Longleat is a safari park and adventure venue in Wiltshire combining a drive-through safari, indoor attractions, and activities. There’s no forces discount scheme, but advance online booking significantly reduces admission compared to gate prices, and the day out appeals to military families with children.
What Is Longleat?
Longleat is a stately home with safari park where you drive your own car through enclosures of zebras, giraffes, lions, and other animals. There’s also a castle maze, adventure playground, and various indoor attractions. It’s one of the UK’s longer-established wildlife attractions and sits centrally enough for day trips from most major UK bases.
For military families with younger children (4-12), it’s a full-day outing: the safari (30-45 min drive-through) plus 2-4 hours of other activities depending on what you prioritise.
Is There a Military Discount at Longleat?
No dedicated forces discount. There’s no Blue Light Card offer and no Defence Discount Service code. Your system does not currently list any Longleat offers.
However, like most UK attractions, Longleat offers significant discounts for advance online booking — the key is purchasing tickets online rather than at the gate.
Who Can Access Discounts?
Any customer with advance notice — no eligibility checks. Online booking discounts apply to everyone equally.
How Much Can You Save?
Gate admission typically runs £25-£35 per adult, £18-£25 per child, depending on age. Online advance booking (booked 7+ days ahead) can reduce adult tickets to £18-£22 and child tickets to £12-£18 — a saving of £6-£15 per ticket.
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) saves approximately £30-£50 by booking online in advance.
How to Get the Best Price
- Visit Longleat’s website at least 7 days before your planned visit
- Select your visit date and number of guests
- Choose admission type (safari + attractions, or safari only)
- Online prices are automatically applied at checkout
- Receive e-tickets to print or download
- Arrive early — safari drives have queuing in peak seasons
Is Longleat Worth It?
At advance prices, yes — it’s a solid half-day to full-day outing for families with children under 14. The drive-through safari is unique in the UK and popular with younger kids who enjoy spotting animals. Older teenagers may find it tame.
At gate prices, it’s expensive for what’s on offer. Always book online.
Weather matters: rain doesn’t cancel the safari, but it’s less enjoyable. Plan for a sunny or dry day if possible. Parking is free, so don’t pay for premium add-ons.
Tips for Longleat
- Book 7+ days ahead — online discounts are deepest when booked in advance
- Arrive early — the safari queue builds through the morning; an early arrival slot (9-10am) minimises waiting
- Bring snacks and drinks — catering at Longleat is overpriced; pack a cooler box for the car
- Allow 45 minutes for the safari — don’t rush; children enjoy spotting animals without time pressure
- Skip add-ons — train rides and premium attractions are nice but not essential for a good day out
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children go on the safari?
Yes — children of all ages can join, though toddlers under 2-3 may get restless. You stay in your own car, so safety is up to you (no exposure to animals).
Can we bring our own car or do we need to rent?
Longleat requires you to drive through the safari in your own vehicle (or rent on-site). You stay in the car the entire time — no walking among animals.
How long does a visit take?
Safari: 30-45 minutes. Other attractions: 2-4 hours depending on what you do. Plan for 4-5 hours total.
Is Longleat suitable for BFPO addresses?
If you’re based within reasonable driving distance (Wiltshire is central-south UK), yes. Check postcode distance from Longleat before booking. BFPO postcodes should work for online booking, but confirm delivery of e-tickets.
Is there a military discount?
No. Online pricing is open to all customers with no military eligibility checks.
Related Forces Deals
For other family days out and attractions, check the Forces Discount Offers days-out and attractions section, or compare options like Legoland Windsor or London Zoo.
