Name: The Festival of Light 2025
Start: 2025-11-28T09:30:00+00:00
End: 2026-01-11T19:30:00+00:00
Location: Longleat, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW

Longleat Festival of Light 2025: British Icons

Detail Information

Dates 8th November 2025 – 11th January 2026

Opening Hours 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM (Drive-Through Safari opens at 9:30 AM; rest of the park opens at 10:00 AM)

Location Longleat, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW

The Main Attractions

1. The Festival of Light Lantern Trail (On-Foot)

Explore iconic British landmarks, wildlife, and scenes spectacularly recreated as giant silk lanterns, with a special focus on beloved Aardman characters.

Aardman Highlights: Meet fan-favourite characters from Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, and Morph. Look for Shaun the Sheep’s Mossy Bottom Farm and an immersive installation featuring Wallace and Gromit's adventures.
British Icons: Walk under a breathtaking 15-meter tall Tower Bridge, journey through Stonehenge, and marvel at the Welsh Dragon, the great British seaside (Blackpool), Scotland, and Giant's Causeway.
Literary & Music Icons: The trail will also feature lanterns celebrating British native wildlife, landscapes, and iconic singers through the decades, alongside a focus on authors for Jane Austen's 250th anniversary.

2. Day-Long Family Activities (Included with Day Tickets)

All Day Ticket options grant access to the full park experience before the lanterns illuminate:

Winter Drive-Through Safari: See lions, tigers, wolves, and other species from your car (included in Day Tickets only).
Boat Safari: Sail across Half Mile Pond to see hippos, gorillas, Colobus monkeys, and sea lions.
The Workshop (Longhouse): An indoor area featuring:
Aardman Cinema: Relax with episodes of Shaun the Sheep, classic Wallace & Gromit shorts, and Morph moments.
Craft Stations: Create your own clay Gromit model and enjoy other crafting activities.
British Authors Library: Explore literary icons and storytelling.
The Enchanted Christmas Tree Show: A festive display featuring lights, carols, and snow flurries.
Other Park Attractions: Explore the mysterious Bat Cave, the Adventure Castle, and Britain's largest maze.

Optional Extras (Additional Cost)

Santa Train: Board the Longleat Express for a magical trip to the North Pole to meet Father Christmas in his workshop.
Includes: A seat on the train, a complimentary hot chocolate and mince pie for adults, and a special gift for children.
Booking Note: The Santa Train often sells out quickly, especially weekends. You must book this at the same time as your Day Ticket.
Festive House Tours: Take a Guided Tour of Longleat House, which is traditionally decorated for Christmas, featuring a six-metre-tall Christmas tree in the Great Hall.