborough

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.

Official star rating:

The Bird

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:

No 15 Great Pulteney

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.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Bath

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.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Thermae Bath Spa

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

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Roman Baths & Pump Room

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

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Walk or cycle to Warleigh Weir

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

Exterior of the small cafe, with dark blue frontage
Experience

Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House

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

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Overview >
Exterior front facade of beautiful abbey in golden bath stone
Experience

Bath Abbey

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

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Christmas market stalls with people, underneath a large tree lit up in green festive lights
Experience

Bath Christmas Market

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

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