Longleat early July

[mummyof2boys30]

We are hoping to spend 1 day at Longleat first week of July. Are using tesco clubcard points. Any tips to make the most of our day there?

Def advise the 2 day pass. We camped close by and it was def worth it. £200 for 2 adults and 3 dc passes.

Do the main square and stuff on foot first. Then escape to do the safari park while everyone descends on the main square for lunchtime! Most people seem to visit the safari park first and it can get busy in the morning. We did this last time and had our picnic in the car while we watched the tigers in their enclosure! We then returned to the car park, had ice creams and a drink before going round the house and gardens.
Even if you don't have the time or interest for the house, the gardens are worth exploring. We liked the sun maze and lunar labyrinth which you access through the peacock garden. The Secret Garden is nice too.

Go on the Safari Cruise. if you can get a seat near the front you will get a fab view of the Sea lions being fed.
The monkeys can be bypassed if you don't want to risk them vandalising your car. Or if you're keen to see them, just keep moving!
The parrot show is great. It was completely different to any other display we've seen and the staff were excellent. The first show is at 12, so make this your last thing before heading back to the car.
There is a nice picnic area next to the car park if you don't fancy eating whilst driving!
You can drive around the safari as many times as you like. Allow two hours.

The monkeys caused £500 of damage to my car, so I'd recommend skipping that!

haha we will be in a hire car so will defiantely need to take the safari bus around as dont want to risk a big fine when returning it lol.

Can only do a 1day pass as we are travelling near 2 hrs to get there. Intend leaving hotel at 8 or so in morning to get there for opening time.

Taking note of all the advise as want to see as much as we can in the day we are there

During peak times, the park shuts at 7 and the last entry to the safari park drive is 6, so if you have time it's worth nipping round again after everyone else has left. The animals, especially the big cats, are a bit more active then than in the afternoon, especially on warmer days! When we did this, we bought takeaway pizza from the pizza restaurant in the main square to eat for our tea.