The Festival of Light : Legendary Worlds opens at Longleat

Monday, 9 November 2026 at 11:06

With a countdown at the front of Longleat House led by Lord and Lady Bath, the Wiltshire estate was lit with more than 1,000 lanterns on Friday evening.

Friday 6 November saw the opening of The Festival of the Light - the UK’s original lantern festival as the estate was the first to bring the Chinese tradition to Europe in 2014.

This year it brings to life Legendary Worlds reimagined in lantern form, from a Land of Giants to the Lost City of Atlantis and King Arthur’s Round Table and much more.

Lord and Lady Bath were joined by keepers Jon Ovens, James Dennis and Gemma Short as The Festival of Light marks the last event, noting the 60th anniversary of the estate opening the first Drive-Through Safari outside of Africa back in 1966.

Image: Tom Anders

Animal lanterns are part of the display, and a lion features in the light show on the front of Longleat House.

Scott Ashman, Head of Operations, said: “It’s fitting that a lion is in the light show given our anniversary year and guests may hear our lions roar while on safari.

“The 2.5km trail takes guests through the largest collection of scenes we have ever had at such scale and there’s the opportunity to wander beneath a life-sized blue whale and Stone Giant, both of which create an amazing photo opportunity and are an unforgettable experience for all generations.

“There are so many elements to this year’s offer with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities that many guests at tonight’s preview were all saying they were going to come back to see it again.

“For those with day tickets, all our attractions are open as usual with the winter safari giving people the opportunity to see the many cubs and pups which have been born this year from the Capybara twins to Anya and Ginger, the Amur tiger cubs and, of course, Meg and her wolf pups. Plus look out for Sunny, the Red Panda cub by Jungle Cruise where you may also spot a hippo in Half Mile Pond.”

The festive offering also includes Santa’s Grotto, which must be pre-booked, and the Enchanted Christmas Tree complete with snow.

The Festival of Light runs on selected dates until 17 January, with the extra weekend in January added due to demand. Longleat is also open on Boxing Day.

For more information, visit longleat.co.uk