Georgina Crawshaw and her young son enjoy an unbeatable festive visit to Longleat
You can’t beat Longleat’s Festival of Light for a fun-filled, family day out. In fact, there’s so many treats on offer, it’s hard to know where to start.
If you arrive during daylight hours, the animals are (mostly) still out and about, so see what you can spot on a drive through safari, wander round the various enclosures in Jungle Kingdom or board the Lady Bath for a cruise on the lake. There’s also Adventure Castle playground, Rockin’ Rhino and soft play, if the kids need to burn off some steam.
But it’s when the sun goes down that winter Longleat really comes to life. And this year it’s bursting at the seams with Christmas cheer and all the sparkle you could possibly wish for!
Our first stop is Central Station for a trip on the miniature railway… but this is no ordinary journey round the park. Magic is in the air, as Flynn (aka the Santa Express) whisks us off to North Pole Halt, an enchanting, winter wonderland deep in the Longleat woods. There are gasps of delight from everyone on board as the Narnia-esque landscape comes into sight, complete with dustings of snow and fairy lights at every corner.
Of course, the highlight of the visit is Santa’s grotto, but there’s plenty to keep the little ones entertained while they patiently wait their turn – from a face painting station, to the Elves’ Post Office with pictures to colour and wishlists to write.
To his relief, my small human is awarded a Nice List Certificate, and after a brief chat with Santa Claus himself (beside the roaring log fire) it’s time to set off again. This time we’re joined by a scrumptious toy snowman and a warm mince pie and hot chocolate for me.
Back at the main park, we find our way to the Longhouse and snuggle up for the Festive Flight show. The snowy stage is set with candlelit lanterns and icicle-hung trees, as the storyteller arrives in her glittery, fur-lined cloak and bewitches the audience with a poem of fairy-tale proportions; although it’s the feathery friends who accompany her wintry words who really steal the show.
Wrapping up warm, we venture back outside to start Longleat’s infamous light trail. It might be celebrating it’s 10th anniversary, but it’s our first time, and (I’m pleased to say) it lives up to all the hype. There’s oohing and aahing from every angle, as we journey through time, walking a showcase of illuminated eras from the Ice Age to the Arabian Nights.
The breathtaking display boasts over 1,000 lanterns – from dinosaurs to minotaurs, penguins to pyramids. It’s also buggy and wheelchair friendly, so no need to miss out if the little ones are starting to run out of energy.
Speaking of which, if you’re feeling peckish, there’s plenty of festive food kiosks dotted around the park, selling everything from mulled wine and mince pies, to toast your own marshmallows. Make sure you pause to watch the historic story of Longleat House projected onto the front of the building – we aren’t the only ones mesmerised by the enormous African animals racing across the facade, and even Father Christmas makes another appearance!
We top off our day, rockin’ around the giant singing Christmas tree, amongst flurries of snow and thousands upon thousands of dancing lights. “Ho, ho, ho. Merry Christmas one and all!” he exclaims, as we head to our car – exhausted, but very happy.
Longleat’s Festival of Light runs daily until 5th January 2025 inclusive. Prices start from £27.95 (adult) £20.95 (child) for a Twilight Ticket. Book online at www.longleat.co.uk
