Longleat Safari Park Festival of Light Review
Longleat Safari Park
Festival of Light
Reviewed by Helen Warner
When we arrived at the park the drive through the grounds was wonderful, the scenery is well cared for and beautiful. We drove past the house and could see some of the Festival of Light structures which looked amazing so we already knew we were in for a good day.
When you go through the entry booth you can choose to do the safari first or the house and attractions first. We went to the safari as last entry is 3pm to that part. Once inside we stopped to use the toilets and collect free activity books for the children. They collect codes around the park to write in their book, they can then get a certificate for finding them all. On this stop we walked through the wallaby’s which was great to be amongst them and they are entertaining to watch. We also went across the bridge for a lovely view of the zebras, there are usually giraffe’s in this part too but they weren’t there on this occasion.
Back at the car we stared our adventure, we had been given a cd to listen to around the park, full of information about the animals in each enclosure. The animals were quite shy in the first area, but not so shy in the next! Monkeys! This was one of the highlights of the safari for us. They leap all over the car which the children found hilarious! They can cause damage so this area can be by passed but it was such fun.
Other favourite areas were the lions and tigers. They walked so close in front of the car that they must have touched the bumpers, we felt truly lucky that they came so close and we got amazing photos. There were several encloses with a variety of beautiful animals, they are clearly well cared for and happy.
After the safari we parked near the house. We didn’t actually get time to go inside as there was so much to do but it looked stunning.
First we went in the bat cave. The children thought it was amazing to get up so close to the bats hanging upside down, we spent a while in here, they were swooping close to us which we loved. Then we went into the parakeets. You can pay £1 for a pot of liquid which they love. When we walked in several landed on our arms and heads and they went crazy for this liquid.
The animal encounters areas was another favourite for us, we went through the butterfly house, the butterflies were very shy and we only saw one but it was a welcome warm area to get out of the cold. Once in animal encounters we all got to hold a snake and a tarantula. The handlers were very knowledgeable and happy to answer questions. Next was the Safari boat trip, the only problem was we had to show our tickets before boarding, we had left them in the car so had to walk back to get them. We didn’t realise we needed the tickets with us so would be better if we had been told when entering. None the less the safari was great, although the gorilla on his island had the right idea and was in his centrally heated house. Feeding the sea lions was great fun, the cheeky seagulls tried to steal the fish!
It was time for dinner all too quickly. We went to the pizza restaurant where we had a delicious although expensive meal. When we left here it had got dark and the park was transformed with the Festival of Light. It was truly stunning. The singing Christmas tree was beyond beautiful and we stood mesmerised watching it. Walking through the gardens with all the lit up flowers was wonderful. All the animals were so wonderfully made and we spent ages looking around it all. The lantern walk and the Chinese dragon were amazing. So much effort was clearly put into the displays and it will now be our new Christmas trip. Everyone should go, you will not be disappointed.
Thank you Longleat for the wonderful fun packed day and all the lasting memories we will now have.
Rating: 5/5 
For more information or to save 10% by booking tickets online visit www.longleat.co.uk.
Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW | 01985 844400
