

Longleat House
Grandeur, stories, and style
Built between 1567 and 1580, Longleat House is one of the finest examples of Elizabethan architecture, and one of the first stately homes in Britain to open its doors to the public back in 1949.
Home to the 8th Marquess and Marchioness of Bath, Longleat House was completed in 1580 after more than 20 years of construction and is widely regarded as one of Britain’s finest examples of Elizabethan architecture.
In 1948, Henry Thynne, 6th Marquess of Bath, made the bold decision to open the house to the public, one of the first to try this "drastic but very brave experiment in upkeep".
On 1 April 1949, Longleat opened its doors. Lord Bath directed traffic, Lady Bath issued tickets, and their children sold the guidebook to visitors dressed in their Sunday best.
More than sixty years on, the doors remain open to visitors. This living landmark invites you to explore its rich past, incredible collection, and ever-evolving exhibitions.
Visit the House
Write yourself into Longleat's history with a Guided or Self-Guided Tour. Wander through grand rooms and hidden halls where centuries of stories come to life.

Enjoy the freedom of a self-guided tour, included with all Day Tickets and explore the beautiful Ground Floor, filled with stunning rooms and fascinating details.
Step further into the story with a Guided Tour, where our knowledgeable guides will lead you through the ground and first floor, sharing the secrets and surprises that make Longleat truly extraordinary.
House and Gardens Tickets include a Guided Tour.
Guided Tours are available as an add-on experience with Day Tickets and incur an additional charge.
Guided Tours last approximately one hour and are available during the Main Season.
- On off peak days, they take place every 30 minutes from midday to 4pm.
- On peak days, they take place every 15 minutes from 10am to 5pm.
Guided Tours may be booked online in advance. Alternatively, book with Guest Services (in the Main Square) on the day of your visit.
Access to Longleat House for visitors with limited mobility and for wheelchair users is via the rear of Longleat House.
On the advice of the fire service, only two wheelchairs are allowed on any floor; so we can accommodate four wheelchair users in the House at a time, or one wheelchair user per tour. To book a wheelchair user space please contact Guest Services.
We do not allow pushchairs into Longleat House. A pushchair park is available at the front of the House. Longleat accepts no liability for loss or damage to pushchairs left unattended.
Backpack-style baby carriers are not permitted in Longleat House. A limited number of hip rests (for babies six months to three years) are available at the front desk. Please ask on the day of your visit if you would like to borrow one for the duration of your visit to Longleat House. A returnable deposit will be required.
Large bags, sharp-heeled shoes, and food and drink are not permitted within Longleat House.
Photography and videography are encouraged, but flash, tripods and selfie-sticks are not allowed.
If you would like to make a commercial or media request for filming inside Longleat House, please visit our filming and location hire page.
A house steeped in history
(our guide) was incredibly knowledgeable, relatable, funny and personable, making the tour fly by. The house and its history and stories are remarkable, well worth the trip.
Robin D - Trip Advisor

Don't miss Emma's Kitchen
Using the atmospheric backdrop of the House’s historic kitchens Emma, Marchioness of Bath, has created an exciting attraction celebrating more than 440 years of cooking and recipe creation at Longleat. Inspired by this rich, and delicious, history Emma has created a selection of recipes and mouth-watering treats which visitors can purchase. The range includes luxurious homewares and exclusive boutique items.