Longleat is taking things sky-high this season with a weekend of colour, spectacle and a touch of history. Twice daily, the sky bursts into life with mass hot air balloon ascents, scattering the horizon with every shape and shade imaginable. As the sun dips, the iconic night glow takes centre stage, balloons illuminated in synchrony to create a dreamlike display, before fireworks close the evening with a bang.
The skies aren’t just filled with balloons. To mark 80 years since VE Day, a daily flypast from a Supermarine Spitfire adds vintage flair, while the RAF Falcons parachute team and a Tutor T MK1 trainer bring the adrenaline.
Down on the ground, the adventure continues. The safari drive offers glimpses of rare tiger cubs and plenty of other residents, while Longleat House invites visitors into its storied past with a grand tour of the ground floor. Out on the Half Mile Pond, sea lions compete noisily for attention while a new pod of hippos glide by in far more regal fashion.
It’s a celebration of flight, history and wildlife rolled into one, making Longleat a true icon of the sky and beyond.
Daily Schedule
The Estate will open from 6.30am each day for Icons of the Sky. Daily timings, which are subject to change due to weather conditions, are:
• 07:00 - 09:00 - Mass hot air balloon ascent
• 09:15 - 10:15 - Model hot air balloon display
• 10:30 - 14:00 - Balloon tethering & meet the teams
• 14:15 - 16:45 - Air display
• 17:00 - 19:00 - Mass hot air balloon ascent
• 19:45 - 20:00 - Pyrotechnic air display
• 20:00 - 20:20 - Balloon night glow
• 20:25 - 20:30 - Firework finale
