Home to the eccentric Lord Bath, the Longleat Estate has been welcoming visitors for many years, who come to take a drive through the splendid safari park and marvel at all the magnificent animals.

Longleat has something for the whole family to enjoy. You can revel in close encounters with the world's most magnificent animals, such as lions, tigers, giraffe and rhino, take a trip on a safari boat, get lost in the Longleat hedge maze and discover the treasures and heirlooms of Longleat House and much, much more.

Last year saw record numbers visiting Longleat the highest for more than 20 years.

More than 714,000 people visited the award-winning Wiltshire attraction during the 2005 season an increase of 14 per cent on 2004.

At its busiest period in August almost 10,000 people visited Lord Bath's family home, the famous Safari Park and other attractions in a single day.

Birthday celebrations 2006 is the 40th anniversary of the opening of the Safari Park and as part of the celebrations, the park is planning to unveil a new Vulture enclosure a large aviary housing five pairs of vultures.

Among the other attractions for 2006 is a children's Splashpad' in the Adventure Castle and two new Safari Boats to replace the existing fleet.

The popular BBC television series Animal Park is also returning to film a seventh series.

Other events to watch out for this year include the Longleat Easter Choc Trail, from April 14-17. Sponsored by Cadbury, the trail takes place daily in the Adventure Castle from 11am-5pm throughout the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

The Longleat International Horse Trails will take place from June 16-18, including dressage, cross country and show jumping.

And from mid-April, you can book a place on the Santa Train, which will be running during late November and December.

Pre-booking is essential for this very popular trip to see Father Christmas in his woodland log cabin, and the price includes a Christmas present for every child.

LONGLEAT HOUSE & SAFARI PARK

  • Longleat House and Safari Park Warminster (01985) 844400
  • Passport ticket which enables you to visit over several days:
  • Adult £19, children/OAPs £15
  • Group passport tickets £13.30 for adults, children/OAPs £10.50
  • The Safari Park and all attractions is open daily from Saturday, April 1 to Sunday, November 5 2006. Longleat House is open every day.