Longleat Adventure Park, Animal Adventure and Exhibitions
One of the key areas that we didn’t go to was the Longleat Adventure Playground. Not because I’m a meanie but because the weather was unfortunately grey and drizzly. Mr Dad snuck the girls off for a quick peak before we left and they cam running back full of excitement and desires to come back another day. I’m reliably informed that it amazing and full of things to climb, slide and swing on.
We did manage to have a quick look around the Longleat Small Animal area and some of the exhibitions but time was starting to run out.
The Bat Cave was one of the best I’ve been in (not that I’ve been in loads). Unfortunately I didn’t get any photos’ as it was dark … bats like the dark. As soon as you walk through the doorway you’re greeted by darting bats flying low and fast. It surprises everyone that walks in as they jump, stifle a squeal and dart to one side. Once you get your eye in you can see them all hanging and flying with such accuracy and stealth. I could have stayed in there for ages watching them dart about but the mini me’s wanted to keep going and see what other animals they could find.
In the grounds just outside the bat cave was an interesting exhibition of photographs by Simon King showing animals from a slightly different perspective.
We wondered off to the Jungle Cruise but the queue was so long that we decided to give it a miss and find some more accessible animals and we weren’t disappointed (the Jungle Cruise takes you out onto the water and around gorilla colony and hippo zone).
The butterfly tent was a bit disappointing with what seemed to be only one type of butterfly but we did find some amazing stick insects and a beautiful Iguana hidden in amongst the foliage.
In fact we found some stunning reptiles in a few other places including this gorgeous Monitor Lizard basking under his heat lamp
and this cute Crested Chameleon.
You can walk into the Rainbow Lokikeet enclosure and get up close as they chatter and play above your head.
We caught the Marmoset Monkeys having fun bouncing about unenclosed on their favourite bushy trees. This little fella was enjoying a little snack only an arms length away from me!
One of the Parrot shows was just starting as we walked past so we settled down to watch the show and learn about the parrot personalities at Longleat.
We also tickled a sting ray, walked with penguins and held a snake.
At around 5.30pm we caught the new Pride of Longleat Parade, sadly without the wonderful Lion puppet as the weather had become very wet! Here are some of the Longleat marketing photo’s as mine were very wet and bedraggled.
But we did get to see it Lion puppet when we wen to see the interactive wildlife exhibition on the way out as it was stored in the same building.
The interactive wildlife exhibition was very clever. We went in in small groups and stood infant of a white screen. Then computerised images of landscape and animals were projected on to us so we could see whales, polar bears, penguins, elephants etc walking up to and interacting wit us. It was wonderful watching the kids moving about trying to place themselves next to the animals so they could pretend to stroke and cuddle them.
Longleat really is a fantastic day out and great value for money. You won’t have enough time to see and do everything so plan your day around your ‘must do/see’ activities.
Top Tips For Longleat Safari And Adventure Park
- Try and avoid long queues? – Check out the walkthrough attractions including Penguin Island, Jungle Kingdom and the Jungle Cruise in the morning and then go on the safari, as it will be a bit quieter then but remember last entry is at 6pm! Allow 2 – 3 hours to drive through the Safari.
- Pride of Longleat parade – Everyday in the Main Square at 5.15pm there will a spectacular parade. Not to be missed!
- Have a go at one of the hand feeding experiences? – You can feed lorikeets, giraffes, sea lions and deer.
- Look out for shows and animal handling around Animal Adventure
- Check out what exhibitions and event are coming up. They change throughout the year so you might want to pan your trip around them. The upcoming festival of lights looks amazing!
I hadn’t realised quite how many animals you could see at Longleat and how up close you get. Looks fantastic!
This looks like such a fun day out, amazing pictures!
I’ve been to the house at Longleat but as it was in the middle of winter we didn’t see the animals. I’d love to someday though. Fantastic photographs!
Wow what an amazing looking experience it looks like going through Longleat- I would love to do it myself one day. x
Wow your photos are amazing! I haven’t been to longleat for ages, really need to go back x
Wow. This looks amazing. I love Safari Parks.
Now Longleat is on my list of places I would love to visit, it looks just amazing x
We haven’t been to a safari park for years but have very happy memories of Longleaf! Great photos!
*Longleat!* I must have mis-typed:-)
I used to love doing things like this as a kid, but I’m not so sure about these attractions now.
How amazing to be able to get that close to the animals, such a lovely experience.
I used to love going to these but I’ve never been to this one before! .
Wow your pictures look amazing, I would love to visit with the children.
I haven’t been to Longleat in what seems like forever but I remember I absolutely loved it when I went. It’s definitely somewhere I want to take my daughter xx
We love Safari parks – it’s lovely to get so close to the animals in their world x
I remember going to Longleat a couple of years ago. I wasn’t quite “kid” age but I loved it! So much history in the house! Would love to visit again!
I’ve never taken Boo to a safari park, but it’s definitely something I’d want to add to our ‘list’ for 2017…
Fabulous pictures, we have been here before and really enjoyed it, your making me want to go back! x
I love going to the zoo. We went to Twycross recently and it was lovely family day out.
Wow these photos are fantastic – What a wonderful array of beautiful animals. I’m thinking I would be pretty terrified going through the Big cat enclosure and wouldn’t need telling twice to put my window up!
I LOVE safaris! I’ve been here once when I was very young but, of course, I don’t remember anything! Must visit again 😀
I have very fond memories of visiting Longleat as a child with my family. We haven’t been with the boys yet
I’ve heard so many great reviews of Longleat – I really want to take my kids!
It must be about 25 years since I visited Longleat as they used to have a Doctor Who exhibition there. Great tip about cleaning your car windows first for good photographs.
I love Longleat and it is fairly close to us. I am planning on visiting later in the year for the festival of light
I really want to go to Longleat but it is just too far away, Love this post such lovely photos x
Longleat is definitely on my list of places I want to visit very soon. x
amazing pictures! I love Safari Parks.