Thinking of something to do this festival season? If you are in the South West or just fancy it check out Longleat Safari Park’s Chinese Festival Of Light. 

THE PARK

We LOVE Longleat Safari Park and have annual passes as we live near and  they have LOADS more than just the safari. There is always something new going and aren’t scared to try new things.

Some of the things you can do  as well as the safari include the deadly 60 adventure, the train, feeding the Sea Lions fish of the boat in the lake on route to ‘Gorilla Island’ and walking through meerkats and penguins.

It has a maze, an adventure playground, soft play, a bird of prey show and normally has some sort of special feature event. (they have just had huge dinosaurs dotted everywhere which was really good)

What I especially like compared to other ‘zoos’ etc, is that the majority of animals are not enclosed in boxes or cages. It feels a bit more like you are in their territory (an artificial one obviously).

CHINESE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT

This Christmas (starting 13th November),  the AMAZING LONGLEAT FESTIVAL OF LIGHT returns which is so good!

Here are a few pics of last year. There are loads more, but you can see for yourself! It is TRIPPY and WEIRD and FANTASTIC.

SANTA EXPRESS

There is also a Santa train which is quite fun if you have little ones. You board the train and then travel in the dark (if it’s dark when you go) to a secret location (within Longleat) which turns out to be where the man himself is actually staying! complete with his REAL reindeer and elves and possibly not so real snowmen.

You then queue up to pop into his gaff, where there he is in all his glory just chilling out by the fire ready to present your children with some wrapped up plastic-fantastic toy.

It is actually quite fun and  a great christmas trip with children. I think we will do it again this year. But you have to book in advance people! So get on it if you want to do it. (I am saying that to myself).

PRICES

For park entry (including the festival of light which is all over the park)

It is £26.95 for an adult.  Child (3+) £19.95 if you buy online. A bit more on the door!

Obviously the lights are better in the dark and last entry to go around the safari  in your car in the winter is 2 pm.

All these things are worth thinking about as if you came first thing in the morning and waited till it got dark for the Christmassy things that could be a LONG day! I personally would come about lunch time

Then if you want to to any crimbo activities you need to pre-book and pay online.

Santa Express-£13.95 for a child. (they do get a present) £5 for an adult- 11.00am-20.00

Ice skating-£5.50 Child. £7.95 Adult.  1.00pm-7.15pm

They also have a massive singing Christmas tree and fairy tale characters in the house.

If I have missed out anything else let me know!

I have just been looking and loads of the trains are booked up! So get booking now if you want to do it! (says me to me).