Longleat: One of Britain's Most Iconic Family Attractions Near Frome
- Becky Percival
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Just 20 minutes from Frome, Longleat is one of the UK's most famous visitor attractions. Home to Britain's original drive-through safari park, a magnificent Elizabethan stately home and acres of beautiful parkland, it offers a unique blend of history, wildlife and adventure that's unlike anywhere else.
Whether you're watching lions bask in the sunshine, wandering through beautifully landscaped gardens, exploring the grandeur of Longleat House or navigating one of Britain's largest hedge mazes, Longleat is a destination that appeals to visitors of every age.
It's the kind of place where one visit is never quite enough.
A Stately Home with Centuries of History
Longleat House is one of England's finest examples of Elizabethan architecture and has been welcoming visitors since 1949, when it became one of the first stately homes in Britain to open its doors to the public.
Built between 1568 and 1580 for Sir John Thynne, the house remains the home of the Marquesses of Bath and contains an extraordinary collection of paintings, furniture, books and decorative art gathered over hundreds of years.
Stepping inside offers a fascinating glimpse into Britain's aristocratic past, with grand halls, magnificent ceilings and beautifully furnished rooms that tell the story of one of England's great country houses.
Experience Britain's Original Safari Park
Longleat made history again in 1966 when it opened Britain's first drive-through safari park.
Today, visitors can journey through spacious reserves where lions, tigers, wolves, giraffes, rhinos, zebras and many other species roam in large naturalistic habitats.
One of the park's most famous attractions is the Monkey Drive Through, where curious rhesus macaques often investigate passing vehicles, creating memorable moments that have become part of the Longleat experience.
Seeing magnificent animals just metres away from your own car makes the safari unlike any traditional zoo visit and remains one of the highlights of a day at Longleat.
So Much More Than a Safari
While the safari is undoubtedly Longleat's biggest attraction, there's far more waiting to be discovered throughout the estate.
Visitors can also enjoy:
Longleat House
The spectacular Hedge Maze
Longleat Railway
Jungle Kingdom
Koala Creek
Adventure Castle
The boating lake
Gorilla Colony
Daily animal talks and feeding demonstrations
Beautiful formal gardens and landscaped parkland
With so much to see and do, it's easy to spend an entire day exploring.
A Great Day Out Whatever the Season
Every season brings something different to Longleat:
Spring sees gardens bursting into colour and young animals beginning to appear.
Summer is perfect for making the most of the safari, outdoor attractions and longer days.
Autumn brings beautiful seasonal colours across the estate and cooler weather that's ideal for exploring.
Winter transforms Longleat into one of the UK's best-loved festive destinations during the spectacular Festival of Light, attracting visitors from across the country.
Whatever time of year you visit, there's always something new to experience.
More Than Just a Family Attraction
Longleat successfully combines history, conservation, wildlife and entertainment in a way few attractions can match.
Whether you're fascinated by architecture, passionate about animals, travelling with children or simply looking for a memorable day out from Frome, there's something here for everyone.
It's also a place that rewards repeat visits, with seasonal events, changing wildlife encounters and different experiences throughout the year.
A Paradise for Photographers
Longleat offers endless opportunities for photography.
From majestic lions and towering giraffes to elegant Elizabethan architecture, colourful gardens and sweeping views across the Capability Brown landscape, every corner presents another picture worth capturing.
The changing seasons and constantly evolving wildlife encounters mean that no two visits ever produce quite the same photographs.
Perfect for Families, Wildlife Lovers & History Enthusiasts
Few attractions appeal to such a wide audience.
Families love the variety of experiences on offer, history enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the grandeur of Longleat House, while wildlife lovers enjoy seeing animals from around the world in spacious surroundings.
Whether it's your first visit or your fifteenth, Longleat always has something new waiting to be discovered.
Longleat at a Glance
Location: Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW
Distance from Frome: Approximately 12 miles (around 20 minutes by car)
Best for: Families, wildlife lovers, photographers and history enthusiasts
Highlights:
Drive-through Safari Park
Longleat House
Hedge Maze
Longleat Railway
Jungle Kingdom
Koala Creek
Adventure Castle
Beautiful gardens and parkland
Seasonal events, including the Festival of Light
Facilities:
Restaurants and cafés
Gift shops
Toilets and baby changing
Picnic areas
Parking
Accessible visitor facilities
Opening: Opening dates and times vary throughout the year. Check the official website before travelling.
Website: longleat.co.uk
Telephone: 01985 844400
Address: The Estate Office, Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW
Booking: Advance online booking is recommended, particularly during school holidays and special events.
Visiting from Frome
Longleat is one of the easiest and most popular day trips from Frome, making it ideal for families, couples and visitors looking to experience one of the South West's best-loved attractions.
Allow plenty of time for your visit, as there's far more to explore than many people expect. From the safari and stately home to the maze, railway and beautiful gardens, it's an attraction that easily fills a whole day.
Why Visit Longleat?
Longleat is much more than a safari park.
Its unique combination of wildlife, history, architecture and family adventure has made it one of Britain's most iconic attractions for generations.
Whether you're seeing lions up close for the first time, exploring one of England's finest Elizabethan houses or simply enjoying a day surrounded by beautiful countryside, Longleat offers an experience that's difficult to match.
If you're looking for an unforgettable day out from Frome, Longleat is an attraction that deserves a place near the very top of your list.
Written by Becky Percival
Writer • Publisher • Podcaster
Comments