Wildlife UK Forum - Discuss the UK countryside and wildlife

I'm visiting Longleat safari park soon and I can't wait! I've always wanted to go!

I would love to hear about your experiences! Have you been? I'm most looking forward to seeing the big cats. The monkeys will be great too.

Hello Squirreler, I can't help you with your questions about Longleat, but I did want to say 'Welcome to Wildlife UK!'

Kingfisher

Hello Kingfisher! Thank you for the welcome!

Welcome to Wildlife UK Squirreler!

As for Longleat, I have been there once but I stupidly didn't check the opening dates and for some reason it wasn't open! I plan to go back there this Summer if I get a chance.

Are you sure that the park has opened yet? It's probably best to check on their website to avoid disapointment.

I once went to Longleat as a trip out from our stay at centre parks. It was fun although we did get some damage done to the car wipers.
Centre Parks is a good holiday for those not so fortunate to live in the countryside, cylcing everywhere, no cars, its great. Gets poeple the idea of the beauty that surrounds us.
Anyone else been to Centre Parks?

Where is that, Jane? Cycling everywhere sounds like my cup of tea .

Kingfisher

I've been to Centre Parcs, the one in New forest and the one near the lake district. They are aimed at all ages so there are activities for everyone. Like Jane says you leave your car at the entrance for the whole time you stay and use bikes to get around which is great excercise.

The prices are quite steep but for a family holiday it's a great choice.

It can't possibly be any more expensive than Disneyland, and it sounds a great deal more worthwhile .

Kingfisher

Yes I have been to Longleat when staying at Center Parcs. I didn't like that one as it is very hilly I prefer Sherwood but Hey Ho. Longleat was great though.Got out of our car in the giraffe enclosure, driven past the rhinos, seen the big cats, been on the boat with sea lions on it & seen the gorrillas on the island. Loved the pet corner as it had tortoises & I am a tortoise fanatic. It has a very large Maze but we didn't have time. Also has a simulator ride. I can't remember doing the monkeys but after going through in Knowsley Safari Park I would not risk it if your car is half decent. The monkey enclosure is a windscreen wiper graveyard. Kids loved it though (great fun!!!! but hidden costs ie new wipers & rear screen washer) Hope you have a good time , I thought there was plenty to do for all day.

That's a good tip about the monkey enclosure, I hadn't thought of that! When I go back I'm most looking forward to seeing the big cats and the gorillas on the island, definitely try and do the maze as well if I have time.

That is so funny! Is that mentioned upfront?



Kingfisher

I think that  we did it at Longleat with no trouble , but at Knowsley Safarai Park we got a male monkey who took a dislike to my husband looking at him , either that or his ginger moustache & as my husband accelerated to out run him he took one leap my husband thought 'OH Yea he missed us' Next thing a monkey hand came down the back of the back windscreen , much to the delight of the boys & he had the washer pulled out from the bodywork & was chewing it. My husband not a man to give up, thought I just topped up it screen wash so I will give him a dose & get rid. Whereupon the monkey bit off the washer tube & ran off with it. My head was in my hands , my husband did not no where to put himself. Be warned though this monkey leapt from a sitting position on the ground to the roof of a Renault Espace MPV in one leap!!. Moral - do not try to stare a male monkey out becuase they are tougher than you.
I am sorry Kingfisher I can't remember if there was a sign as it was quite a few years ago so my advice would always be to ask. I am sure that Squirreler will let us all know after..

I certainly will let you know, thanks for the warning! And I will think twice about driving through the monkey enclosure now, and definitely about taunting any monkeys!

I would imagine that the park would have to warn people first, could you imagine the amount of court cases they would have to face if they didn't? It will be interesting to see though.

I'm also a big fan of tortoises tibbar so I'll make you I visit the pets enclosure.

tibbar, I was laughing out loud at your description of your encounter.  If I ever make it out that way to see for myself, I will make certain to avoid monkey taunting!

I would think that the park would want to warn people (at least nowadays) that the monkeys may cause mischief, especially as I would not want to be attacked by a big monkey--they've got some fearsomely large canine teeth, they have.

Kingfisher

I'm going today so I will report back on all your questions when I return! Fingers crossed for good weather and sedate monkeys.