Longleat Safari Park, Warminster

Several months ago I was due to go on Holiday to Italy. Unfortunately due to various circumstances I was forced to cancel this trip abroad. Rather than cancel our holidays with work, my wife and I decided to make the most of our time and organise several day trips.

After browsing around the Internet, we came across Longleat.

Now this review is 'supposed' to be about Longleat Safari Park, but there is so much more to Longleat than just this, so if you will excuse me, I will expand.

##Longleat Safari Park##

At the start of this journey, you are presented with a CD or Cassette Tape (your choice). Listening to this on the way round gives you a great opportunity to learn about the various animals that you are about to see.

The park is split into various sections
*East Africa Reserve
Here you will get to see the Giraffes, the Zebra, Llamas, Camels, Wallabies, Brazilian Tapir, Ostriches, Pygmy Goats and Shetland Ponies.

There is an observation post where you are able to get out of you car to get a better view (unfortunately on the day that we went it was raining so hard that we refused to leave the car!)

*Monkey Jungle
From the name, it is obvious what lurks here. In my opinion, this is the most entertaining part of the safari. Fortunately when we were going around, due to the weather there were very few other people. This enabled us to sit in the car for about 20 minutes just watching.

Monkeys seem to be naturally curious. While sitting in our car, we found several of them jumping onto the roof (doing who knows what damage to the aerial) and generally banging on the windscreen. Apart from this, they did what monkeys are expected to do, swinging in the branches and generally living life to the max.

Understandably, a lot of people don't want to risk their cars by having animals jump around, so there is a bypass lane so you can avoid this section if you wish (this is very well signposted!)

*Big Game Park

*Deer Park

*Pelican Pond

*Tiger Territory
I was very impressed with this area of the Safari. Unexpectedly, the first Tiger we came across (laying sprawled out across the middle of the road, blocking our way through) was a huge white tiger. Along with this, there were a couple of other normal Tigers

*Lion Country
In the park, there are 2 prides. Unfortunately due to the rain we missed most of the lions, as they seemed to be in hiding. Nearing the end of the run, we did see a couple of them in a distant corner. Shame there was no observation post for us to get a closer look :D

*Wolf Wood
This was another disappointment for us. All the wolves seemed to have gone into hiding.

If it weren’t for the weather, this would have been a fantastic journey seeing all the animals. However, despite the disappointment, we had a great time.

##Longleat House##

Personally I couldn't be bothered with old houses. To me they all look pretty much the same. But, this house is considered to be one of the best examples of Elizabethan architecture in Britain and it is said that it is one of the most beautiful stately home in Britain open to the public. So, if you enjoy wandering around other peoples homes, then this is a must for you....

##Grounds and Gardens##

It seems that they have tried to make this more of a fun day out for the whole family. Wandering around gives the impression of a fairground. There are the normal kiosks where you can buy souvenirs and ice cream. There is the overly priced restaurant. The only thing missing it would seem are the roller coasters (there is a Teacups ride for the kids and a Motion Simulator though!)

throughout the grounds, are some of the other attractions that you can visit.

##Longleat Hedge Maze##

This is enormous fun. The hedges are approximately 7 foot high making it impossible to see where you are going. With plenty of loops and swirls, whatever direction you take you can never be too sure which way you are travelling. If you bump into somebody you are almost always asked for help and directions. I just don't think people understand that EVERYBODY is lost!

Once you get to the end, you get to stand on a podium and look down over the top of the maze watching other people struggle. Then after admiring the view.......... You have to find you way back out again! This was harder (in my opinion) and seemed to take a lot longer! Fortunately we managed to come across some markers that had been placed for people who were lost!

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Each attraction has its own individual price. If you were to do everything, this would cost you a whopping £41 (adult) £40 (child) £35 (OAP) which can lead to a very expensive day out! But don't be dismayed at the thought! The thoughtfully offer a passport option. This costs £16 (Adult) £13 (Child/OAP) and allows you entry to everything (once). If this wasn't enough, if you don't manage to visit every attraction, you can come back again at a later date to use the rest up!

In my opinion, this is a great day out with plenty to do and loads of fun! Be prepared for a lot of walking though (especially in the maze!)