Longleat

16/09/2024

What a weekend! As you can see, Icons of the Sky was air-mazing 🛩️🎆
Did you come to see air balloons, warbirds, helicopters and other aircraft take flight over Longleat? We'd love to see all your pictures and videos in the comments.

15/09/2024

Icons of the Sky Update - Sunday 4.15pm
Sadly, due to the wind direction our balloons are unable to fly at 5pm as planned. However our pilots will tether some balloons at the main launch site and be around to chat to guests. Plus we are pleased we will be able to end the weekend with a full nightglow and fireworks.

Sunday 1:30pm Update:
Due to forecasted wind gusts, balloon flights and the nightglow are currently classed as amber. This means they may not be able to feature this evening as safety remains our priority. Should the nightglow not go ahead, there will be a basket glow. The final decision will be made at 5pm and we will share an update as soon as we are able to do so.

Sunday 12.30pm Update:
Unfortunately, due to bad weather in the East Midlands, the spitfire is unable to take off. It has a wooden propeller which deteriorates in the rain. The slot has been filled by a solo Tiger Moth display which will have an aerobatic element.

Icons of the Sky: Sunday 6:30am Update
Unfortunately, the weather remains against us restricting what our balloonists are able to safely do. While there won’t be a mass flight through the countryside, there will be a display of short “hops” in the Park with pilots showcasing their skills with the tight control of the burners and different styles of landings.
The air display this afternoon is still due to go ahead with weather being monitored for later flights and the nightglow. We will update as soon as we have more information.
For the full schedule, please check here https://www.longleat.co.uk/icons-of-the-sky

15/09/2024

Sunday 1:30pm Update:
Due to forecasted wind gusts, balloon flights and the nightglow are currently classed as amber. This means they may not be able to feature this evening as safety remains our priority. Should the nightglow not go ahead, there will be a basket glow. The final decision will be made at 5pm and we will share an update as soon as we are able to do so.

Sunday 12.30pm Update:
Unfortunately, due to bad weather in the East Midlands, the spitfire is unable to take off. It has a wooden propeller which deteriorates in the rain. The slot has been filled by a solo Tiger Moth display which will have an aerobatic element.

Icons of the Sky: Sunday 6:30am Update
Unfortunately, the weather remains against us restricting what our balloonists are able to safely do. While there won’t be a mass flight through the countryside, there will be a display of short “hops” in the Park with pilots showcasing their skills with the tight control of the burners and different styles of landings.
The air display this afternoon is still due to go ahead with weather being monitored for later flights and the nightglow. We will update as soon as we have more information.
For the full schedule, please check here https://www.longleat.co.uk/icons-of-the-sky

15/09/2024

Sunday 12.30pm Update:
Unfortunately, due to bad weather in the East Midlands, the spitfire is unable to take off. It has a wooden propeller which deteriorates in the rain. The slot has been filled by a solo Tiger Moth display which will have an aerobatic element.

Icons of the Sky: Sunday 6:30am Update
Unfortunately, the weather remains against us restricting what our balloonists are able to safely do. While there won’t be a mass flight through the countryside, there will be a display of short “hops” in the Park with pilots showcasing their skills with the tight control of the burners and different styles of landings.
The air display this afternoon is still due to go ahead with weather being monitored for later flights and the nightglow. We will update as soon as we have more information.
For the full schedule, please check here https://www.longleat.co.uk/icons-of-the-sky

15/09/2024

We've reached the final hours of Icons of the Sky for 2024 and we've seen the skies come alive with action. From mass balloon ascents and hot air balloon 'hops' to Legendary Tiger Moths, Spitfires and wing walkers, we've experienced the adrenaline pumping moments as well as the beauty of the displays. 🎈✈️

We are continuing to monitor the weather for the mass ascent due at 5pm and the nightglow at 8pm, however, the forecast is good for the other scheduled events. Please find the full schedule here https://www.longleat.co.uk/icons-of-the-sky

15/09/2024

Icons of the Sky: Sunday 6:30am Update
Unfortunately, the weather remains against us restricting what our balloonists are able to safely do. While there won’t be a mass flight through the countryside, there will be a display of short “hops” in the Park with pilots showcasing their skills with the tight control of the burners and different styles of landings.
The air display this afternoon is still due to go ahead with weather being monitored for later flights and the nightglow. We will update as soon as we have more information.
For the full schedule, please check here https://www.longleat.co.uk/icons-of-the-sky

14/09/2024

Icons of the Sky: Saturday 5pm Update
Unfortunately, due to the direction of the wind and some gusts, it is not safe for our hot air balloons to fly, and we are RED. Safety must be our priority. There will be some balloons tethering on the launch field between 5pm – 7pm.
Despite no balloon launches, we are GREEN to go for our pyrotechnic display, nightglow and firework finale tonight.

14/09/2024

1pm Update:
Due to forecasted wind gusts, this evening's balloon flights are currently classed as amber. This means they may not be able to fly as safety remains our priority. The final decision will be made at 5pm and we will share an update as soon as we are able to do so.

The air display, nightglow and fireworks are all due to go-ahead as planned.

Update: Saturday 6.35am

Following additional checks, the GREEN light has been given for the mass ascent this morning.

Balloons will be flying over the Safari Park and using whisper burners, which are quieter burners and flying at an appropriate height.

Icons of the Sky: Saturday 6.15am

Although conditions are looking favourable for flying, the wind direction is not safe as it takes the balloons over the Safari Park. There is concern regarding the height they would have to rise and the areas where they are then able to land. Safety must be our priority.

We will be sending up a weather balloon at 6.30am to clearly assess the direction of the wind, it is likely there will be balloon activity however at this stage not guaranteed to number and whether that will include a mass ascent.

Conditions are currently good for tethering later this morning and the afternoon flight, although we will be monitoring wind direction.

The nightglow and fireworks are expected to go-ahead as planned.
Please find our full schedule here https://www.longleat.co.uk/icons-of-the-sky

14/09/2024

We've been flying into action with a full day of aerial fun complete and this morning's launch proving a hit as pilots jumped across the estate and showed their skills as they skimmed the lake. 🎈
We're ready and waiting for another day of flights and fun, with the current forecast looking positive for tonight's activities.
Some tickets are still available today, with good availability for Sunday to round off the weekend. ✈️
Find the full schedule here https://www.longleat.co.uk/icons-of-the-sky

14/09/2024

Update: Saturday 6.35am

Following additional checks, the GREEN light has been given for the mass ascent this morning.

Balloons will be flying over the Safari Park and using whisper burners, which are quieter burners and flying at an appropriate height.

Icons of the Sky: Saturday 6.15am

Although conditions are looking favourable for flying, the wind direction is not safe as it takes the balloons over the Safari Park. There is concern regarding the height they would have to rise and the areas where they are then able to land. Safety must be our priority.

We will be sending up a weather balloon at 6.30am to clearly assess the direction of the wind, it is likely there will be balloon activity however at this stage not guaranteed to number and whether that will include a mass ascent.

Conditions are currently good for tethering later this morning and the afternoon flight, although we will be monitoring wind direction.

The nightglow and fireworks are expected to go-ahead as planned.
Please find our full schedule here https://www.longleat.co.uk/icons-of-the-sky

13/09/2024

Icons of the Sky: Friday 4:35pm Update
We are free to fly for this evening’s mass ascent from 5pm.
It is also green to glow for this evening’s pyrotechnic display, nightglow and firework finale. Keep your eyes on the skies as we finish off today with style!
For the full schedule, please head here https://www.longleat.co.uk/icons-of-the-sky

13/09/2024

Icons of the Sky: Friday 6:15am update

Welcome to Icons of the Sky 2024 - we are GREEN to go for the morning take-off at 7am!

The weather also looks kind for the evening flight, nightglow and fireworks; we will update here if there’s any change.

For the full schedule, please head here https://www.longleat.co.uk/icons-of-the-sky

12/09/2024

Thursday Members' Evening Update: 5:15PM
Unfortunately, the windy weather is against us for flights tonight but the good news is we are currently looking at a full nightglow and fireworks plus the pyrotechnic air display.
All other entertainment is available as planned. We also have hot food and drinks close to the arena.
For the full schedule, please head here https://www.longleat.co.uk/icons-of-the-sky
The forecast is looking good for tomorrow morning’s mass ascent – any change will be posted on our website and social media.
We look forward to seeing you.

12/09/2024

Thursday Members' Preview Evening - 2:30PM Update

Icons of the Sky is live with plenty to do on site, however, the weather is hard to predict as it is very changeable.

We are currently hoping some flights and the nightglow will go-ahead but a final decision will be shared with you around 5.30pm. Fireworks are due to go-ahead as planned.

For the full schedule, please head here https://www.longleat.co.uk/icons-of-the-sky

Updates will be posted throughout the weekend on here so please do keep checking back.

11/09/2024

Icons of the Sky Top Tips 🛩️🌟

Coming to see hot air balloons, warbirds and helicopters take to the sky on the 13-15 September? Make the most of our inaugural air festival with these top tips!

- This weekend is expected to be very popular so please make sure to book online to avoid disappointment. Icons of the Sky is included with a Day Ticket, which you can purchase here: https://www.longleat.co.uk/icons-of-the-sky

- Members must also pre-book, and can attend an exclusive evening of air displays on Thursday 12 September. You can get Icons of the Sky Member Night Tickets for Thursday here: https://www.longleat.co.uk/ticket/icons-of-the-sky-member-night-ticket Member Day Tickets for Friday here: https://www.longleat.co.uk/ticket/member-day-ticket and Member Restricted Day Tickets for Saturday and Sunday here: https://www.longleat.co.uk/ticket/restricted-dates-booking

- You’re welcome to join us from 7am on the 13, 14 and 15 September, with our first aerial event of the day taking place at 7.15am. Our firework finale is the last event of the day and finishes up at 8.30pm. You can find a full schedule (as well as an introduction to some of the aircraft taking flight) on our website here: https://www.longleat.co.uk/icons-of-the-sky

- There will be signs throughout the park to direct you to our displays but please ask a member of staff if you need any guidance.

- Parking, walking routes and the event are all on grass, so we recommend you wear suitable footwear and outdoor clothing appropriate for the season.

- Limited accessible parking is available – please speak to a marshal, if you need to park close to the event; the furthest car park is 1.2km away from the arena and an 18 minutes steady walk

- Due to the aerial nature of our displays, some events may be postponed or cancelled if weather conditions aren’t suitable. We’ll keep you updated with any changes here on social media and our website’s latest news page throughout the day.

- If you’d like to see our exhibition commemorating Elizabeth I’s visit to Longleat 450 years ago, don't miss our Guided House Tours, where you can learn all about Longleat’s rich and colourful history from our experienced staff. You can learn more and book a tour alongside your Day Tickets here: https://www.longleat.co.uk/longleat-house/house-tours

- Your Day Ticket includes access to all our other exciting attractions, including the Safari Drive-through. We recommend that you enjoy this attraction early to avoid peak busy times.

- Lastly, we absolutely love seeing all your shots so don’t forget to tag us in all your photos and videos! We're on Instagram and TikTok 🧡

10/09/2024

Meet Maple the baby dik-dik, who was born here at Longleat this summer ❤️
As Maple is so shy and timid, we're not able to check their s*x yet, but our keepers describe them as a mini-me of their mum.
See if you can spot Maple with mum and dad Daenerys and Dario when you next visit!

08/09/2024

Ready, set, GLOW with a very special Night Glow at Icons of the Sky! 🌟
We're celebrating the 75 years that Longleat House has been open to the public with nightly hot air balloon displays featuring music from across eight decades.
Find out more and get your tickets for 13, 14 and 15 September here: https://www.longleat.co.uk/icons-of-the-sky

07/09/2024

When your Saturday takeaway's just a bit too spicy 🥵

06/09/2024

A very special lantern for The Festival of Light has arrived by royal command as we continue to celebrate 450 years since Elizabeth I visited Longleat House! 👑
Join us as we journey through time at our annual festive spectacular and you may meet a monarch or two:

05/09/2024

Not all cats hate water, and rain certainly doesn't stop our tiger cubs 🐯🌧️

04/09/2024

Paws up if you can't wait for Icons of the Sky, our all-new air festival! Here's a glimpse at just some of incredible aircraft and displays you'll see as part of your day out at Longleat on the 13, 14 and 15 September... 🛩️
Book now: https://www.longleat.co.uk/icons-of-the-sky

04/09/2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jessie, our popular Tapir, at the age of 28.

Jessie was a great-great-grandmother whose descendants live across Europe as part of the international breeding programme. She had been receiving palliative care for the last few months.

Darren Beasley, head of animal operations, said: “She is very much going to be missed. She has been here longer than some of the keepers caring for her have been alive; she very much recognised her keepers and would roll over for them and loved her tummy being scratched. She was popular with them and with our guests.

“She has struggled with her movement over recent months, and we moved to palliative care to ensure she was as comfortable as possible. However, she deteriorated over the last few days and she was put to sleep yesterday morning.”

Tina Wilkin, Lead Keeper Safari, said: “Jessie would do anything for watermelons and hot cross buns. She was a keeper favourite and even though she has slowed down recently, she still enjoyed a swim in the pond as well as treats and cuddles from the keepers.”

Jessie had been at Longleat since November 1997 and had Denzil in 2000, who lives at Exmoor Zoo. Denzil has subsequently fathered eight children, which resulted in seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Chico was born in 2002 and is the dad to Tallulah, who lives at Longleat, and six other offspring. Gomez arrived in 2006 and Hugo in 2007. They, along with Chico, have since moved to other zoos.

Tallulah, Jessie’s granddaughter, can still be seen at the park and Tina says: “Jessie definitely gave Tallulah confidence, and she is the Tapir she is today because of Jessie.”

03/09/2024

The lion sleeps tonight 🤫
Who else is feeling sluggish after a fun-packed summer?

02/09/2024

Today marks 450 years since Queen Elizabeth I and her vast entourage visited Longleat House! 👑
To celebrate the special occasion, Her Majesty returned to enjoy our current exhibition that showcases original documents from the time of her visit, as well as costumes worn by stars like Dame Helen Mirren in classic portrayals of the famous Tudor queen.
Find out more and book a Guided House Tour alongside your Day Ticket here: https://www.longleat.co.uk/whats-on/elizabeth-i-at-longleat

01/09/2024

Best friends forever 💖🦓
Who's your BFF?

30/08/2024

Meet Dot and Other ❤️
Our keepers nicknamed our female fennec fox kits based on their markings. After trying a few different names that didn't quite fit, Dot and Other just stuck!
They are now 15 times their birth weight and can often be seen in the outdoor fennec fox area, getting used to the scents of their parents, Enzi and Zuri.

29/08/2024

Had a day out at Longleat that you long to repeat?
With Membership, you can visit us again and again, and take advantage of unique benefits including an exclusive discount on food and drink. You can also book Two Day Tickets for another action-packed day at the park, VIP experiences to get up close to your favourite animals or a stay in one of our luxury holiday cottages for a wild escape.
Extend the fun here: https://www.longleat.co.uk/tickets/standard