REVIEW: Longleat Festival of Light 2025

We attended the review-night (members’ preview) of the Festival of Light at Longleat on the eve of its public opening, and with our party; my two daughters (aged 8 and 5) and I brought along with me my niece and my brother, and it proved to be a magical start to the Christmas season.

Here’s how our evening shaped up, what impressed (and a few things to note), plus a handy FAQ and tips.

What we loved

Lantern trail – The illuminated lantern displays were really creative and immersive. A few standout elements:

• The trail shows iconic British scenes – for example you walk under a 15 m tall lantern Tower Bridge, pass through Stonehenge, meander to Mossy Bottom Farm with Shaun the Sheep, before heading up to Scotland via the Giant’s Causeway. 
• The fact that beloved Aardman characters (Wallace & Gromit, Shaun, etc) are integrated into the lantern scenes adds huge family appeal. 
• The scale and craft: you can really tell these are bespoke hand-crafted lanterns and the walk-through experience felt special. 

Festive attractions included – As part of the Day Ticket you get access to:

• The “Enchanted Christmas Tree Show” (lights, snow flurries and carols) which delighted both younger and older children.
• The Winter Drive-Through Safari: you drive through with your own car and meet big cats (Amur tigers), lions and other animals in the dark (or dusk) which is a nice twist on the usual daytime safari. 
• The Boat Safari: sailing across Half Mile Pond to meet hippos, gorillas, Colobus monkeys and sea lions on foot/boat. 
• The Adventure Castle, Hedge Maze and other on-foot attractions for younger children — ideal for a family with 4- and 7-year-olds. 

Location and convenience – For families based in Dorset, Bath or Bristol, Longleat is very feasible: it gives a fantastic “destination” feel (a big manor house park, safari, winter lights) without being overly far. 

A few things to be aware of / what to check

• Pre-booking strongly advised: the website states that peak-day tickets for the Festival of Light may sell out and walk-up tickets are not guaranteed. 
• If you have younger children (like our 5-year-old), some of the on-foot lantern trail sections and walking between displays may be more tiring — bring supportive shoes, maybe a stroller or carrier for the younger ones if needed. Also check which attractions close earlier (some Main Square attractions close before park closes because of light levels). 
• The Drive-Through Safari is included only in the full Day Ticket (not in Non-Safari Day Tickets or Twilight Tickets).
• Timing is key: to get the best value & visual content, going around dusk so you capture both twilight & full dark lanterns is ideal. But if you drive from Dorset/Bath/Bristol, consider arrival time vs. kids’ bedtime, etc. I packed the kids pyjama's and a blanket so they could sleep in the car on the journey home (and I had the bonus of a peaceful drive!)
• Weather & dress: Being outdoors (and in evening) means it may be cold/wet, dress warmly, bring layers, possibly waterproofs.
• Parking is included in the Day Ticket (free parking).

Family-friendly summary for our party

For our party of two daughters (8 & 5), niece (3), and my brother:

• The event hit the sweet spot: younger children were fascinated by the lanterns, the characters, the snow flurries in the Christmas Tree Show; older children/adults were enjoying the scale and immersive parts 
• It’s a full evening out; you’ll want several hours (2-4+ depending on how many extra attractions you include).
• From Dorset/Bath/Bristol: plan drive in daylight so you arrive before full dark, maybe do some daylight safari, then lantern trail as dusk sets. Leave enough time for kids to get settled, go to the bathroom, maybe eat before the lantern walk.
• If you’re staying locally or making a short stay, you could combine with other local attractions or plan a day outing plus evening lights.

FAQs

Do we need to pre-book tickets for the Festival of Light?
Yes the website emphasises that the Festival is “an extremely popular event and dates do sell out, particularly Peak Days”. Walk-up tickets are not guaranteed. 

What ticket types are available and what’s included?

• Day Tickets: full access (including the Drive-Through Safari) from 9:30am for the safari, rest of park from 10am, and you can stay until closing (7:30 pm) on days of the event. 
• Non-Safari Day Tickets: access to lanterns, main attractions, but not the Drive-Through Safari. 
• Twilight Tickets: access from approx 4pm (or designated evening time) for lanterns and festive attractions only, great for families that just want the lights. 

Additionally, there are Peak, Standard, and Off-Peak pricing. 

Are the Drive-Through Safari and Boat Safari included?
The Drive-Through Safari is included in Day Tickets; it opens at 9:30am for vehicles. The Boat Safari is included in the attraction list for Day Tickets. 

What age/height restrictions or suitability for youngsters?
The event is very family-friendly. For younger children you’ll want to check walking distances (lantern trail may involve walking) and timing (evening slot may be later than their bedtime). Some rides/attractions may have height limits (check on-site).

Is parking included?
Yes. Free parking is included for the event with a Day Ticket. 

What about disability access/carers/concessions?
There are concession and carer tickets available: Disabled guests may bring a carer free of charge provided you bring proof of disability (Blue Badge, DLA/PIP letter, doctor’s letter) on the day. 

What should we bring/be prepared for?

• Suitable footwear (for walking, uneven ground)
• Warm/more layers (evening outdoor event)
• Torch or phone light (though lanterns help, some paths may be dim)
• Stroller/pushchair if younger child may tire out
• Camera/phone ready for dusk plus dark shots
• Arrive early if you want both safari + lantern walk (or plan just the lanterns if you prefer evening only)
• Pre-book extras if you plan: e.g., the Santa Train is an optional extra and sells out.

If we’re coming from Dorset/Bath/Bristol, how best plan the timing?

• Aim to depart mid-afternoon so you arrive in daylight, perhaps fit in the Drive-Through Safari and some park attractions, then stay on for the lantern trail at dusk.
• Alternatively, arrive later (for the Twilight ticket) and just do the lanterns and festive features if younger children might struggle with a full day.
• Check date and ticket availability in advance (travel time means you don’t want to risk tickets being sold out).
• Consider meal/refreshment options on-site (or nearby) so you’re not rushed when it gets dark.

Final verdict

If you’re looking for a memorable family evening out this Christmas season, this event is very strongly recommended. For our party of two daughters, niece and brother, it delivered magic, whimsy, good value (for what you’re getting).

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